Proper dog care requires you to know at least the basics when an accident involving your pup occurs. Accidents usually happen when you least expect them, so it’s practical to be prepared at all times. Knowledge of first-aid can be useful, and in some cases, can be the difference between life and death. Emergency situations need immediate action, if you know what to do; you may be able to limit the injuries sustained by your dog, and perhaps even save his life.
Proper dog care also requires you to know what NOT to do so you won’t make the situation worse. For doggie first-aid, and while waiting for the vet, here are some of the situations and actions that you shouldn’t do to save your pup’s life, and your own as well.
Dog Fights
What NOT to do: Never try to break the fight using your own hands. Instead, use a long broom handle (or the likes), a bucket of cold water or gushing hose pipe to separate the dogs and give you the opportunity to control them.
Chemical Burns
What NOT to do: Don’t attempt to help your dog without putting gloves and protective clothing first. These protective gears will prevent the chemicals from burning you as well.
Choking
What NOT to do: Don’t attempt to remove the object wedged in the mouth or throat, other than by coughing method. Shoving your hand in your pup’s mouth can further complicate the problem.
Fractures
What NOT to do: Don’t try to splint your dog’s broken bone on your own. Instead, rush him to the vet.
Eye Injury
What NOT to do: Don’t apply a bandage or compress to the eye if you think there may be a foreign body/object in it.
Wounds
What NOT to do: Don’t apply direct pressure to a wound with an object impaled in t, or with bone protruding from it, since this may aggravate massive blood loss.
Proper dog care likewise requires you to make sure you’re safe, too. Assess the situation, try to calm your dog, keep kids away from the situation and contact the vet right away.
