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Topic: Summer First Aid Tips
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DaxAriel's toy
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posted July 11, 2004 07:03 PM
Let's see if we can get this to 100 posts with good tips.
Tip #1 - porcupine quills. The sooner they come out the better. It's pretty easy to do but best done with two people. First take a pair of nail clippers and cut the ends off the quill. This lets air out from inside with makes them much easier to pull out with less damage. Pull straight out in one quick motion. Then treat to polysporin if on the outside or I would use a little orjel (baby teething stuff) for the inside of the mouth. Watch for infection. If any infection get antibotic from vet.
Posts: 748 | From: Edmonton AB Canada | Registered: Mar 2004
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weimlover0816
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posted July 11, 2004 07:15 PM
#2: courtesy of http://www.darwinvets.plus.com/topical/firstaidDogs.htm
Stings and Insect Bites
Try to remove the sting if it is still present, although normally the first sign of a sting is a dog with a swollen muzzle or paw. If the swelling is severe and around the nose, mouth or throat it can cause breathing difficulties, so you should contact a vet. Otherwise, keep the dog quiet and cool, bathe the area with ice cold compresses if possible. If you catch the sting early you can reduce the swelling by giving your dog Piriton tablets – one human 4mg tablet to a small dog, two to three to a Labrador-sized dog. Occasionally dogs can develop an ‘urticcarial’ reaction to a sting or bite. Also known as ‘nettle rash’, circular thickenings or plaques appear over the dog’s body which can be quite uncomfortable. They will often need veterinary treatment.
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"My Weimaraner is smarter than your honors student!"
Posts: 221 | From: USA-Maine | Registered: Apr 2004
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weimlover0816
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posted July 11, 2004 07:18 PM
#3: Very long, yet informative.... see the link... it is "What to put in your dogs' first aid kit"
http://www.golden-retriever.com/first_aid_kit.htm
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"My Weimaraner is smarter than your honors student!"
Posts: 221 | From: USA-Maine | Registered: Apr 2004
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DaxAriel's toy
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posted July 11, 2004 07:51 PM
#4 - Fish hook stuck in Dog's ear. If the hook doesn't pull free easily and has gone in past the the barb - the best way is to push it thru the rest of the ear, cut the barb and then apply standard first aid. Sounds easy but takes quite a bit to hold the dog and force thru but will cause less tearing and smaller injury.
Posts: 748 | From: Edmonton AB Canada | Registered: Mar 2004
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ellierat
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posted July 11, 2004 08:33 PM
#5-Tick removal, invert a jar full of metholated spirits on the tick. Do not remove with your hands, use tweezers. Do not squeeze the tick, or you will inject more poison.
Seek vet attention immediately for antiserum.
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I love my labs.
Posts: 880 | From: australia | Registered: Feb 2004
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weimlover0816
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posted July 12, 2004 04:28 PM
#6: Dogs can get sunburn, too!! Watch for peeling noses! You can use baby sunblock on them, to help prevent it. Beware of using aloe (or products with aloe) as this is poisonous to our fur babies!!!
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"My Weimaraner is smarter than your honors student!"
Posts: 221 | From: USA-Maine | Registered: Apr 2004
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DaxAriel's toy
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posted July 12, 2004 06:45 PM
#7 - heat stroke - breathing will be very rapid but shallow. Temperature soars. Cool dog down right away intub of cool water or garden hose. Place ice packs on dog's abdomen, head, neck and body. Cover body with water-cooled towels. Call vet for additional medical instruction.
[ July 12, 2004, 08:20 PM: Message edited by: doglover ]
Posts: 748 | From: Edmonton AB Canada | Registered: Mar 2004
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pittiegurl
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posted July 13, 2004 07:41 PM
#8 Dehydration- Take your dog to the vet asap if you think your dog is dehydrated.The vet will administer fluids to rehydrate the dog.Signs that your dog is dehydrated;Won't eat or drink,Vomiting,Unresponsive.Pinch the skin on your dog's flank(not hard enough to hurt him)just enough to pull the skin away from the body gently.If the fold flattens out immediately he has enough water,if it flattens slowly but surely he needs to drink some water(try to get him to drink,but don't force him & keep him inside until the fold flattens out immediatley),if the fold holds its shape get him to the vet A.S.A.P.Always make sure that he has plenty of access to fresh clean cool water all the time,even if he is kept indoors.If your dog is kept outdoors during the hot summer months give him a Canine cooler bed or mat & a dog house in the shade.Remember your dog is as much a memeber of your family as you are,You wouldn't stay out in the heat.So why should he? Bring your dog in when it's hot,cold,or storming.You wouldn't stay out there so don't make your dog.
