9 First Aid for Dogs Flashcards
Normal values: Capillary refil time
<1s (check by touching dogs gum and see how long it takes to change from white to pink)
Normal values: mucous membrane color
generally pink (can gently press on dogs eyes, and check white around eyeballs)
Normal values: Temperature
38-39.2
Lil bit warmer than humans
Normal values: Hydration (how to check)
pick up skin and release, should return within 1s
Recognising pain: Posture (5)
1) hunched back
2) guarding (protecting) painful area; growls on touch
3) “praying” position (front legs and head on floor, hindquarters in the air)
4) attempting to rest in an abnormal position
5) head hanging down
Recognising pain: movement/body language (5)
1) stiff
2) trembling/shaking
3) any degree of limp
4) bearing no/partial weight on affected limb
5) weak tail wag
Recognising pain: Vocalisation (4)
1) screaming
2) crying
3) growling/barking
4) lack of (no greeting/noise)
Restraining a dog for treatment: Methods (2)
- Standing headlock
2. lying down restraint
Restraining for treatment: Standing headlock (4)
- kneel down alongside standing dog
- place forearm around dogs neck and snugly hold the head still
- make sure you are facing the rear of the dog to prevent injuries
- place other arm over the back OR under the belly and hold firmly
* this arm shld be holding an area in front of the back legs
Restraining for treatment: Lying down restraint (4)
- reach over dog and hold front leg touching/closest to table/ ground (grip leg close to the ELBOW not PAW)
- other arm draped over the belly and holds the rear leg similar to (1) *be prepared for struggling
- if dog tries to lift it’s head and neck, place elbow over neck and gently push head on the table
- can also apply firm pressure to the dogs flank (side) to prevent it standing
How to move an injured dog? (3)
- Single Person Lift
- Half lift
- Blanket lift
All lifts should be smooth and rapid, minimize movement and be aware of the dog becoming distressed/biting (may need muzzle)
Single person lift (2)
- slip one arm under it’s neck, holding it’s throat in the crook of your arm; make sure it can breathe easily
- place other arm under dogs rump and lift the dog
Half lift (1)
use towel as a sling to lift injured legs while the dog moves forward with their uninjured leg
Blanket lift precautions
- make sure dog is secure
- may use an extra person to hold the dog in place
Why do dogs overheat?
- overheat quicker than humans
- dogs dont sweat, cool their bodies by panting, which is much less effective
Do heatstokes only occur in extreme temperatures?
No, some dogs can have heatstroke in ac room, if they become overexcited and active
Which organs are first affected by heatstroke?
Liver, brain and intestinal cells
Heatstroke symptoms (5)
1) excessive and ongoing panting
2) dazed/confused appearance
3) weakness, lethargic
4) vomiting and diarrhoea (with or without blood)
5) body temp >39.5c
Heatstroke treatments (5)
1) move dog out of the sun
2) try get them to drink small amounts of cool water
3) place dog in cool environment; use water to cool dog by laying on a wet towel/immersing in a COOL water bath
4) provide breeze; ; ice can be placed (wrap in cloth) WITH CAUTION under armpits, neck, groin
5) monitor temp, avoid cooling too much/rapid
How does dehydration happen? (4)
dog can get dehydrated from:
- panting
- urinating
- failure to drink/eat enough
- illness or injury
how to check for dehydration (2)
- run finger along the inside of dogs lip; if any moisture comes out on the finger, dog hydrated but may require water
- gently pull skin on dogs wither (between neck and back) up; if hold shape like a tent and doesnt fall back in to place, direct indication of up to 5% dehydration
Treatment of dehydration
administration of fluid should occur immediately
- some dogs will drink profusely when theyre dehydrated and this should be encouraged
- if in doubt/not drinking, vet
Paralysis ticks
- Injects poison into the system which progressively paralyses the host animal;
- often causes the lung tissue to produce large amounts of fluid –> stimulate vomitting
- toxin continues to work on the host even after the tick is removed
- tick paralysis usually starts in the hind limbs and progresses forwards
Progression (tick paralysis) (4 stages)
- wobbly in back legs; can still get on it’s feet but unable to walk far
* occasionally will have change in voice and loss of appetite - dog unable to use it’s back legs (front legs ok), cant stand but can sit. vomiting may begin
- dog unable to sit and lies on it’s side. at this stage, paralysis is beginning to affect it’s respiratory muscles and dogs breathing is laboured (struggling)
- advanced stage and dog is not far form death from respiratory failure
When is it essential to take the dog to the vet for tick paralysis?
Once dog starts showing stage 1 symptoms. 99% of animals that show stage 1 will without treatment, progress until death ensures