Mary Allen
In the event of an emergency, it is important to know how to save the injured dog. Most dog owners do not know what to do if the dog suffers a dog fight or gets hit. Here you get first aid tips if an accident should occur.
It is always unpleasant when an animal is injured and as an animal owner you are badly affected and can end up in a milder state of shock. But to be able to give the dog first aid, it is important to stay calm and get help if possible, it is safer and more secure to be two people who are helped.
– Start by assessing the danger, the situation must be safe for you as a human being so that you do not risk harming yourself or exposing the dog to further dangers, says Lotta Moller, a veterinarian at Agria Djurforsakring.
Start by checking the dog’s breathing, stopping any bleeding, and helping the dog if it is in shock.
How to stop bleeding
Squirting and pulsating bright red bleeding mean arterial bleeding that requires pressure bandages. Put a bandage with a hard-rolled compress or similar against the wound and press until the bleeding stops. Make sure that the dressing stops the bleeding, but does not constrict the blood supply. Temporarily tighten the bandage approximately every 20 minutes. Contact a veterinarian for assessment of further treatment.
Symptoms of shock
Symptoms of shock can be pale mucous membranes, weak and shallow heart rate, and irregular breathing. The dog gets cold ears and paws. Handle the dog carefully and talk calmly to it. Keep the dog warm during urgent transport to the vet.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation – for medium-sized dogs
If the dog has no pulse and/or breathing – try to give it an emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation. How to use:
Lay the dog on the right side on a firm surface, check that the airways are clear, pull out the dog’s tongue and straighten the neck carefully.
Kneel close to the dog’s back and place your hands on the lower part of the chest.
Press down on the chest, but beware of the ribs. Do not take too hard on small dogs.
Press approximately 30 times at an approximate speed of 80-100 compressions/minute.
Then switch to making two breaths. Stretch the animal’s neck, shape the mouth around the animal’s nose and blow in the air so that the chest rises.
Repeat until breathing and pulse work. If it does not happen within 5 minutes, it may be doubtful to continue.
Transport the dog to the vet as soon as possible.
