DOG EMERGENCIES

You may find there is an emergency situation for your dog, that needs knowledge for you to quickly deal with it. Dealing with your dog's problems are an important part of being a dog owner and although you have time to scan the internet sites for free dog food samples and which bowl and lead are suitable to buy, if you have a dog emergency on your hands, there is not time to scan various different sites. I have covered the most common dog emergencies.
 
You should always be prepared for canine emergencies such as chemical burns, electrical burns, gastric torsion, fits and seizures and choking. Dogs have insulated skin but hot water, oil and chemicals can seep through the hair causing skin damage.

Chewing through an electric cable can cause burns to the mouth, or worse, unconsciousness or cardiac arrest. Fits often cause a dog to pass out. Gastric torsion is where a dog's stomach twists causing bloat and without immediate veterinary attention your dog could die.
 
  Choking

Dogs should be trained not to chew twigs and bones because these things can splinter and lodge in the dog's throat causing choking. Twig or bone splinters can get lodged between the upper teeth or the back of the throat. To remove them, get someone else to hold the dog's jaw open wide so you can remove the offending object with pliers or tweezers, don't put your hand inside the dogs mouth because he could inadvertently bite you.

Chemical burns

Wash off any caustic chemicals with lots warm soapy water and ask your vet for advice. Never put anything on your dog's skin that you would be worried to put on your own.

Electrical burns

Puppies tend to chew everything so never leave a puppy alone with live electrical cables. Unplug everything when it is not is use. If your dog gets a minor electric shock, look in the mouth and lips to see if there are any burns. If there are burns, gently flush out the mouth with cool water and take your dog to the vet. For a major electric shock, disconnect the electricity and urgently contact your vet.

 

If you are looking for dog emergencies, the following links may also be of interest to you: See also puppy house training, puppy discipline, canine cognitive disorders, dog muscle, joint and bone problems, dog skin and coat problems, dog parasites, dog eye problems, dog ear problems, dog respiratory problems, dog digestive problems, dog internal parasites, dog mouth and tooth problems, urinary problems and dog bites and stings.

 

Gastric torsion

Deep chested dogs can twist their stomachs if they play immediately after a big meal. If this happens the dog could have the symptoms of lethargy and panting and this could be serious. Gastric torsion or bloat can lead to collapse and death. Gastric torsion needs immediate medical attention. A few minutes lost can mean the difference between life and death. Telephone the vet immediately or get someone else to alert the vet of your arrival because unless surgery is carried out straight away, the dog will die.

Fits and Seizures

Seizures vary from mild behavioural oddities and dog air snapping to massive convulsions and salivation. Make sure the dog is comfortable and eliminate noise and lighting so the dog can relax. Make sure the dog's airway is clear and he is not swallowing his tongue but be careful you don't get bitten.

Scalds and Burns

Most burns are caused by boiling water or oil. Minor burns are treated by applying cold water immediately to the affected area. Follow with an ice pack. When the affected area is cooled, apply an antiseptic cream and contact your vet. Do not apply any ointment to serious burns.

 
 
Try searching on the Internet for "dog emergencies" and you will be amazed just how many pages are on offer. Try it for yourself by hitting the search button below!