Page 344 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CARE AND TRAINING | FIRST AID

First aid

Dogs are inquisitive by nature and do not understand danger the way we do.
It is impossible to prevent accidents from happening, so be prepared to
provide emergency care if your dog is suddenly injured.

HELPING AN INJURED DOG Use adhesive tape rather than safety pins is stuck in the wound: make sure not to push
Minor injuries can often be treated at home, to hold a bandage in place. Be careful not it in more deeply and do not attempt to
but if your dog suffers a serious accident he to apply the bandage too tightly, keep it remove it yourself.
must be examined by a veterinarian. If dry, and change it regularly to check on For a wound on the chest, apply bandages
you know the basic rules of first aid, you the wound. Always seek advice if you notice soaked in warm saline solution or cooled,
will be able to provide help until the vet an offensive smell or if a discharge seeps boiled water and hold them in place with
arrives or, alternatively, the dog can be through the bandage. bandaging or a T-shirt. A wound on the ear
transported to the vet’s practice. A deep or extensive wound requires flap will spray blood whenever your dog
When attending to an injured dog, you urgent veterinary attention because stitches shakes his head. Cover the wound with a
may need to muzzle him; if he is in pain may be needed. Apply a temporary bandage bandage and secure the ear flap to his head.
and frightened, he may snap. Move him as best you can to stem the bleeding. If the Aftercare will depend on the nature of the
only if absolutely necessary. wound is on a limb, raise it and apply direct wound. Bandages need to be changed every
In the case of bleeding, try to stem the pressure via bandages or other padding, and 2–5 days, as advised by your vet. All bandages
flow of blood from any major wounds bandage the pad in place. A tourniquet is not must be kept dry, so cover with a waterproof
with direct pressure, carefully raising advised. Take great care if a foreign body layer when your dog goes outside.
the injured area above the level of the
heart, if possible.
If an injured dog is unconscious, put
him in the recovery position. To do this,
remove his collar and place him on his
right side, with his head and neck in line
with his body. Gently pull his tongue
forward to let it hang out of the side
of his mouth.

WOUNDS
Never leave a wound to heal itself—even
the smallest injury can become infected,
especially if a dog licks it. If your dog has
a severe wound, seek veterinary help as soon
as possible. Similarly, if a wound is caused
by another dog or pet, then it should be
attended to by a vet as soon as possible,
since it may become infected.
A small, clean wound can be treated at
home. Gently flush the wound with saline
solution (preprepared, or a teaspoon of
salt dissolved in two cups of warm water)
to remove any dirt or debris. Apply a
dressing or a bandage, if possible,
to prevent the dog from licking at the wound.
Emergency ear bandage
Use appropriate materials if you have them To protect an ear wound and prevent your
on hand, or improvise with socks or dog from scratching it, bandage the ear
flap flat against the top of the head. A pair
pantyhose to cover a wound on a limb, or a of old pantyhose makes a suitable bandage.
T-shirt for wounds on the chest or abdomen.

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