First Aid For Dogs - What You Need To Know To Keep Your Dogs Safe

Most of us know basic human first aid – but what about for our dogs? Here are 8 areas you should pay attention to.

Know What’s Normal

A healthy dog has a body temperature of 100.5 °F to 102.5 °F, a heart rate of 60 to 140 BPM for adults and 120 to 220 BPM for puppies, and a breath rate of 10 to 30 for adults and 15 to 35 for puppies.

Know How To Take Temperature

Rectal thermometers are the most accurate. Ask someone to hold them down, apply lubrication to the thermometer, and ease it in gently. Temperatures drastically outside of the normal point to a medical emergency.

Calculate BPM and Breath Rate

Wait until your dog is at rest, then count the average breaths they take in a minute with the help of a stopwatch to get their breath rate. Then, find your dog’s pulse – behind their left front leg – and count beats per 15 seconds, then multiply by four to get BPM.

Wound Treatment

Mild bleeding cuts should be cleaned with warm water and dog-safe antiseptic, then covered in a liquid bandage. More severe bleeding injuries require vet attention. Put pressure on the wound to reduce bleeding and keep the wound elevated.

Bite Treatment

Get information about any animals that bite your dog. A vet visit is always recommended.

Infection

A dog that has areas hot to the touch, they may have an infection. Keep your dog hydrated and seek vet advice immediately.

CPR

Learn to administer canine CPR. Take a class or watch instructional videos!

Broken Bones

Take your dog to a vet immediately if they have a broken bone. Wrap the wound in a bandage or gauze, muzzle them, and do not try to set the bone on your own!

Feature Image Source: Pixabay