Emergency First Aid – Advice for Client
(This is not a substitute for dog going to vet)
Courtesy of Kyron Animal Health Products – www.kyronlabs.co.za
As a general rule when approaching an injured animal remember that pain can cause even an animal known to be placid to become aggressive. Unless the animal is having difficulty breathing always attempt to place a ‘tape’ muzzle (bandage, pantyhose) around the dogs jaws before moving him or touching him; For flat faced dogs attempt to throw a towel or blanket over the face before touching the animal.
With the exception of heat-stroke cases, which should be offered cold water to drink, do not attempt to comfort the animal with food or water. The veterinarian might need to administer an anaesthetic urgently and the animal’s safety is compromised if his stomach is full.
Electric Shock
If the animal is still in contact with the source of the electricity switch off the mains before touching the animals. If this is not possible move the animal away from the source with a wooden broom handle. Do not touch the animal until the contact has been broken. Apply CPR if necessary and rush the animal to the vet.
Heat Stroke
Cool the animal off immediately by applying cold water to the body and take to vet immediately.
Suspected spinal injury (Animal appears paralysed)
Do not carry – slide a tea tray or rigid board under the animal and carry in this manner.
Epileptic fits
Do not handle if possible. It is not necessary to grab the tongue and you may be bitten if you do. Make sure that the animal cannot roll into a swimming pool, fish pond or open fire place etc.
Choking
If the object can be retrieved with the fingers one can attempt to do so but be careful of the reflex snapping shut of the jaws as the object is removed. Do not attempt to push objects, particularly those that are irregular or have sharp edges further down the “throat” as this could lead to tearing. Get to the vet immediately.
Eye Injuries
Incorrect diagnosis and thus treatment can cause further damage – bring to the vet immediately.
Fractures
If a limb is obliviously fractured a well padded strip of wood can be applied to either side of the limb and securely (but not too tightly) bandaged to the limb to minimize movement of the broken bond during transport. Carry and place down with the injured limb uppermost.
Haemorrhage
If the bleeding is coming from a limb apply a tourniquet. Use bandage, pantyhose etc. If it is going to take longer than 10 minutes to reach the vet remember to loosen the tourniquet for a minute or two, every 10 minutes.
With the exception of heat-stroke cases, which should be offered cold water to drink, do not attempt to comfort the animal with food or water. The veterinarian might need to administer an anaesthetic urgently and the animal’s safety is compromised if his stomach is full.
Electric Shock
If the animal is still in contact with the source of the electricity switch off the mains before touching the animals. If this is not possible move the animal away from the source with a wooden broom handle. Do not touch the animal until the contact has been broken. Apply CPR if necessary and rush the animal to the vet.
Heat Stroke
Cool the animal off immediately by applying cold water to the body and take to vet immediately.
Suspected spinal injury (Animal appears paralysed)
Do not carry – slide a tea tray or rigid board under the animal and carry in this manner.
Epileptic fits
Do not handle if possible. It is not necessary to grab the tongue and you may be bitten if you do. Make sure that the animal cannot roll into a swimming pool, fish pond or open fire place etc.
Choking
If the object can be retrieved with the fingers one can attempt to do so but be careful of the reflex snapping shut of the jaws as the object is removed. Do not attempt to push objects, particularly those that are irregular or have sharp edges further down the “throat” as this could lead to tearing. Get to the vet immediately.
Eye Injuries
Incorrect diagnosis and thus treatment can cause further damage – bring to the vet immediately.
Fractures
If a limb is obliviously fractured a well padded strip of wood can be applied to either side of the limb and securely (but not too tightly) bandaged to the limb to minimize movement of the broken bond during transport. Carry and place down with the injured limb uppermost.
Haemorrhage
If the bleeding is coming from a limb apply a tourniquet. Use bandage, pantyhose etc. If it is going to take longer than 10 minutes to reach the vet remember to loosen the tourniquet for a minute or two, every 10 minutes.
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If the bleeding is coming from an area of the body to which a tourniquet cannot be applied, apply direct pressure with a clean handkerchief, towel etc. Remember that if the bleeding is coming from a wound on the chest, care must be taken to apply minimum pressure in case there are fractured ribs which can be driven into the lungs.
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If the tip of the ear is bleeding do the following: If the dog has upright ears, plug the ear pinna with a lot of cotton wool and a bandage around it.
If the dog has drooping ears, fold the ear onto the top of the head and bandage it, to hold it in this position. Take to the vet.
Bleeding tail tip or nail tip
Apply Friar’s balsam or styptic powder. Bleeding from the ear tip or tail tip usually appears much worse than it is because of the dog’s tendency to shake the head of wag the tail causing the blood to spray everywhere. Stay calm.
Nose bleeds
· Can be due to trauma; poisoning with rat poisons; infectious disease; neoplasia (cancer) or foreign body in the nasal passages. An animal with a bleeding nose should always be examined by a vet.
· Always try to transport an injured animal with the head slightly lower than the body to avoid inhalation of blood or vomiting.
If the dog has drooping ears, fold the ear onto the top of the head and bandage it, to hold it in this position. Take to the vet.
Bleeding tail tip or nail tip
Apply Friar’s balsam or styptic powder. Bleeding from the ear tip or tail tip usually appears much worse than it is because of the dog’s tendency to shake the head of wag the tail causing the blood to spray everywhere. Stay calm.
Nose bleeds
· Can be due to trauma; poisoning with rat poisons; infectious disease; neoplasia (cancer) or foreign body in the nasal passages. An animal with a bleeding nose should always be examined by a vet.
· Always try to transport an injured animal with the head slightly lower than the body to avoid inhalation of blood or vomiting.
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