How to provide basic first aid for your injured or ill dog
First aid refers to the immediate care you should provide when a dog is injured or ill until a veterinarian can perform further medical treatment. For minor conditions, first-aid care may be enough. For other problems, first-aid care should be considered as temporary care until your dog is evaluated and treated by the vet.
The main goal when dealing with first aid is to identify the problem, prevent an injury from worsening and keep you and your pet safe during the process.
Have a first-aid kit on hand for your dog and be familiar with its contents. There are many commercially available first-aid kits for dogs, but you can also make your own. Ideally, consider having two: one at home and one in your car.
Include a first-aid reference guide in your kit that includes basic instructions. This should include phone numbers for your veterinarian and nearby veterinary emergency clinics. To learn more about the items you should include in your first aid kit, visit AKC.org.
Safety is paramount. Any dog in pain might bite, especially if they’re scared. When approaching the scene, assess the safety of the surroundings and the dog. Remove the pet from any dangers such as heavy automobile traffic.
Always try to place a muzzle on a dog, even your own. When placing it, do so gently and not tightly as to cause discomfort to the dog. If you don’t have a muzzle, you can fashion a makeshift muzzle by tying a leash, shoelace or belt around the mouth.
If possible, wear gloves, especially when dealing with a strange dog. Avoid touching outer contaminated surfaces with ungloved hands.
Any dog with suspected back or pelvic damage should be handled with utmost care to prevent further damage. Placing a stiff wood board or even cardboard under the dog to support lifting or carrying will help stabilize the body.
COMMON INJURIES
Bruises: Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the injured area for intervals of 10 minutes.
Minor cuts and scrapes: Clean the injury with an antiseptic wipe or with soap and water. If the skin is broken, apply antibiotic ointment with cotton-tipped applicators and cover with a bandage. Change the dressing daily or if the bandage becomes torn or wet. Once the injury forms a scab, it no longer needs to be covered unless the animal is biting or scratching at it. Watch for signs of infection such as redness or swelling, which would require veterinary care.
Ticks: When you locate a tick, remove it immediately using tick remover or tweezers. It’s better to use a tick remover if possible, as tweezers may split the tick and potentially spread disease. Avoid using bare hands and opt for rubber gloves if possible. After removing the tick, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Sprains: In case of a limb injury, try to prevent further injury or discomfort. With limping or nonweight-bearing dogs, prevent the dog from moving for at least 15-30 minutes. Consider strict cage rest and re-evaluate your dog after that time has passed. If pain persists or a limb is still non-weight-bearing, seek veterinary care.