Do I really need to learn how to administer first aid to my dog? The friendly vet is just a stone's throw from my home. Are you one of the dog owners with the same philosophy? The vet's expert hands would make small work of any health concern of the pet. However, there are situations when vets are not available. One of the reasons why people get dogs for a pet is because they make great companions thus they are always taken wherever the master goes. In emergency situations the competence of the owner to administer first aid will save the pet from suffering tremendous pain. The first aid methods learned can even save the life of the pet.
A dog owner needs to act fast in emergency situations to save the life of the pet. Rushing the pet to an emergency care facility would be the first instinct of a dog owner but often times the dog that was not given first aid dies on the way to the vet's. Stabilizing the pet's condition with first aid before rushing to the vet's would give the dog a better chance to survive. While some dog owners do not know how to administer first aid, others would not be aware that the dog's condition is serious
Basic first aid for dogs is very similar to first aid for humans. However, caution must be exercised when helping an injured dog as stress and pain can turn a gentle dog aggressive. Basic first aid can be easily learned from animal shelters. Some vets are willing to instruct pet owners how to give emergency care. Some veterinary hospitals are offering free first aid training as well.
Using the ABC approach, a dog owner can easily learn first aid. A is for airways, B stands for breathing and C for circulation. The first thing a dog owner should do is to make sure that no foreign object is blocking the airways and to check if the dog is breathing. If the heart is beating, it means that the blood is circulating. If the dog is not breathing, artificial respiration must be administered. Dogs usually lick minor wounds. Pressure applies on the wound would be necessary to stop severe bleeding.
Accidents can happen to the pet despite the precautionary measures pet owners take. Learning first aid methods is necessary for every pet owner given the fact that accidents that can threaten the life of the pet can never be prevented. With first aid knowledge, a well stocked first aid kit and competent skills, the owner can prevent the condition from worsening and save the life of the pet.
A dog owner needs to act fast in emergency situations to save the life of the pet. Rushing the pet to an emergency care facility would be the first instinct of a dog owner but often times the dog that was not given first aid dies on the way to the vet's. Stabilizing the pet's condition with first aid before rushing to the vet's would give the dog a better chance to survive. While some dog owners do not know how to administer first aid, others would not be aware that the dog's condition is serious
Basic first aid for dogs is very similar to first aid for humans. However, caution must be exercised when helping an injured dog as stress and pain can turn a gentle dog aggressive. Basic first aid can be easily learned from animal shelters. Some vets are willing to instruct pet owners how to give emergency care. Some veterinary hospitals are offering free first aid training as well.
Using the ABC approach, a dog owner can easily learn first aid. A is for airways, B stands for breathing and C for circulation. The first thing a dog owner should do is to make sure that no foreign object is blocking the airways and to check if the dog is breathing. If the heart is beating, it means that the blood is circulating. If the dog is not breathing, artificial respiration must be administered. Dogs usually lick minor wounds. Pressure applies on the wound would be necessary to stop severe bleeding.
Accidents can happen to the pet despite the precautionary measures pet owners take. Learning first aid methods is necessary for every pet owner given the fact that accidents that can threaten the life of the pet can never be prevented. With first aid knowledge, a well stocked first aid kit and competent skills, the owner can prevent the condition from worsening and save the life of the pet.
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