Best Friends Don't Chain Best Friends outside,Bring your dog in when the weather is bad! Your dog will love you more than you can imagine if you bring him inside during bad weather,& you will feel better that you did.
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~pitties=love!adopt pitties don't breed 'em!~
*My Pit Bull is not just a Pit Bull!He is not just a dog either.He is a lazy couch hog!*
*~*While my dogs sleep on the couch & loveseat,I'm sleeping on the floor!*~* *:o) ~P*iT*t~ie G*u*R~l*~
Posts: 212 | From: Oklahoma | Registered: Jun 2004
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DaxAriel's toy
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posted July 14, 2004 07:31 PM
#9- Artificial Respiration (ONLY IF DOG IS NOT BREATHING).
1. Place dog on side with head low
2. Close it's mouth by clasping hand around muzzle. Make sure teeth are not closing over tongue.
3. Place your mouth over dog's nose, and blow into dog's nostrils. - chest should expand.
4. Release your mouth to let dog exhale.
5. Repeat so dog gets 20 breaths per minute (1 breath every 3 seconds).
6. Continue until dog breaths on own or heart stops.
Posts: 748 | From: Edmonton AB Canada | Registered: Mar 2004
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pittiegurl
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posted July 14, 2004 07:35 PM
#10 Heat exhaustion
Dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion if they are exposed to extreme heat for too long. The symptoms are obvious – your pet will be restless, pant excessively and drool. If the dog is not treated quickly it will eventually collapse and fall into a coma.
If you suspect that your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion, lower its temperature by bathing it in cool - not cold - water and wrap a damp towel around the dog. This is a medical emergency and you must seek veterinary attention immediately.
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Borrowed from http://www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/health/dog_summer_safety.htm
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~pitties=love!adopt pitties don't breed 'em!~
*My Pit Bull is not just a Pit Bull!He is not just a dog either.He is a lazy couch hog!*
*~*While my dogs sleep on the couch & loveseat,I'm sleeping on the floor!*~* *:o) ~P*iT*t~ie G*u*R~l*~
Posts: 212 | From: Oklahoma | Registered: Jun 2004
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pittiegurl
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posted July 14, 2004 07:36 PM
#11 Travel safety
Never leave a dog in the car when it is hot, even with a window open. If you have to take the dog to the vet, don't decide to quickly pop to the shops on the way home. Parked cars, even if they are in the shade, can heat up like ovens, and in a very short time dogs will suffer from heat stroke, and may even die.
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Borrowed from http://www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/health/dog_summer_safety.htm
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~pitties=love!adopt pitties don't breed 'em!~
*My Pit Bull is not just a Pit Bull!He is not just a dog either.He is a lazy couch hog!*
*~*While my dogs sleep on the couch & loveseat,I'm sleeping on the floor!*~* *:o) ~P*iT*t~ie G*u*R~l*~
Posts: 212 | From: Oklahoma | Registered: Jun 2004
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pittiegurl
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posted July 14, 2004 07:37 PM
#12 The risk of poisoning
During the summer when sheds and garages are often left open, it’s easy for dogs to nose their way in and for their paws to be contaminated with garden chemicals. They are also in danger from some chemicals which are sprayed onto plants, lawn treatments and pesticides such as slug pellets, which are a particular danger as dogs appear to like the taste of them.
The symptoms of poisoning depend on the substance involved. Rodent poisons for example can cause internal bleeding. Many poisons cause vomiting and diarrhoea or affect the central nervous system causing convulsions (fits) and even unconsciousness.
