First aid tips

Hopefully your dog will never seriously hurt themselves, but having high energy levels is bound to get them into a few scrapes now and then. So it's useful to have knowledge of basic first aid.

First Aid box

You should always keep a few basic items on hand for emergencies, such as: cotton bandages, cotton wool or lint to clean wounds; mild pet-friendly antiseptic to wash wounds; and a pair of tweezers for removing stings or objects from their mouth.

Bones, sticks and balls

Bones, sticks and balls can get lodged in or across the roof of a dog's mouth. If this happens, you may notice your dog pawing at their mouth or struggling to close their jaws. You may be able to remove the object by hand or with tweezers, but if not you'll need to get your vet to do so using sedation. As always, prevention is better than a cure, so never let your dog play with small balls and avoid throwing sticks.

Burns

If your dog suffers a burn from hot water, oil, chemicals or ice, they'll need immediate attention. Minor burns can be treated at home - clean the affected area with a mild antiseptic and apply a soothing cream or gel such as aloe vera. Severe burns will need veterinary attention, so take your dog to the vet straight away.

Cuts and wounds

Dogs may suffer from cuts or wounds particularly to their feet if they run on something sharp like broken glass. If this occurs, clean the affected area with a dilute disinfectant and apply a bandage if necessary. Consult your vet if you cannot stop the bleeding or the wound is severe.

Dog bites

If your dog is unlucky enough to be bitten by another dog, it's always worth getting them checked over by the vet. Make a routine appointment if the bite or bites are minor, and ensure your pet is seen as an emergency if severe.

Ear problems

Your dog's ears should be a shiny, pale pink colour inside and free from wax or discharge. They should not smell unpleasant. If you suspect an ear problem always consult a vet.

Eye problems

If your dog has any problems with their eyes such as a scratch or conjunctivitis, you should consult your vet and if you can, prevent them from rubbing their eyes.

Fits

A fit can be recognised by sudden, uncontrolled spasmodic movements, often with champing of the jaw and salivating. A fitting dog will usually fall onto their side and be unaware of their surroundings.

If your dog does have a fit, try not to restrain them. Remove any furniture or hard objects nearby that could cause an injury. Turn off all stimuli such as lights, radio, television, washing machine etc and darken the room so your dog can recover quietly.

N.B. You should ALWAYS consult your vet if your dog has a fit.

Fractured or pulled-off claws

These can be very painful and tend to become quickly infected. Bleeding is also often profuse. If possible, try to apply a bandage to the foot before taking your dog to the vet as antibiotics are often required and the claw may need to be clipped back under sedation or anaesthetic.

Heatstroke

The best advice as far as heatstroke is concerned is that prevention is better than a cure. Ensure your dog doesn't stay out in the sun for too long on hot days and avoid the midday heat.

If your dog does get mild heatstroke, cool them down as best you can with wet towels or a fan, and ensure they drink plenty of cool water and get lots of rest. Serious heatstroke will require the attention of a vet.

Lameness

If your dog is in obvious pain and can't put any weight on their leg, you should take them to your vet immediately as it may be a fracture.

In less severe cases, look for damaged nails and check the pad for thorns, embedded grit or cuts.

Poisoning

Some dogs are very inquisitive and there's always the possibility that your dog will get hold of something they shouldn't. Much like heatstroke, prevention is better than a cure and you need to dog proof your home and garden to ensure they can't access things that could be harmful to their health, such as slug pellets, bleach or chocolate. If you suspect your dog has ingested something harmful, always take the packaging to your vet as this will help identify the problem and source an antidote. If the worst does happen, see your vet as an emergency.

Road traffic accidents

If your dog has been involved in a road accident, you should call your vet straight away. Your dog may be in shock and could react unpredictably so approach with caution. If possible, lift your dog onto a blanket (or use the mat from the car footwell) then take them to the vet as quickly as you can. If they cannot be moved, you may have to ask your vet to come directly to the scene.

Stings and insect bites

If your dog has been stung and has severe swelling around their mouth, nose or throat that's causing breathing difficulties, you should get to a vet immediately.

If the sting or bite isn't causing any serious problems, you can alleviate your dog's discomfort by applying a cold compress to the affected area.

Hopefully your dog will never seriously hurt themselves, but being the high energy bundle that they are, they're bound to get into a few scrapes now and then and it's useful to have knowledge of basic first aid.