How To Handle First Aid And Emergencies When It Happen To Your Dogs

While we never plan on emergencies happening,

we can be partially prepared by knowing which veterinary clinics are open if something occurs at night or on the weekend. Telephone numbers should be posted so they can be easily located.

First aid measures can be taken to help ensure that your dog gets to a veterinarian in time for treatment to be effective. Anytime a dog is in extreme pain, even the most docile one may bite if touched.

As a precaution, the dog’s mouth should be restrained with some type of muzzle. A rope, pair of pantyhose or strip of cloth about 2 feet long all work in a pinch. First tie a loose knot that has an opening large enough to easily fit around the dog’s nose.

Once it is on, tighten the knot on the top of the muzzle. Then bring the two ends down and tie another knot underneath the dog’s chin. Finally, pull the ends behind the head and tie a knot below the ears.

Do not do this if there is an injury to the head or the dog requires artificial respiration. If a dog has been injured or is too ill to walk on his own he will have to be carried to be moved. It is important to be very careful when this is done to prevent further injury or trauma.

Keep the dog’s body as flat and still as possible. Two people are usually needed to move a large dog. A blanket can work if all four corners are held taut. A piece of plywood or extremely stiff cardboard works best, if available.

Subaortic stenosis (SAS) is a genetically caused defect in the valve ring below the aorta of the heart. It is detected by a murmur, and accurate diagnosis is made by a variety of advanced techniques including auscultation and echo cardiogram.

In case of minor murmurs a dog should lead a normal, though, sedate life. Dogs will severe grades of SAS will show physical signs and often die unexpectedly at a young age. Diagnosis should be made by a registered canine cardiologist.