If you think your dog may have been poisoned contact your vet immediately and give him or her as much information as you can. Ask for advice on any action you should take right away. Get your dog to the vet as quickly as possible. If you can take along a sample of the poison which you think may have been involved.
Try not to use poisons in your garden, and if you must, make sure they are laid only in places not accessible to your pet.
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Borrowed from http://www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/health/dog_summer_safety.htm
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~pitties=love!adopt pitties don't breed 'em!~
*My Pit Bull is not just a Pit Bull!He is not just a dog either.He is a lazy couch hog!*
*~*While my dogs sleep on the couch & loveseat,I'm sleeping on the floor!*~* *:o) ~P*iT*t~ie G*u*R~l*~
Posts: 212 | From: Oklahoma | Registered: Jun 2004
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pittiegurl
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posted July 14, 2004 07:38 PM
#13 Good grooming
Pay extra attention to grooming during the summer. Removing loose hairs and keeping your dog's coat free of tangles will help it feel more comfortable when the weather is hot, particularly when your pet is moulting. Grooming your dog will also give you a chance to have a close look for any wounds, thorns and seeds.
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Borrowed from http://www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/health/dog_summer_safety.htm
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~pitties=love!adopt pitties don't breed 'em!~
*My Pit Bull is not just a Pit Bull!He is not just a dog either.He is a lazy couch hog!*
*~*While my dogs sleep on the couch & loveseat,I'm sleeping on the floor!*~* *:o) ~P*iT*t~ie G*u*R~l*~
Posts: 212 | From: Oklahoma | Registered: Jun 2004
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pittiegurl
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posted July 14, 2004 07:39 PM
#14 First aid
If you take your dog on more country walks during the summer, it is particularly important to frequently inspect your pet from head to toe for cuts and sore spots as these can quickly become infected. Also look out for grass seeds which can work their way under the skin or become lodged deep in the ears; these are a particular problem in dogs like Spaniels, which have floppy ears and long coats. Also check the paw pads for tar from melting roads and pavements, or sharp stones lodged between the pads. If your dog shows signs of irritation always try to find the cause, and seek veterinary advice and treatment if necessary.
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Borrowed from http://www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/health/dog_summer_safety.htm
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~pitties=love!adopt pitties don't breed 'em!~
*My Pit Bull is not just a Pit Bull!He is not just a dog either.He is a lazy couch hog!*
*~*While my dogs sleep on the couch & loveseat,I'm sleeping on the floor!*~* *:o) ~P*iT*t~ie G*u*R~l*~
Posts: 212 | From: Oklahoma | Registered: Jun 2004
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pittiegurl
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posted July 14, 2004 07:40 PM
#15 walking tips When you take your dog for walks in summer, and particularly when the weather is hot, carry some water for your dog, and a bowl. Stop frequently to allow your pet to have a drink.
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Borrowed from http://www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/health/dog_summer_safety.htm
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~pitties=love!adopt pitties don't breed 'em!~
*My Pit Bull is not just a Pit Bull!He is not just a dog either.He is a lazy couch hog!*
*~*While my dogs sleep on the couch & loveseat,I'm sleeping on the floor!*~* *:o) ~P*iT*t~ie G*u*R~l*~
Posts: 212 | From: Oklahoma | Registered: Jun 2004
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pittiegurl
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posted July 14, 2004 07:40 PM
#16 Sun screen
White dogs and dogs with pale ear and/or noses need extra protection on sunny days, as white fur and unprotected skin offers little protection against the harmful rays of the sun. During the summer months vets regularly see white dogs suffering from sunburn and sadly in extreme cases, cancers of the nose and ears. Breeds such as the Bull Terrier, which have both pale skin and thin fur, are particularly at risk.
Try to prevent the damage from occurring in the first place. If your dog is white or has a pale nose or ears, buy some sunblock for your pet when you buy your own! You should apply it to the vulnerable spots every day, and more frequently if your dog is outside in the sun for long periods of time. Use a sunscreen that is known to be non-toxic to dogs - your vet will be able to advise you if you unsure. This is because dogs have a natural inclination to lick off anything that is applied to their fur and skin - making non-toxic products vital. It also means that you may need to apply your pet’s sun block several times a day. Your dog may at first be confused or reluctant to allow you to apply the cream, but he will soon get used to the routine.
