First Aid for dogs discussion with Dr. Laura Brown. What you need to know and have in your home‪.‬ Bark n Wag 15 Minute Vet Talk

First Aid for Dogs By Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM
   Emergency Situations, Pet Services


Emergencies come in all forms; automobile accidents, bite wounds, burns, heatstroke, poisoning, seizures, and more. For a general overview of what constitutes an emergency, and how to handle common crisis situations, see handout “Emergencies in Dogs”.

What is first aid? First aid is initial treatment given in a medical emergency. Its purpose is to:
preserve life reduce pain and discomfort minimize any risk of permanent disability or disfigurement  
In an emergency, what should I do first? 1. Keep calm and assess the scene for any additional threats to you or your pet. This is important for everyone's safety.
2. Keep your dog warm (except in the case of heat stroke), as quiet as possible, and keep movement to a minimum, especially if there is possible trauma, broken limbs, or any neurological symptoms.
3. Contact your veterinary hospital, inform them of the situation and get specific first aid advice.
4. To safely move or transport an injured dog, get somebody to help you. For a small dog, put him into his carrier (remove the top for easy and safe access to the carrier; DO NOT push an injured dog through the small door or opening), or use a suitable container such as a strong cardboard box. For a larger dog, use a makeshift stretcher made out of some rigid material such as an appropriate sized, sturdy piece of wood. Carefully maneuver your dog onto a blanket or coat so that he can be gently moved to the carrier, box, or stretcher.
5. Get to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible.
 
What are some tips on restraining or calming an injured dog? The majority of injured animals will be panicked and/or disoriented.
"The stress of an emergency can cause an otherwise friendly animal to act aggressively." The stress of an emergency can cause an otherwise friendly animal to act aggressively. Although most panicky dogs will respond to a calm, soothing voice, use caution when approaching or touching any injured animal. It is important to ensure the safety of all rescue personnel that are attempting to assist with an injured animal. Some of the types of restraint that can ensure the safety of both dog and humans include:
Muzzling. You can create a muzzle out of a leash, belt, sock, rope, or strap. Loop the cord around the dog's muzzle and tighten it to prevent the animal from biting. Dogs have only one muscle to open their jaw so once the jaw is closed, it is relatively easy to hold it safely shut. Animals can breathe through their nostrils unless the nose is injured or obstructed. Wrapping. You can wrap the body of an unmanageable pet in a blanket or towel. Be sure to keep the head exposed and do not constrict the trachea. Immobilizing: If you are suspicious of spinal injury, lay the animal on a board and secure it on the board with straps or cords. Pay special attention to immobilizing the head and neck.  
What is shock? Shock is a complex systemic or whole body reaction to a number of emergency situations. These include severe trauma, hemorrhage or sudden loss of blood, heart failure, and other causes of decreased circulation (e.g., severe and sudden allergic reaction and heat stroke). A life-threatening fall in blood pressure is a dangerous part of shock.
"Systemic shock may cause irreversible injury to body cells, and it can be fatal."
If not treated quickly and effectively, systemic shock may cause irreversible injury to body cells, and it can be fatal.
 
What are the signs of shock? Clinical signs of systemic shock include rapid breathing and elevated heart rate with pale mucous membranes: gums, lips, or under the eyelids. The feet or ears may feel cold and your dog may vomit and shiver. As shock progresses most pets become quiet and unresponsive.
 
What should I do if my dog is showing signs of shock? Keep the dog as quiet as possible and try to conserve heat by covering it wi