Dog FAQs: Health:
Minor First Aid

If something happens and you have any doubts as to the health of your companion animal, please GO SEE YOUR VET RIGHT AWAY! Don't even take the time to turn off your computer! The following information is for minor first aid ONLY:

Burns Choking Ear Mites Fleas and Ticks Fracture Heat Stroke Insect Sting Motion Sickness

Object in Eye Overexposure to Cold Poisoning Shock Ticks Minor Wound Serious Wound

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• Burns
  Do not use ointments. Apply a cold compress to the burned area and take the pet to a veterinarian ASAP.
  
  
• Choking
  Open the pet's mouth and pull his tongue forward. If an object is seen, and it is not string or a needle, try to remove it. Take the pet to a veterinarian ASAP.
  
  
• Ear Mites
  Call a veterinarian. Pets' ears are fragile, and therefore should be treated only with directions from a professional.
  
  
• Fleas and Ticks
  We received some great hints and help with this problem we end up dealing with so often! Please comment now on this article with your great tips and tricks for getting those nastly little buggers away from our furry friends and out of the house for good!
  READ OUR TIPS ON FLEAS AND TICKS >>
  
  
• Fracture
  Take the pet to a veterinarian ASAP. Keep the pet calm, wrap him in a towel, and place a splint on the limb if possible.
  
  
• Heat Stroke
  Symptoms: Gasping, panting, very warm skin, dry tongue, blue-gray tongue, blue-gray gums, drooling, unconsciousness.
  Take the pet to a veterinarian at once. If the condition is not severe, soak the pet in cool water or place a towel soaked in cold water on him.
  
  
• Insect Sting
  If the pet is weak, vomiting, or having trouble breathing, rush him to a veterinarian. If the stinger is visible, remove it by scraping it with a dull knife. Do not use tweezers. Apply an ice pack.
  
  
• Motion Sickness
  Stop the car and provide the pet some fresh air. Veterinarians can offer medication before travelling.
  
  
• Object in Eye
  Try to open the pet's eye. If object is visible and easily movable, try flushing with warm water. Take the pet to a veterinarian.
  
  
• Overexposure to Cold
  Symptoms: Very cold skin, ruffled fur, shivers, weakness, bloody stool, unconsciousness, gums and tongue pale pink-gray in color.
  If the condition is severe, immediately take the pet to a veterinarian, making sure to keep him warm on the way. If the condition is not severe, wrap the pet in a towel and apply a hot water bottle to him. Also try using a blow dryer on him. If the pet is conscious, offer him some warm broth.
  
  
• Poisoning
  Symptoms: Heavy salivating, vomiting, weakness, twitching, collapse, strange breath, bluish gums and tongue.
  Immediately call a veterinarian or poison control center. Then take the pet and a sample of the poison to a veterinarian. Keep the pet warm, and be sure to prevent him from licking fur that has poison on it.
  
  
• Shock
  Symptoms: Rapid or feeble heartbeat, shallow, rapid breathing, pale pink or white gums and mouth, low body temperature, confusion, unconsciousness.
  Take the pet to a veterinarian ASAP. Loosen his collar, clear his mouth of all liquids, calm him, wrap him so that he is warm, and keep his head lower than his body.
  
  
• Ticks
  Soak ticks in alcohol or small amounts of tick spray. Wait thirty minutes, and then carefully grasp the ticks with tweezers. Be sure to pull them straight out. After removal, apply antiseptic to the bites, burn or flush the ticks, and thoroughly wash your hands.
  
  
• Minor Wound
  Clean wound with hydrogen peroxide. If there is bleeding, use compression. If the bleeding continues, contact a veterinarian ASAP. (Deep wounds may require antibiotics.)
  
  
• Serious Wound
  If there is extensive bleeding, flap skin over or apply direct pressure to the wound with clean material. Then take the pet to a veterinarian ASAP.