If you see an unidentified lesion on your dog’s skin, ask your vet to take a look at it, in case it is skin cancer. Skin cancers can often be successfully removed if caught early.
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Borrowed from http://www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/health/dog_summer_safety.htm
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~pitties=love!adopt pitties don't breed 'em!~
*My Pit Bull is not just a Pit Bull!He is not just a dog either.He is a lazy couch hog!*
*~*While my dogs sleep on the couch & loveseat,I'm sleeping on the floor!*~* *:o) ~P*iT*t~ie G*u*R~l*~
Posts: 212 | From: Oklahoma | Registered: Jun 2004
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pittiegurl
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posted July 14, 2004 07:42 PM
#17 Safe sunbathing
If your dog likes to loll in the sun, soaking up the warming rays, you need to watch that he doesn’t become overheated, or even sunburned. It’s a good idea to encourage your dog into the shade during the hottest part of the day. Or if he refuses to stay in the shade, perhaps it is safer to keep him indoors for a few hours (say, between 11am and 2pm), and preferably until the temperature has cooled down later in the afternoon.
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Borrowed from http://www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/health/dog_summer_safety.htm
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~pitties=love!adopt pitties don't breed 'em!~
*My Pit Bull is not just a Pit Bull!He is not just a dog either.He is a lazy couch hog!*
*~*While my dogs sleep on the couch & loveseat,I'm sleeping on the floor!*~* *:o) ~P*iT*t~ie G*u*R~l*~
Posts: 212 | From: Oklahoma | Registered: Jun 2004
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pittiegurl
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posted July 14, 2004 07:42 PM
#18 Indoor sunbathing
If your allow your dog to ‘sunbathe’ in a glassy conservatory, or similar area with a lot of windows, make sure that the temperature does not rise too high, and do not leave the dog unsupervised for long periods of time. Also, ensure that the dog can retreat to a cool, shady area at all times.
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Borrowed from http://www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/health/dog_summer_safety.htm
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~pitties=love!adopt pitties don't breed 'em!~
*My Pit Bull is not just a Pit Bull!He is not just a dog either.He is a lazy couch hog!*
*~*While my dogs sleep on the couch & loveseat,I'm sleeping on the floor!*~* *:o) ~P*iT*t~ie G*u*R~l*~
Posts: 212 | From: Oklahoma | Registered: Jun 2004
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pittiegurl
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posted July 14, 2004 07:44 PM
#19 Bee stings are acid. Remove the sting and bathe the area in bicarbonate of soda.
Wasp stings are alkali, and the sting is not left in the skin. Bathe the area in vinegar as the sting is alkaline.
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Borrowed from http://www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/health/dog_summer_safety.htm
--------------------
~pitties=love!adopt pitties don't breed 'em!~
*My Pit Bull is not just a Pit Bull!He is not just a dog either.He is a lazy couch hog!*
*~*While my dogs sleep on the couch & loveseat,I'm sleeping on the floor!*~* *:o) ~P*iT*t~ie G*u*R~l*~
Posts: 212 | From: Oklahoma | Registered: Jun 2004
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pittiegurl
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posted July 14, 2004 07:44 PM
#20 Summer food and drink
You need to pay special attention to your dog’s food and drink during the summer. On hot days, when they lose more moisture through panting, dogs may drink more than usual so keep checking that your pet has fresh water in its bowl and perhaps put out an extra bowl just outside the back door. Also remember that water will evaporate more quickly from water bowls when the weather is hot.
Make sure that the water is changed frequently. Always remove any uneaten food as soon as the dog has finished eating to prevent contamination from flies, or spoiling due to the hot weather.
