Quick tips for common emergency management

Topic: How to deal with a pet emergency

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No one can predict pet emergencies, which is why they are often so difficult to handle and try to deal with as a dog owner. There are some steps that every pet owner can take to be prepared for the most common types of injuries and emergencies and the first step starts with knowing how to handle basic situations. The very best way to do this is to enroll in a pet emergency class that will help you learn the basics of handling cuts, burns, wounds, trauma and even how to give a dog CPR. They will also allow you to practice how to handle dogs in shock, dogs with heat stroke and even common issues with less stressful health conditions such as digestive problems. This is not meant to teach you to actually provide all medical care for your dog but rather how to address and respond to emergency situations that may occur.

If there isn't a class offered at your local vets, groomers, pet store, college or community center there are several other options available. Online sources are great and offer demonstration videos as well as written information and even discussion forums. These are ideal for preparing in advance, but you wouldn't want to be trying to locate this information in the middle of the crisis situation. Books can be a great reference to have on hand, but like online resources it is important to read the information first so you have a general idea of how to proceed prior to any emergency occurring.

Once you have an idea of how to respond to general types of emergencies the next step is to get together a pet first aid kit. In some respects this is going to look similar to a human first aid kit and can actually be an ideal option. You may have to add larger bandages, more gauze and sterile pads and even some different types of antibacterial spray, but the basics will be included in both. It is important to have the first aid kit in an easily accessible area such as your vehicle or house and you need to keep it with you when you are traveling or taking the dog hiking, camping or away from the house area.

Cuts, wounds, burns and abrasions are typically handled by flushing the area with warm water to remove any and all debris, treating with an antibacterial cream and covering loosely with a bandage. Blood flow is stopped by applying gentle pressure over the wound but not restricting blood flow by using elastic bandages or very tight types of dressings. If necessary clip the hair around the wound or cut to prevent irritation and re-infection as the wound heals.

Eye injuries are difficult to deal with and usually require at least two people. One person will need to completely restrain the dog's head and body and the other person will need to complete the emergency procedure. Remove small foreign objects using a soft, lint free cloth, never a Q-Tip or any other type of sharp object. Rinse out the eye with a saline solution for humans if available or warm water if that is all that you have. If the foreign item is embedded in the eye apply gauze to immobilize the eyelid and bandage it in place, not putting any pressure on the object itself. Immobilize the dog by wrapping in a towel or blanket or gently and carefully hog-typing the legs together to keep the dog flat on his or her side, injured eye side up. Hold the dog's head very still to prevent rubbing of the eye and further damage to the eye itself.

Dogs that are pawing at their mouth, trying to vomit or spit something up or are twisting their jaws in a chewing motion often have something lodged in the back of their throat or stuck in a tooth. This is typically a bone shard, piece of hard plastic or even splinters from a branch they have been chewing on. Using two people, one to open the jaws and hold the dog secure, look into the mouth, focusing on the opening to the throat and the back teeth. Bones and other objects can also become lodged across the roof of the mouth or between the teeth over the tongue. If you can reach the object with your fingers try to gently remove the object by pulling slightly towards the center of the mouth. The gum area around the teeth may be bleeding at this point which can make the severity of the situation hard to determine. If the object does not come out easily or if the object is lodged in the soft tissue at the back of the throat immediately contact your vet. Don't attempt to remove items that are lodged across the throat or that you can only see one part of, you are very likely to actually rip the throat tissue and cause more injury. Immobilize the dog's jaw by using a soft muzzle or a piece of cloth looped over the muzzle, crossed under the jaw and tied behind the ears. If the dog is experiencing any type of breathing difficulties do not apply a muzzle, rather immobilize the legs and hold the dog to prevent him or her from pawing at the mouth area. Get the dog to the vet or emergency clinic as quickly as possible.

Any type of seizures should be treated immediately and can be caused by several different possible problems. The most common is a neurological disorder or condition such as epilepsy, however poisons can also cause seizures. If the dog has been diagnosed with epilepsy record the duration and time of the seizure, including what the dog was doing, eating and acting prior to the episode. Call the vet immediately but do not attempt to restrain the dog or put anything in his or her mouth unless specifically instructed by your vet. Ensure the dog is safe and remove any objects that may be harmful to the dog. Do not touch the dog during the seizure as he or she may respond by snapping due to the seizure activity. Allow the dog to calm down in a quiet place and then transport to the vet or an emergency clinic immediately. If poison is suspected contact your vet, induce vomiting and get the dog immediately to a clinic.

Planning for these types of first aid situations can be a whole family project plus it will also help you remain calm and effective in the event that any type of accident does occur.

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