K9 FIRST AID
Some things are nice to know, First Aid is a commodity you should know
If you calculate the odds, it is abundantly apparent that there is a prevalent possibility that you will need to use first aid training some time in your career. We are not certified or trained in veterinary medicine. The following information should verified with a licensed veterinarian. We assume no liability for injury to you or your pet that may incur by following these procedures or information. This is provide as information only that you MUST verify BEFORE using.
NORMAL VALUES FOR DOGS
Capillary refill time less than 1 second Mucous membrane color generally pink Temperature 100 -102 degrees Fahrenheit 38 - 39 degrees Celsius Pulse rate at rest large breed adult 60-90 bpm medium adult 70-110bpm
small breed adult 90-120bpm young dogs 110 - 120 bpmRespiratory rate adults 14 - 16
puppy 20 - 25Hydration pick up skin & release, return to normal within 1 second
Canine first aid is similar but not identical to people. Their metabolic rate is different.the performance of CPR isn't interchangeable but more imperative is which over-the-counter medication you can safely use for your dog. Some are toxic or fatal like Ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which is all too commonly used today. Therometers which are applied to a persons forehead do not work for dogs because of their hair.
FIRST AID KIT
I keep two types of first aid kits one, which is more extensive the following list is kept in the vehicle in large camera bag, converted to first aid kit. The second is a field first aid kit. This of course has to be small and preferable in a large fanny pack, or divide the extra into your backpack (the small version, similar to the one students carry books in).
* Buffered Aspirin
* Topical ointments (Neosporin
* Benadryl (2-4mg/kg)
* Pepto Bismol tabletsYou will have to obtain the following medication from your veterinarian. At the same time they can be an excellent resource if you tell them what you are doing and why this is important. I suggest you print this list for their review.
NOTE: You can download the complete page on K9 First Aid. Authors Adela Morris and Shay Cook here in Microsoft WORD .doc form and here in Adobe Acrobat .pdf form here
Any dog that is injuried will undergo stress, if not shock. There is a real possibility they will snap or bite. You have to be calm, this is not a time to expect them to follow any commands. You have to muzzle them and the quickest way to do that is with guaze bandage and you can see how to do that by clicking here.
ARTICLE WEBSITE K9 FIRST AID http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/health/firstaid.htm K9 FIRST AID http://www.k9forensic.org/k9firstaid.html Guide to Poisonings http://www.petplace.com/dogs/your-guide-to-common-dog-poisonings/page1.aspx K9 FIRST AID http://www.ruffwear.com/s.nl/sc.9/category.67/.f Anti-freeze poisoning http://www.provet.co.uk/petfacts/healthtips/antifreeze.htm Poisons http://www.nzymes.com/Articles/pet_poisoning_dog_poisoning_cat_poisoning.htm Bandaging http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/health/bandaging.htm Robert Jones Bandage http://www.wvc.vetsuite.com/articles/artShow.asp?artID=315 How to apply splints http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=344 How to make muzzle http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/ClientED/dog_restraint.asp ASPCA Poison Center http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc Animal Poison Control Center - 888.426.4435 There is a charge for this service through ASPCA
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