_________________________________________________
Borrowed from http://www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/health/dog_summer_safety.htm
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~pitties=love!adopt pitties don't breed 'em!~
*My Pit Bull is not just a Pit Bull!He is not just a dog either.He is a lazy couch hog!*
*~*While my dogs sleep on the couch & loveseat,I'm sleeping on the floor!*~* *:o) ~P*iT*t~ie G*u*R~l*~
Posts: 212 | From: Oklahoma | Registered: Jun 2004
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DaxAriel's toy
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posted July 14, 2004 07:46 PM
Pittgirl - I didn't mean you had to fill it to 100 all by yourself. Great tips. Come on guys. Lou3 - as a vet student you must have a ton of unusal tips.
Posts: 748 | From: Edmonton AB Canada | Registered: Mar 2004
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pittiegurl
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posted July 14, 2004 08:51 PM
![[Blushing]](graemlins/blush.gif) I just love to help people out who need help with their dogs. I just love all animals & I want them all to be well taken care of. ![[Embarrassed]](redface.gif) I'm ashamed,I've been caught!!!!!!! ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
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~pitties=love!adopt pitties don't breed 'em!~
*My Pit Bull is not just a Pit Bull!He is not just a dog either.He is a lazy couch hog!*
*~*While my dogs sleep on the couch & loveseat,I'm sleeping on the floor!*~* *:o) ~P*iT*t~ie G*u*R~l*~
Posts: 212 | From: Oklahoma | Registered: Jun 2004
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DaxAriel's toy
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posted July 16, 2004 06:12 AM
Come on people --- we're only up to 20 tips (thanks to pittiegirl).
Let's make this our own little medical reference.
You can add stuff you've only read and haven't tried.
Posts: 748 | From: Edmonton AB Canada | Registered: Mar 2004
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pittiegurl
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posted July 16, 2004 08:44 AM
#21 Water Safety
Most dogs enjoy swimming, but some cannot swim, and others may hate the water. Be conscious of your dog’s preferences and skills before trying to make him swim.
If you’re swimming for the first time with your dog, start in shallow water and coax him in by calling his name. Encourage him with toys or treats. Or, let him follow another experienced dog he is friendly with.
Never throw your dog into the water.
If your dog begins to paddle with his front legs, lift his hind legs and help him float. He should quickly catch on and keep his back end up.
Don’t let your dog overdo it; swimming is very hard work and he may tire quickly.
If swimming at the ocean, be careful of strong tides.
If you have your own pool, make sure your dog knows where the stairs or ladder are located. Be sure that pool covers are firmly in place; dogs have been known to slip in under openings in the covers and drown.
Never leave your dog unattended in water.
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Borrowed from http://www.akc.org/life/health/summer_safety.cfm
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~pitties=love!adopt pitties don't breed 'em!~
*My Pit Bull is not just a Pit Bull!He is not just a dog either.He is a lazy couch hog!*
*~*While my dogs sleep on the couch & loveseat,I'm sleeping on the floor!*~* *:o) ~P*iT*t~ie G*u*R~l*~
Posts: 212 | From: Oklahoma | Registered: Jun 2004
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pittiegurl
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posted July 16, 2004 08:45 AM
#22 Beach Tips
Make sure your dog has a shady spot to rest in and plenty of fresh water.
Dogs, especially those with short hair, white fur, and pink skin, can sunburn. Limit your dog’s exposure during the day and apply sunblock to his ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside.
Check with a lifeguard for daily water conditions. Dogs are easy targets for sea lice and jellyfish.
Running on the sand is strenuous exercise. A dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament, so keep a check on your dog’s activity.
Do not let your dog drink seawater; the salt will make him sick.
Salt and other minerals in ocean water can damage your dog’s coat, so rinse him off at the end of the day.
Not all beaches permit dogs; check local ordinances before heading out.
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Borrowed from http://www.akc.org/life/health/summer_safety.cfm
--------------------
~pitties=love!adopt pitties don't breed 'em!~
*My Pit Bull is not just a Pit Bull!He is not just a dog either.He is a lazy couch hog!*
*~*While my dogs sleep on the couch & loveseat,I'm sleeping on the floor!*~* *:o) ~P*iT*t~ie G*u*R~l*~
Posts: 212 | From: Oklahoma | Registered: Jun 2004
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