| First Aid Tips |
| Normal Vital Signs Heart Rate-- 70 - 160 Beats/Minute Respiration-- 10 - 20 Breaths/Minute Temperature-- 101 - 102.5 degrees F Abnormal Temperatures-- Below 100 degrees F Above 103 degrees F Heart rate can be checked by placing a hand over the dog's chest. Respiration can be measured by holding a wet finger in front of the nostrils or by observing the flanks. Measure both rates for 15 seconds and then multiply by 4 to get the rate per minute. Make sure the dog is in a calm state to ensure normal rates. |
| Puppy First Aid Kit Supplies Alcohol Based Disinfectant Antibiotic Cream--Neosporin Antiseptic Solution Bandaging Materials-- Gauze Pads, Rolled Cotton, & Self-Adhesive Elastic Wraps Cotton Balls Extra Blankets Hydrogen Peroxide Digital Rectal Thermometer Scissors Towels Tweezers Liquid Benadryl |
| Symptoms of Poisoning Vomiting Diarrhea Difficulty Breathing Abnormal Urine-- color, odor, or frequency Salivation Weakness Many times, vomiting is caused when a dog ingests a harmful substance. If you suspect poisoning, seek immediate veterinary assistance. Toxic Plants Azaleas Diffenbachia Lilies Rhododendrons Rhubarb Spinach Tomato & Potato Stems & Leaves Tulip & Narcissus Bulbs Mistletoe Mushrooms & Toadstools that are harmful to humans Wild Cherry |
| Toxic Foods Almonds Apricots Avocados Balsam Pears Chocolate Coffee Grounds Fatty Foods Grapes Japanese Plums Macadamia Nuts Moldy or Spoiled Food Mushrooms that are toxic to humans Onions & Onion Powder Pear & Peach Kernels Raisins Yeast Dough |
| Toxic Items Commonly Found In Households Alcohol Acetaminophen Antifreeze & Other Car Fluids Bleach Boric Acid Cleaning Products Compost Deodorants De-icing Salts Detergents Disinfectants Drain Cleaners Flea Products that are used incorrectly or if an individual dog has hypersensitivity Fertilizers Furniture Polish Gasoline Hair Color Insecticides Kerosene Matches Mothballs Nail Polish & Remover Pennies--after 1982 Prescription & OTC Medications Potpourri--liquid Mouse/Rat Poison Rubbing Alcohol Shoe Polish Sleeping Pills Snail & Slug Bait Turpentine Vitamins-- human or overdose of pet vitamins Weed Killers Windshield Washer Fluid Xylitol-Sweetened Products |
| When handling and transporting an injured or sick dog-- Never assume that it will not bite you. Muzzle if it is necessary with gauze or soft towel strips. Wrap a small dog in a towel. Examine the dog slowly & gently. If the dog becomes agitated, stop immediately. Never attempt to pick up a large dog that is injured. Make a stretcher out of a board, rug, blanket, etc. Before transporting, try to stabilize the injuries as much as possible. You can use pillows, blankets, towels, etc. for padding. |
| Vomiting There are several possible causes for vomiting-- poisoning, abdominal injury, motion sickness, overeating, disease, fear, brain injury, or parasites. Vomiting episodes usually require consultation with a veterinarian. Any abdominal pain, an enlarged stomach, or unproductive vomiting needs to taken seriously. You should call your veterinarian immediately. Puppies can dehydrate very quickly, so continuous vomiting needs a veterinarian's attention. If you suspect poisoning, bring a sample of what you think was ingested in its original packaging to the vet clinic. Examine vomit for blood or any other clues as to what is the cause. Gently press on the stomach for any abdominal pain. Take away all food and water until you have talked with your vet. |
| Bee & Wasp Stings Stings need to be neutralized-- Bee stings-- baking soda; Wasp stings-- vinegar or lemon juice. Apply a cold pack. In case of severe swelling or difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian immediately. Benadryl can be given to reduce or slow swelling. Contact your veterinarian for proper dosage. |
| Limping There can be several possible causes for limping-- a broken limb, acute arthritis, injury done to a footpad or toenail, dislocation, sprain, or sore muscle. Limping episodes usually require consultation with a veterinarian. Gently inspect the area and localize the injury. Once you have found the area-- look for pain, heat, soreness, and swelling. If you feel that there is a fracture, stabilize the limb and transport to your vet. Use a clean cloth to cover any wounds. |
| Bleeding If a dog has arterial bleeding, see your vet immediately. It will be bright red and bleed in spurts. It is very difficult to stop. Apply a clean cloth to the wound & direct pressure for at least 5 - 7 minutes to stop the bleeding. |
| Choking Possible causes for choking include foreign objects that may be lodged in the throat, esophagus, or teeth, or an allergic reaction to something. Pull the tongue forward gently and look inside the mouth and throat. If an object is seen, while holding the mouth open, try to remove it by hand or with a pair of tweezers. Be careful not to do more harm by pushing it farther down into the dog's throat. If the dog has stopped breathing, start CPR. |
| Heat Stroke There are several causes of heat stroke-- Lack of shade or excessive heat, insufficient water, or overexertion. Since dogs differ in how much heat they can tolerate, some animals are stressed in mildly warm, humid temperatures. Place the dog in a cool shaded area. Bathe in tepid water. Do not leave the animal alone while soaking. Check the dog's temperature. When it has fallen to 103 degrees F, dry the dog off. Do not allow the dog to become chilled. |
| Unconsciousness There are several possible causes for unconsciousness-- electrocution, drowning, drug ingestion, or trauma. Seek a veterinarian's care immediately. If a drowning has occurred-- clear the dog's lungs of fluid. Lift the dog's hindquarters over the head and squeeze the chest until the fluid has stopped draining. If an electrical shock has occurred-- DO NOT TOUCH the animal until there is no longer any contact with the source of electricity. If the airway has been obstructed by a foreign object, it needs to be removed gently from the animal's throat. If the animal is not breathing, CPR needs to be administered. |