by Hillary Marshall

Created on: March 21, 2008

Being prepared and knowing how to administer first aid to your dog is an important part of being a dog owner. Should an emergency arise it is essential that you know the ins and outs of proper first aid for dogs. While many of the first aid practices for dogs are similar to that of the first aid practices for people, some are different and knowing the correct practices is essential to your dog's health and safety.

Cuts, Scrapes and Abrasions
When dog has an injury that results in a cut scrape or abrasion the first thing that you should do is flush the wound with clean water. Carefully remove any debris like grass, sticks, gravel or hair. After the injured area is clean, you may want to trim back the fur around the wound, to prevent it from getting into the wound and irritating it. Keep the wound clean by washing it with a mild unfragranced, unscented soap and apply an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin three times daily. If the wound does not show improvement within three days, is reddening, swollen, or is draining puss consult a veterinarian.

Punctures and Animal Bites
Puncture wounds and animal bites in a dog can be quite serious. Damage may be more severe than it appears and your dog should be monitored closely for muscle and nerve damage. To care for a puncture wound or animal bite, flush the wound carefully with clean water. Trim fur away from the wound if needed and apply a topical antibiotic cream daily until the wound heals.

Insect Bites and Stings
If your dog is stung or bitten by an insect they may display an array of symptoms. You can apply a cold compress to affected area to help with pain and swelling. Cortisone creams can also be used to combat itching, but be careful that your pet does not lick the cream off. It is also acceptable to give your dog an antihistamine like Benadryl to ease an allergic response. Generally, you would give your dog a half a milligram of Benadryl per each pound of weight. It is always advisable that you consult your physician before administering any medications to your dog. Although it is rare for a dog to have a severe allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting, if your dog shows signs of distress or severe discomfort consult your veterinarian immediately.

Burns
Burns can be quite serious in dogs and typically should be observed by a veterinarian. For temporary burn relief, clean the wound by flushing it with water, only if cleaning is needed. Gently apply a cool compress or ice pack wrapped in a clean soft towel. Cover

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