4 Common First Aid Problems In Dogs You Need To Understand

The knowledge of first aid procedures is an essential addition to anyone’s life, and it can save the lives of those around you.

This applies to your pups, too. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of first aid information that you can use for your pups in times of medical need.

Fever

A pup whose muzzle and ears feel warm or hot and is acting like they are sick could have a fever. You can use a digital fever thermometer to take your pup’s rectal temperature. One that is 103°F or higher means your pup has a fever. If it is 105°F or higher, it is a medical emergency.

In a very high fever, moisten your pup’s fur coat with cool water and let them lie by a fan. Try your best to encourage your pup drink little amounts of cool water, but do not force them. Don’t use cold water or ice in place of cool water, and stop using cooling measures once their temperature drops to 103°F. And never give your pup human medications or fever remedies! Instead, rush your pup to a vet immediately.

Heatstroke

This condition occurs due to the overheating of a pup’s body, and dogs who are overweight or are of a short-nosed breed are especially susceptible. This may also happen to pups left in a car on a warm day. Heavy panting, drooling, agitation, weakness, and fainting are all signs of heatstroke. Read more about heatstroke here.

If you suspect your pup has heatstroke, remove them from the heat. Take their temperature and use cooling measures like you would for a fever (see above). No matter how well your pup seems to recover, bring them to the vet immediately, as effects may take hours to show themselves.

Paralysis

Losing the ability to move parts of the body is known as paralysis, and it may happen due to an injury, a rupture, or other similar situations. If your dog may be facing this condition, do not let them move and try to keep them calm.

Use a firm, flat object to carry your pup with. A strong cardboard box or a child’s plastic toboggan can work well, but you can use any similar objects you have on hand. Tape or strap your pup to the support if doing so will not evoke panic. You should immediately bring your pup to a vet after this, as paralysis is a serious medical condition.

Seizures

There are three kinds of seizures, and each are essentially bursts of uncontrollable body movements as a result of abnormal brain activity. They may be serious or non-serious, but it’s important that you understand more about them. Read more about each type here.

If your pup is having a seizure, keep him away from areas where he might fall, injure herself, or get wet. If you can, it may be helpful to record how long the pup’s seizure lasts, as those which last for more than three to five minutes require immediate veterinary care. Call your vet for advice regarding shorter seizures. If your pup has diabetes, then apply sugar syrup to his gums if you can do so without being bitten, and take them to the vet quickly.

There you have it!

One last thing: remember to always muzzle an injured dog before tending to them, as pups in pain can often lash out, even if they know you very well. The last thing you need is to be injured, too. Keep an eye out for more installments in the series and do like and share away!