Posts Tagged ‘dog first aid’

CPR is a lifesaver of dogs! Teaching pet owners how to administer CPR is a program supported by animal health organizations and by the American Red Cross. For the well being of the pet, it would be advantageous if at least one family member knows how to administer CPR. CPR is for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This chest compression and rescue breathing is aimed to resuscitate the pet that have had cardiac arrest. Cardiopulmunary procedure is an emergency care that will stabilize the pet's condition after cardiac arrest.

Electrocution and ingestion of poisonous substances, ingestion of foreign object that can create an airway blockage can snuff the life of the pet. Prevention will naturally be the best bet to save the pet from these life threatening conditions. Dogs have an inquisitive and energetic nature and no matter how dog owners try to keep the pet safe, accidents will still happen. An owner's best option is to get ready for any eventuality by learning how to administer first aid treatments. Competency of the owner to administer CPR can stabilize the condition before the pet is transported to a veterinary facility. CPR can save the life of the pet and allow the pet owner to have an enjoyable and loyal companion for many more days. CPR entails the administration of artificial respiration and chest compression. CPR can be administered by following the ABC process.

Step A is for airway. The first step is to check if the dog's airway is not blocked. A blocked airway will make the administration of artificial respiration futile. Extend the dog's head, open the mouth and try to see if a foreign object is blocking the airway. If there is a blockage, it can be dislodged by doing the Heimlich maneuver.

Rescue breathing can begin once the airway is cleared. While lying on his side, hold the mouth of the pet close and with the mouth over the dog's nose blow to make the chest move. One breath every 3 seconds must be given until the pet is breathing on its own. Breathing must be at full lung capacity to revive large dogs. Rescue breathing for smaller dogs must be just enough to make the chest rise and not to inflate the lungs.

Chest compression is done to a dog that has lost consciousness and to one that has no pulse nor heartbeat. Position the palm of the hand on the dog's ribcage over the heart. After the hands are positioned start compressing the chest. Compress the chest 3 times every two seconds. It would be necessary to breathe on the nose after doing five chest compressions

Sarah's Dogs has more information about first aid for dogs.

Dog first aid -do you want your dog to die because you don’t know basic first aid?

What are the aims of dog first aid?

To preserve your dog’s life, to prevent your dog suffering any longer than need be and to prevent the situation you are in from deteriorating any further.

Four rules of First Aid
Stay calm and don’t panic.
Maintain the airway: Pull the tongue forward and check there is nothing in the throat.
Make sure the dog can breathe, check for injuries to the chest.

Control bleeding. Read the rest of this entry »