by Frank Will

Created on: March 19, 2010   Last Updated: March 20, 2010

First aid for dogs may be needed at any time but in most all cases it will come when you least expect it. There are three very basic points that all owners can do to help manage this emergency situation; keep calm and do not panic, learn how to protect yourself from injury, and prepare in advance. Preparation will include knowledge of potential emergency situations as well as having a first aid kit ready for your dog when they need it.

There are several very good first aid kits that you can buy, but for overall practicality, making one your self is very easy. By making your own kit, when it does come time for first aid, you will be very familiar with the contents. There are also several key points that can help owners in their preparation.

Behavior:

First aid for dogs will all start with understanding exactly how to approach your dog and how you can make this task easier. Most any dog that has been injured will act out of instinct with both pain and fear, and the only way they know how to react is to bite or snip. Even if they know it is you, this is a situation that they have never been in before any they do not understand what is happening.

This is your first goal; to protect your self but still be able to help you loyal friend. The best method for this is to use a towel or a jacket and cover your dogs head as soon as you arrive and quickly analyze the situation. Once this is done, quickly convert it to a hand made muzzle to protect your self from bites.

Phone Numbers:

Making a list of phone numbers for an emergency is the next critical step in first aid for dogs. Be prepared and plan ahead. This list should include your veterinarian’s phone number as well as a pet emergency number in the city that you live in. Make sure that your veterinarian handles emergencies, and if they do not, ask them for a couple of referrals that do. Than get the directions and print them out and place copies in the first aid kit and on or near your fridge or phone. You should also include the numbers for the national poison hotline in the country that you live in.

Also, have the number of a family member or a trusted friend that can help you. If for some reason you are gone and someone is watching your dog, these simple steps may make the difference between life and death for your dog.

CPR and the Heimlich maneuver:

First aid for dogs may or may not involve either of these steps, but if you understand the basics and have to use them, you are prepared. The best method for

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>