how to give first aid to a dog

In our lives, dogs are like the warmest little sun, bringing endless joy to us without reservation with their lively, playful, and loyal guardians, becoming an indispensable and important member of the family. They surround us at our feet, gazing at us with innocent and pure eyes. Every intimate rubbing of their legs and joyful wagging of their tails conveys deep dependence and affection. However, accidents always come suddenly. When a dog encounters an emergency situation and its life is threatened, our inner anxiety and worry are like a surging tide, instantly submerging us. At this moment, mastering the correct first aid knowledge has become a key weapon for us to protect the lives of dogs. So, how should first aid be given to dogs? This not only tests our calmness and decisiveness, but also requires us to fight for every hope for the dog's life with full love and professional skills.

Bleeding is one of the common emergency situations in dogs. When a dog is injured and causes external bleeding, time is life. Firstly, we need to act quickly and search for clean gauze, towels, or tissues. Gently press on the bleeding area with moderate force, neither too gentle to achieve hemostasis nor too forceful to cause secondary injury. Pressing continuously for about 10 minutes can effectively control mild bleeding in most cases. But if the bleeding is severe and cannot be stopped by pressing, we can use hemostatic bandages. Tie the bandage 5 centimeters above the bleeding site. It should be noted that the tying time should not be too long, and it should be loosened for a while every now and then to avoid tissue necrosis in the dog due to prolonged ischemia. If a dog experiences internal bleeding, the situation will be even more difficult as the bleeding site cannot be visually seen. Internal bleeding may be caused by severe trauma, rupture of internal organs, etc. Dogs may experience symptoms such as mental fatigue, loss of appetite, and abdominal swelling. Once a dog is suspected of internal bleeding, it must be immediately taken to a pet hospital. The doctor will conduct professional examinations such as X-rays, B-ultrasound, etc. to determine the location of the bleeding and take corresponding treatment measures, which may include surgical hemostasis, blood transfusion, etc.

Poisoning is also a major killer that threatens the lives of dogs. Dogs have a strong curiosity and sometimes accidentally consume toxic substances such as chocolate, onions, rat poison, etc. The theobromine and caffeine contained in chocolate are deadly to dogs; Onions can damage a dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia; Rat poison directly endangers the life of dogs. When a dog is found to be potentially poisoned, it is important to quickly determine what it has ingested. If a dog has recently consumed toxic substances, it can be tried to induce vomiting. It is possible to administer an appropriate amount of hydrogen peroxide to dogs, but be sure to pay attention to the dosage. Excessive hydrogen peroxide may cause damage to the dog's esophagus and stomach. After inducing vomiting, immediately take the dog to the pet hospital. Doctors will perform treatments such as gastric lavage and detoxification based on the type of poisoning in dogs. On the way to the hospital, try to keep the dog quiet and avoid vigorous exercise to accelerate the absorption of toxins.

Dog bites are also a common accidental situation. Whether bitten by other animals or in conflict with humans, timely treatment is necessary. If bitten by other animals, check the condition of the wound first. If the wound is small and bleeding is not significant, rinse the wound alternately with soapy water and running water for about 15 minutes, and then disinfect it with disinfectants such as iodine. If the wound is large and bleeding is severe, first apply pressure to stop the bleeding, and then take the patient to the hospital as soon as possible. The doctor will perform debridement, suturing and other treatments on the wound, and inject rabies vaccine and tetanus vaccine according to the situation. If a dog bites a person, as owners, we must first ensure the safety of the injured person and promptly take them to the hospital for wound treatment and vaccination. At the same time, the dog should be isolated and observed to prevent it from harming others again. If the dog has not been vaccinated against rabies on time, it is necessary to cooperate with relevant departments for further handling.

When dogs suffer from fractures or other external injuries, we should handle them carefully to avoid causing secondary injuries. Do not move the dog casually, especially the fractured area, try to maintain its injured posture. Wooden boards, cardboard, and other materials can be used to simply fix the fracture site to prevent the fracture end from moving. Then take the dog to the pet hospital as soon as possible. The doctor will conduct an X-ray examination to determine the condition of the fracture and perform treatment such as reduction and fixation.

During the process of first aid for dogs, we should always remain calm, quickly assess the dog's condition, and take appropriate measures. Every emergency situation is a test of the emotional bond between us and our dogs, as well as a challenge to our care and responsibility. Dogs give us unconditional love and loyalty, and their health and happiness are our greatest wishes. Let us use love and professional knowledge to hold up an umbrella of hope for dogs in emergency situations, accompany them through every difficulty, rediscover that energetic, happy and worry free companion, and spend more wonderful time together, creating countless warm and unforgettable memories. Because dogs are not only our pets, but also the most precious family members in our lives, worthy of our utmost effort to protect them.