Pet First Aid is for Everyone

Now that we've moved out to the country, I'm much more concerned about first aid for my dogs. There is a lot more for them to get into and the vet is about 20 minutes away (with the emergency vet about an hour's drive). There are bees and snakes. They have more room to run and potentially hurt a limb. Ticks are everywhere. What can I do to make sure that my dogs are safe?

My dog ingested poison or inappropriate food. If a toxic substance has gotten on your dog's skin or in his eyes, follow the instructions on the label for people exposed to the substance. If the toxin is ingested, call the Animal Poison Control Center at 888.426.4435. Be ready to tell them the animal's species, breed, age, sex and weight. Tell them about any symptoms that your animal is exhibiting. Give them the name/description of the item ingested and how much, if you know. Try to have the container handy for reference.

My dog has a cut and is bleeding externally. Try to muzzle your dog first. The discomfort may cause him to bite. Press a clean non-stick gauze pad over the wound and apply pressure until the blog clots. Hold the pad for three minutes and then check it. If the wound is bleeding severely, apply a tourniquet (using an elastic band or gauze) between the wound and the body, and apply a bandage and pressure over the wound. Loosen the tourniquet for 20 seconds every 15-20 minutes. Get your dog to a vet immediately.

I think my dog has heatstroke. Move the dog to a shady, cool place. Place a cool or cold, wet towel around its neck and head (do not cover your dog's eyes, nose or mouth). Remove the towel, wring it out, and re-wet/re-wrap it every few minutes as you cool the dog. Pour or use a hose to keep water running over the dog's body (especially the abdomen and between the hind legs), and use your hands to massage its legs and sweep the water away as it absorbs the body heat. Get your pet to a vet immediately.

My dog ate a chicken bone. (I mention this because it happened to me today.) If the chicken bone is raw, keep an eye on your dog, but the bone(s) should digest normally. Raw chicken bones are porous and should breakdown like any other bone. Cooked chicken bones can be a problem because they are brittle and can break and splinter inside the dog's stomach and intestines. Once the bone(s) have been eaten, there is not much you can do. I gave my dog half a piece of bread (he's only 18lbs.) to help cushion the bones. Over two or three days, your dog should pass the bones so check his stool. If you notice that your dog it vomiting, drooling, has bloody stool or has become lethargic, take him to a vet immediately.

There are wonderful resources available online as well as classes nationwide for dog owners interested in being certified in pet first aid.

• American Veterinary Medical Association
• HealthyPet.com
• American Red Cross
• VeterinaryPartner.com
• ThePetCenter.com

Again, I can't stress enough that even after you have applied first aid, you should seek medical assistance for follow-up care.