These situations will usually require veterinary attention however these tips will help you to stabilize your dog while you get help.
Bleeding
Possible causes could be car accident, animal fight, a fall or severe wound, clotting problem or rat poisoning.
 Arterial bleeding is an immediately life threatening situation. Arterial blood will be bright red, will bleed in spurts, will be difficult to stop, and requires immediate veterinary attention.
For any type of bleeding, place a clean cloth or sterile gauze over the injured area.
Apply direct pressure for at least 5 – 7 minutes to stop bleeding. Do not apply a tourniquet unless absolutely necessary.
Unconsciousness
Possible causes could be drowning, electrocution, trauma, drug ingestion.
In case of drowning, clear the lungs of any fluid. Lift animal’s hindquarters high over their head and squeeze chest firmly until fluid stops draining.
In case of electric shock, DO NOT touch the pet until it is no longer in contact with electricity.
In case of airway obstruction, the object will need to be gently removed. See “choking”.
If the animal is not breathing and has no pulse, start CPR.
Vomiting
Possible causes could be poisoning, abdominal injury, motion sickness, disease, overeating, brain injury or parasites.
Examine the vomit for blood or other clues as to cause.
If poisoning is suspected, bring a sample of the suspected poison, preferably in its original package to the veterinarian.
Gently press on stomach to detect any abdominal pain.
Withhold all food and water until a veterinarian has been consulted.
Abdominal pain, enlarged stomach, and unproductive vomiting are serious signs. Call your vet immediately.
Choking
Possible causes could be foreign object (bone splinter, food, and plant material), lodged in throat, esophagus, or teeth, or allergic reaction.
Gently pull forward and inspect mouth and throat.
If a foreign object is spotted, hold the mouth open and attempt to remove it by hand or with tweezers or a pair of small pliers. Take care not to push the object farther down the dog’s throat.
If animal is not breathing, see CPR.
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Heat Stroke
Possible cause could be excessive heat and/or lack of shade, overexertion, lack of water, animals differ in how much heat they can tolerate; even mildly warm, humid temperatures can stress some pets.
Place in cool or shaded area.
Immediately bathe with tepid water (do not leave pet unattended while soaking).
Monitor rectal temperature. When temperature drops to 103 F, dry pet.
Continue monitoring temperature and transport to clinic.
Do not allow the dog to become excessively chilled.
Limping
Possible cause could be broken limb or digit, acute arthritis, injury to footpad, dislocation, sprain, and muscle soreness.
Attempt to localize the injury through gentle inspection.
Once localized, examine affected area to check for pain, heat, injury, and swelling.
If a fracture is suspected, gently stabilize limb for transport. See “Handling and Transport Tips”.
Cover any wounds with a clean cloth.
Bee or Wasp Sting
Bee stings are acid: neutralize with baking soda.
Wasp stings are alkaline: neutralize with vinegar or baking soda.
Apply cold pack, calamine or antihistamine cream.
In case of severe swelling or difficulty breathing transport to clinic immediately.
Handling and Transporting of an Injured Pet
Don’t assume a pet won’t bite or scratch.
Don’t try to comfort an injured pet by hugging it. Don’t put your face near its head.
Muzzle dogs if necessary with gauze, soft towel strips, or stockings. If very small wrap in a towel.
Perform any examinations slowly and gently while staying calm. Stop if the pet becomes agitated.
Don’t attempt to lift or drag a large injured dog. Improvise a stretcher out of a board, throw rug, or child’s plastic toboggan, etc.
Before transport, try to stabilize injuries. Rolled magazines or newspapers can serve as impromptu splints. Pad limb and splint generously with rolled cotton and gauze if on hand, or improvise with suitable pillows, pieces of blanket, towels, etc. Make sure splint immobilizes joints above and below injury.
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
Lay animal on its side and remove any obstructions in airway (open mouth, pull tongue forward, extend neck, and sweep mouth with finger).
If airway is clear, extend neck, hold tongue out of mouth, and close the dog’s jaws over tongue.
Holding jaws closed, breathe into both nostrils for 5 – 6 breaths. If no response, continue artificial respiration. If there is no pulse, begin cardiac compressions.
Do so by depressing widest part of chest wall 1.5 to 3” with one or two hands. For very small dogs (1 – 15 lbs) place hands around rib cage and apply cardiac massage.
Continue artificial respiration, animals less than 10 lbs = 30+ breaths/minute, animals 11 – 60 lbs = 16 – 20 breaths/minute.
Vital Signs
What should they be?
Normal temperature for dogs is 101F – 102.5F (37.5C – 39.2C). Temperatures below 100F or above 103F are abnormal.
Normal heart rates for dogs is 70 – 160 beats per minute
Normal respiratory rates for dogs are 10 – 30 breaths per minute.
How do you check them?
Use rectal, not oral, thermometer for dogs. Newer human digital thermometers are best.
Heart rate can be checked by placing hand over the animal’s chest.
Respiration can be measured by observing the flank or by holding a wet finger in front of the nostrils.
Measure both rates for 15 seconds and then multiply by four to get the rate/minute. Make sure animal is in calm, resting state to get normal rates.
Hopefully you will never need to know these things but it is very good to read them over and familiarize yourself with them just in case of an emergency.
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