First Aid Flashcards
What is always the first step when conducting first aid?
Muzzle the dog
What are the two types of muzzles used when conducting first aid?
A basket muzzle, which is the best and most comfortable restraint
A leash muzzle when a basket muzzle is not available
When should you not use a leash muzzle?
If the dog is overheated, or there is an injury to the mouth
What are the steps to apply the leash muzzle?
- Tighten the choke chain on the dogs neck with the right hand, exercising care to prevent strangulation
- Place the left hand palm up under the choke chain.
- Grasp the leash tightly as it passes through the palm of the left hand, wrap the leash once around the dog’s neck, and bring it up across the left side of the dog’s head, wrap it twice around the dog’s muzzle, and back to the palm of the left hand.
What are the components of a contingency plan for emergency veterinary care?
Procedures for emergency care during regular duty hours
Procedures for contacting veterinarian during duty and non-duty hours
A list of local veterinarian, emergency treatment centers approved by the department
Telephone numbers and directions to all treatment centers
When a dog is hemorrhaging, bleeding should be controlled quickly. What are the three ways to control bleeding?
- Applied pressure dressing.
- Pressure alone.
- Tourniquet method (to control a spurting artery).
What are the signs of heat stress?
- In adequate response to commands.
- Weakness/unsteady gait.
- Difficult or labored breathing.
- Temperature 105° or higher.
- Convulsions.
- Collapse.
How do you treat heat stress?
Remove muzzle
If the dog’s temperature is less than 107°, and the dog is having no difficulty standing, place it in an air-conditioned area and bathe with tapwater
If the dog’s temperature is 107° or greater or the dog is having difficulty standing or mucous membrane turn blue immediately immerse the dog in a tub of ice water. Maintain the dog on its chest while in the tub, ensure the depth of water and ice mixture completely covers the shoulders and back, hold the head out of the water at all times, so the dog will not inhale water into the lungs, place an ice pack on top of the head and massage the neck portion not immersed with ice water , if an ice water bath is not immediately available soak the dog with ice water or an alcohol and ice water mixture until the dog can bathe, monitor the dogs temperature continuously, stop cooling when the temperature falls below 103°
If the temperature falls below 100° begin warming by drying and wrapping with sheets and blanket, blankets, stop warming when the temperature goes above 101°
Continue to monitor the dogs temperature every 10 minutes for one hour after the dog has reached a normal body temperature
Do not let the dog over drink
The dog should not consume more than one cup of water until it is calm and it’s temperature returns to normal
What are the signs of shock?
Glassy eyed appearance
Cool extremities
Rapid or weak pulse
Slow capillary refill time. To determine capillary refill time press firmly against the dogs gums until they turn white. Release and count the number of seconds until they return to their normal color. If more than 2 to 3 seconds, the dog may be going into shock. Failure to return to the red pink color indicate serious trouble requiring immediate attention .
What is the first aid for shock?
Lower the animals head to prevent possible brain damage keep the animal, quiet and warm. If internal injuries are known or suspected and necessary to move the animal use a lifter.
What are the signs of fractures?
Injured after activity
Swelling
Deformity
Limited or inability to use the part
Irregularity of bone contour
Bone protruding from a wound
What are symptoms of internal injuries?
Shallow breathing
Paleness of membranes and eyes
Glassy look in the eyes
What is the first aid for internal injuries?
Keep the dog, quiet and warm
If abdominal contents are exposed, bandage them loosely to the body
If the thorax (chest) has an open wound, cover it with an airtight bandage when the dog exhales, and bandage securely
If possible, have a veterinarian come to the dog location
Move only if necessary and then with a lifter if available
How quickly can bloat kill a dog?
In under an hour
In what three instances does bloating frequently occur?
When dogs are fed immediately before or after challenging exercise
Returning the dog to the kennel after work or exercise
When allowed to drink too much water
What are the signs of bloat?
Enlargement just behind the ribs primarily on the left side
Restlessness
Signs of pain in the abdominal region
Shallow, labored breathing
Unsuccessful attempts to vomit or defecate
What is the first aid for bloat?
Secure, veterinary assistance immediately
If not available, withhold food and water and walk the animal, if possible
How can you prevent bloat?
Do not feed the dog within one to two hours before or after training or work
Give small amounts of water during training or working in hot weather to prevent excessive thirst
Withhold water for 10 minutes after work
Provide only 2 inches of water in the bucket
Give more water after the cooling off period
What are the symptoms of foreign objects in the mouth?
Gagging
Coughing
Difficulty swallowing
Drooling
Ropey saliva
Pawing at the mouth
What is the first aid for foreign objects in the mouth?
Cautiously and gently open the dogs mouth
Look for any strange object in the mouth. Be sure to look down the throat, under the tongue, between the teeth, in the gums, and the roof of the mouth.
Gently try to dislodge the object by moving it back-and-forth
Take care not to push the object deeper into the throat
Unable to see an object or unable to remove it, secure, veterinary assistance immediately
What are the symptoms of poisoning?
Symptoms or signs of poisoning vary
Unless confident a dog has adjusted poison do not treat for poison
What is the first aid for poisoning?
Secure, veterinary assistance immediately
Determine the quantity and type of poison or chemical. If possible, keep the container for the veterinarian to examine.
If a veterinarian is not available, and the dog has not swallowed a corrosive agent, such as gasoline, solvent, kerosene, or similar materials, make the dog vomit. Induce vomiting by placing one or 2 tablespoons of salt at the back of the tongue. Place 2 tablespoons of salt and a cup of water, pour it down the dogs, throat, and he will vomit in a few few minutes. Keep the dog, quiet and warm until a veterinarian arrives. Inducing vomiting when a dog has ingested a corrosive may cause more damage when they vomited back up.
Note: if the animal has swallowed gasoline, solvent, kerosene, or materials of that type, dilute the chemical inside the dog by encouraging the dog to drink water. Vomiting may cause the dog to aspirate some toxin into the lungs. Some poisons are corrosive, and more damage will result by bringing the material back up .
What’s the first aid for the accidental ingestion of explosive training aids?
Secure, veterinary assistance immediately
If veterinary assistance is not available, induce vomiting by placing one or 2 tablespoons of salt on the back of the tongue
For vomiting, you can also use 10 mL hydrogen peroxide for 10 pounds of dog (consult veterinarian if not an adult dog)
What are the symptoms of a snake bite?
The presence of two fang marks
Immediate and severe pain in the area of the bite
Rapid swelling
