Dog Health Advice For 6 Common Emergencies

By Author: Joel Walsh
Total Articles: 29
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Sure, you may be a master of human First Aid. But do you know what to do in a dog health emergency?



Approaching Dog Health Emergencies: Two Steps



In any dog health emergency, stay calm and think.
Approach the dog cautiously. The dog may become aggressive because of fear or pain. You can't help the dog if you're hurt yourself.


Dog Emergency 1: Traffic Accident:



If possible, do not to move the dog.
Call the nearest Humane Society or ASPCA office.
If the animal workers can't or won't come and you must move the dog, slide a blanket under the animal. Lift the animal to safety with the help of another person.
Check for a heartbeat and bleeding. Try to stop the excessive loss of blood by holding a clean cloth or pad over the wound and securing it tightly with a makeshift bandage.
Take the dog to the nearest vet, calling ahead to prepare them for the emergency.


Dog Heathcare Emergency 2: Burns



Immerse the burned body part in cold running ...
... water for as long as possible.

If the burn is from a caustic substance, wash it off.

Call the vet.



Canine Health Emergency 3: Heat stroke



Warning signs: The dog is overheated and without sufficient air. The dog might be panting, vomiting, frothing at the mouth, or already collapsed.



Remove the froth,

Place or douse the dog with cold water to lower body temperature.

Take the dog immediately to the veterinarian for treatment. Treatment usually consists of more cold water, drugs and observation.



Emergency 4: Dog Poisoning



Warning signs: Look for muscular twitching, vomiting, bleeding, convulsion or collapse.



Have someone call the vet.

Follow the vet's advice. Different poisoning cases sometimes have to be treated differently.