4Legs Pet Food Company, 10 Strzelecki Ave, Sunshine VIC 3020, P.O Box 561, Sunshine VIC 3020
4Legs First Aid for Dogs is the first of its kind. Developed by Veterinary Surgeon Dr. Gary Hanly, it is an extensive guide to common canine medical emergencies. Keep a copy at home and in the car for peace of mind.
A CONSCIOUS ANIMAL HAS A HEARTBEAT AND IS USUALLY BREATHING (EXCEPT IF THEY CHOKE) IF NO HEARTBEAT AND/OR BREATHING PRESENT COMMENCE CPR
If no heartbeat and no breathing present:
Lay the animal on its side. Kneel down with the animal in front of you. With a small dog put each hand on the opposite side of the chest and squeeze just behind the elbow. With a large dog put both hands on the area of chest just behind the elbow. Perform 5 compressions of the chest for each breath in about 5 seconds. Check for pulse frequently. If two people are available perform three to four compressions for each breath.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This information is made available as a guide only and is not a substitute for first aid training or professional veterinary services. 4Legs accepts no responsibility for any injury or damage that may occur as a result of using this book in first aid management.
Contents
CPR for Dogs Traffic Accidents Fractures 02 03 03 03 03 03 04 04 04 04 05 05 05 06 06 06 06
Lacerations Insect Bites Snake Bites Epileptic Fit Heat Stroke Bloat Foreign Bodies Eye Prolapse Labour/Birth Milk Fever Dog Bites Mastitis
Gary Hanly Veterinary Surgeon Hanly Veterinary Clinic & Hospital Perth
02
Fractures
Keep the animal calm and avoid unnecessary movements. If possible stabilise the injured area. Confine a smaller dog in a box. Splinting of the legs is difficult. Lower part of the leg can be splinted using a bandage reinforced with a stick or thin rod. Needs veterinary attention urgently.
Insect bite
Usually caused by bees or wasps. In case of a bee the sting is often found around the nose, lips or under paws. Remove it with tweezers. If any swelling develops or rashes, hives, swelling around eyes and throat appear the animal needs attention urgently. In milder cases an antihistamine like Polaramine can be used. Apply icepack to the swollen area if possible.
Snake bite
A bite by venomous snake is an emergency. Take your pet to the veterinary hospital IMMEDIATELY. Typical signs of a snake bite include difficulty breathing and walking, progressive paralysis, pupil will become dilated, vomiting, drooling. In suspected cases, but without any signs, bring the animal to a safe place and keep it calm, transport them to a hospital for observation, so treatment can begin as soon as signs develop. In an animal showing signs of envenomation, time is of essence. Keep them calm to stop spread of the venom and transport the animal to a veterinary hospital without delay. Perform CPR if he is not breathing and no heartbeat can be detected.
Lacerations
Remove any obvious foreign bodies, rinse with saline or salt water. Cover with a clean dressing and a bandage, especially if bleeding. Heavy bleeding might need a fairly tight bandage, but dont leave it on longer than half and hour.
03
Heat stroke
Always provide shelter and fresh water for your pet in hot weather. If they are panting heavily, drooling, have difficulty breathing, feel hot, immediately remove them from the heat. Provide cool fresh water to drink. Wet them with water from the hose or wrap in wet towels. Take them to the vet clinic as soon as possible.
Bloat
This is an emergency! Bloat is caused by build-up of gas in the stomach with or without the stomach actually twisting. Take your animal to the vet immediately so the gas can be released. In many cases an immediate surgery will be necessary to save his or her life. As large dog breeds, like great danes, mastiffs are predisposed to it, be careful about what you feed them. Avoid sudden diet changes, feeding them large amounts of food or heavy exercise soon after eating.
Foreign bodies
Grass seeds, sticks, pieces of wire can easily penetrate the skin, especially on a long-haired dog. Remove it if still visible. Grab it with tweezers and pull out carefully, avoiding any damage. Often the animal will need sedation or anaesthetic to do it. If a grass seed has gone into the ear, a few drops of olive oil will stop it from moving and causing pain. Take them to the hospital as soon as possible. A toy, chunk of food, bones can be swallowed and cause blockage. Signs include vomiting, lethargy, tense abdomen. An operation may be necessary to remove it. Do not feed your pet. If vomiting is frequent and severe, seek urgent attention.
04
Milk fever
Usually happens when a small breed of dog has several puppies to feed. High milk production may lower the calcium level in the blood of the mother, causing muscle contractions, twitches and shaking. This can raise the temperature of the mother to a dangerous level. A calcium injection intravenously is usually needed. Stop the puppies from feeding on the mother and they may need to be fed a special formula.
Labour/Birth
Normal pregnancy in a dog lasts 63 days, give or take 1-2 days. A day or so before labour nesting behaviour begins.
05
Eye prolapse
Some breeds such as Pekinese or Shih Tzus are prone to a prolapse because of their big eyes and short noses. Cover the eye with a sterile gauze or cloth and take him or her to the hospital immediately.
Burns
Burns can not only be caused by direct contact with fire but also by chemicals, indirect heat, sunburn or hot material stuck on the fur. Wash off with cold water immediately for 10 minutes. Superficial burns will cause reddening of the skin and tenderness. Cold water or a cold compress may be all that is needed. Deeper burns require urgent medical help. Their signs include swelling, loss of sensation, blackening of the tissue. Small burns can be treated at home, larger burns, however, usually need hospital treatment.
Blocked bladder
Males are more likely to develop blockage because their urethra is longer and narrower. Stones, crystals, tumours or a prostate gland can all cause the blockage. Signs include frequent straining, blood in urine, tenderness in the abdomen, later depression and vomiting. Immediate assistance is required to prevent bladder rupture and death.
06