Dog First Aid & Safety :: Be Prepared

How do dog first aid needs differ from human needs? Dogs have a higher metabolic rate than humans. Their respiration and heart rates are considerably faster. Performing CPR on a dog differs from the procedure used on humans. Many over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be fatal for pets so becoming aware of these issues and others are key. However, some over-the-counter medicines can be very useful in alleviating discomfort and restoring health to a sick or injured dog. Knowing which over-the-counter drugs are beneficial and the proper dosages is extremely important, once again due to the dog's higher rate of metabolism. Also bandages for pet specific wounds will require different size dressings due to their fur and body configurations. Additionally, the types of wounds most often sustained by pets are quite different than the type of wounds sustained by humans. How do Dog First Aid Kits differ from a typical human first aid kit? Our Canine First Aid Kits are specifically designed to address the needs of pets. The contents of a human kit are basically useless on fur and information that may be provided in a human kit does not apply to animals. Any first aid kit is only as good as the information provided or the knowledge of the caregiver. All of Dog First Aid Kits contain our Quick Guide to Animal Emergencies. This excellent guide was written utilizing information provided by several veterinarians as well as search and rescue personnel. Their input allowed us to create a first aid kit that is informative, addresses the most common ailments, and contains a wide array of dressings allowing the care giver to treat everything from a split toenail to broken bones. How can I be best prepared before heading out with my dog? Just as you would educate yourself on human first aid before the need arises, you should familiarize yourself with the contents of your Dog First Aid Kit. Read the enclosed Quick Guide to Animal Emergencies thoroughly prior to heading out, and keep the first aid kit with you when on the go with your dog. Anytime you are out of range of a vet, you need to be prepared to treat your dog. The following questions and answers give you an idea of the type of medical situations you may encounter while exploring the great outdoors with your four legged friend. View our entire Dog First Aid Kit:

Common Injuries

What are some of the most common injuries a dog may sustain during a typical day in the outdoors?
Common injuries are paw and pad lacerations, dehydration and heat stroke. These can be avoided by being aware of the climate as well as environmental conditions. If you are wearing protective footwear, consider booties for your dog. If you are thirsty, consider that you dog is most likely in need of water.

How do I know if my dog is suffering from the heat or dehydration?
Be aware of your daily environment and the conditioning of your dog. If you are hot chances are your dog is hot. If you suspect that your dog is becoming dehydrated pull straight up on the skin on the back of the neck and release the skin. If the skin does not immediately fall back into place, chances are your dog is dehydrated.

Can dogs suffer from the effects of altitude?
Yes, if the dog has little experience with, or exposure to elevation they can quickly become lethargic and dehydrated. Use common sense, if you are feeling ill chances are your dog is experiencing similar effects. The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to acclimate to the elevation by spending at least one night sleeping at the trailhead. Drinking a lot of water throughout the trip will also reduce the effects of altitude. Take it easy and be aware of your dog's physical condition until you become confident that your pet is suffering no ill effects.

Can dogs get hypothermic while out in the cold?
Yes, a dog can get hypothermic. This occurs when a dog's body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Most often we see hypothermic pets from exposure to the elements, without proper shelter, protection or a lack of being acclimated to cold weather. Elderly or very young animals are sometimes unable to regulate their body temperature properly. Shock can also contribute to the inability to regulate proper body temperature. Hypothermic symptoms include weak pulse, decreased heart rate, dilated pupils, shivering, blue mucous membranes, stupor, unconsciousness or coma. If frostbite is a concern there will be a discoloration of the skin (blue early on and black in later stages). Areas susceptible to frostbite are the tips of ears, the tail, and pads of the feet. Additionally, there will be a lack of pain or sensation of the affected area or it may be extremely painful when the area begins to warm up.

In the event your dog is cold, the first thing it will typically do is try to huddle with humans or other dogs. If your dog is seeking shelter or climbing into your sleeping bag, consider this a good indication that your dog is cold. Make sure the dog is drinking plenty of water as this will help to maintain body temperatures. Protective "dog clothing" such as our K-9 Overcoat II (a windproof nylon shell lined with fleece) is a great way to reduce exposure to the elements. Dog Shoes and Dog Footwear are another excellent way to reduce exposure and heat loss. In most cases cold sets in faster when activity is reduced. This is the time to be most aware of the threat of cold.

Can a dog contract Giardia or other water-borne illnesses?
Yes, always try to make sure my dog drinks from a quality water source (filtered or treated). Also as a courtesy and safety consideration to others make sure your dog is not defecating near the water supply compounding the problem. Vaccinations are available from your vet to prevent animal giardia.

Administer First Aid while in the field.

What do you do if your dog stops breathing? Is CPR an option?
Yes, CPR is a very real solution. We know of one dog that was successfully brought back to life after her heart and respiration stopped from smoke inhalation in a house fire. The procedure is different then the procedure used in resuscitating humans and the worst time to learn CPR is when you need to perform it. An excellent source for becoming familiar with the procedure is our Quick Guide to Animal Emergencies.

What do you do if your dog is choking?
It is best to learn and know the proper sequence in which to respond to a choking incident before the actual event. Familiarize yourself by reading a quality pet first aid guide to be prepared before the need arises. Performing the Heimlich is a good option but only once you have ruled out the possibility of a foreign object lodged in the throat that may be accessed and removed through the mouth. Again there is no substitute for a good pet first aid guide to provide you with a step-by-step procedure

What's the best way to remove a tick from a dog?
Wearing gloves you should grasp the entire tick with tweezers and remove the complete tick making certain to remove all the mouthparts. You may want to save the tick for identification by your vet to confirm if the tick carries any diseases. Apply a disinfectant or antibiotic ointment to the bite.

How can you calm an injured dog?
Even if the dog is your best buddy, always approach an injured dog with caution. Assess the situation and consider a muzzle to restrain a pet that is in pain and possible shock. A traumatized pet will often snap or bite. In more extreme conditions a blanket may be dropped over the animal until a muzzle can be applied. Dogs are very intuitive so any panic or cause for alarm by the caregiver will raise the fear factor for the pet. By remaining calm and being prepared you will be able to reassure the animal and not cause additional anxiety.

It's up to you!
The best way to reduce the possibility of a pet sustaining an injury is prevention. Be aware of your surroundings and potentially hazardous plants and animals with which your dog may come in contact. Be prepared with a first aid kit that matches the duration of your time away from immediate assistance as well as your exposure to the elements. Remember, the worst time to learn about assisting an injured pet is when your dog sustains an injury. Become familiar with the kit and the information provided so that you will know how you may assist before the need arises.