Handling a Dog Emergency

As responsible pet owners, you probably do everything in your power to protect your pet. However, sometimes things go awry, despite your best intentions. In case of a dog-related emergency, always remember to stay calm and use care in handling your dog and his ailment.

First and foremost, remember that an un-well dog may act out of character. Injuries and illness can cause even the most docile dog to feel threatened and act aggressively towards others. Be sure to remain quiet and gentle when handling any dog in a trying situation.

If a dog is in a position to experience further injury, carefully move them to safety before moving forward with treatment. To move an injured dog, consider using a board as a stretcher, so as to prevent further injury. Once you have the dog out of harm’s way, check his breathing and state of consciousness. If he is bleeding, apply direct pressure with a towel or cloth to stop the bleeding. Contact a vet immediately for further specific advice.

In the case of poisoning, be sure to contact your veterinarian before trying any remedy. Your veterinarian will need to know what was consumed as well as the quantity. Do not immediately induce vomiting unless your veterinarian recommends that method of treatment.

To stay prepared for the worst, consider assembling a first aid kid. Always include gauze and bandages, along with adhesive tape for securing the bandages. Band-aids are not the best option for dogs, as they are made for human skin, not dog hair. Keep a wound cleaner on hand, as well as an eye flush. Eye droppers are helpful for applying medicines. Towels are often helpful in any emergency. Never lose track of your veterinarian’s emergency number, as well as the numbers of animal hospitals in your area in case you cannot reach your main veterinarian. And always remember that remaining calm is the best way to help your pet through any emergency.