| Problem |
First Aid Required |
| Bleeding (cut, scratch, animal bite) |
Apply pressure to wound until bleeding stops, then bandage. If bleeding does not stop, apply tourniquet to a bleeding limb or tail and get to vet immediately. If a foreign object is lodged in body, do not remove it; wrap a bandage around it and seek immediate vet care. If dog is bitten by animal of unknown rabies status, seek emergency vet care. |
| Blood in urine/straining to urinate |
Seek veterinary care immediately. |
| Burn, chemical |
Flush with cold water and soothe with cold compresses. Seek veterinary care immediately. |
| Burn, thermal |
Apply cold water or cold compress, then disinfectant. Seek immediate veterinary attention to check lungs for damage from smoke. |
| Choking |
Remove obstruction, being careful of bites. If not breathing, apply artificial respiration only if you know how and seek veterinary care immediately. |
| Convulsions |
Move harmful objects away from dog and restrain him gently with towel. Record all details, including what dog may have consumed prior. If seizure is longer than five minutes or repeated, seek veterinary care immediately. Otherwise, call vet for advice. |
| Electrocution/electrical burn |
Turn off power or remove source of electricity without making direct contact — use broomstick. Seek emergency veterinary attention. |
| Fracture |
Immobilize limb with splint in certain circumstances then place dog on makeshift stretcher. If bleeding, apply gentle pressure. Seek immediate veterinary care. |
| Frostbite (pale, cool skin) |
Slowly rewarm affected area with heat of your hand, by applying warm compresses, or by immersing in warm water (102 to 104 F, or 38.9 to 40 C). Seek emergency veterinary care if any pain, swelling, discharge or discoloration or if skin does not return to normal after 20 minutes. Otherwise, get to vet within 24 hours. |
| Hypothermia (decreased alertness, weak pulse, shallow breathing) |
Slowly rewarm by wrapping in warm blanket and applying towel-covered hot-water bottle filled with warm water. Call vet if dog does not return to normal when warm. |
| Insect bite/sting (may have large facial swellings, impaired breathing) |
Pull out insect stinger, if any. Apply cold compresses to swelling to relieve itch and swelling. Seek vet care, especially with signs of allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing. |
| Poisoning (salivation, excessive vomiting, grogginess, unconsciousness, convulsions) |
Call poison control center or vet, having product container on hand if possible. Induce vomiting only if instructed to, administering syrup of ipecac in dose recommended. Monitor for shock; if convulsing, provide gentle restraint. Seek emergency veterinary attention, bringing product container or sample of toxin with you. |
| Shock (lethargy, rapid breathing, weak pulse, low body temperature) |
Keep warm; seek emergency veterinary attention. |
| Trauma, major (fall, car accident) |
Monitor for shock, keep warm, immobilize and stop bleeding. Seek emergency veterinary attention. |
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