Providing First Aid to Dogs

As much as we strive to keep our pets safe with fences and smart pet door designs, there will always be unexpected dangers we cannot protect them from. Knowing how to provide first aid for our canine friends can make a life-saving difference in emergency situations.

Every dog owner should know a few animal first aid basics they can use in the event of an emergency. Here are a few:

• If your dog has been poisoned, try to find the possible source of the poisoning and get on the phone with your vet immediately. Do not try to induce vomiting unless the vet tells you to. Should the vet ask you to induce vomiting, follow his or her instructions to the letter.
• If your pet is choking, and you’re unable to remove the hazard from the animal’s mouth, place both hands on the side of your dog’s rib cage and squeeze quickly and firmly, but carefully, 3-4 times. By applying pressure, you may be able to push air through the animal’s lungs and expel the object.
• If your pet is experiencing heat stroke, get the animal to a shaded area out of direct sun as soon as possible. Place a cool or wet towel around the animal’s neck or head, but do not obstruct its nose or mouth. If possible, keep water running over the animal. As soon as possible, seek veterinary attention for the dog.
• If your pet is having seizures, keep the pet away from furniture or other objects that may harm the animal. Do not try to restrain the animal. Time the seizures and, once a seizure has stopped, try to keep the dog as warm and quiet as possible. Contact your vet immediately.

First aid for dogs is no substitute for veterinary care, but, in the event of emergency, it can save your animal’s life.

Australia Pet Doors provides a wide range of cat and dog doors to suit any size pet. In business for more than a decade, Australia Pet Doors has a reputation for providing sturdy, dependable pet doors that can be installed in just about any type of door. Australia Pet Doors also sells high tech pet doors that allow entrance and egress to some pets with microchip collars, but block others from entering or leaving the home.  To learn more, contact 0433-140-588.