Dog Owners Educational League, Inc.
Flemington,
New Jersey 08822
Canine First Aid
- Stop the bleeding. Use a pressure bandage over the wound. A hankerchief
or a clean cloth or towel will be a great help.
- Keep the wound clean, but do not attempt to clean it.
- Do not attempt to lift a paralyzed animal without using an emergency
stretcher such as a board, window screen, or blanket pulled taut by at
least three persons.
- Call a veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian service for advice
and to arrange for emergency care.
- Do not give any medication unless advised to do so by a veterinarian.
Sometimes more harm than good results from giving aspirin, painkillers,
or tranquilizers.
- If a limb appears to be broken, wrap it firmly in a towel, newspaper,
or magazine as a temporary splint.
- Try to avoid the use of a tourniquet. If use of a tourniquet seems
unavoidable, get advice from a veterinarian before applying it.
- Avoid muzzling the animal, or use the muzzle for a short time and then
remove it.
- Avoid carrying a large animal in your arms. It makes breathing more
difficult for the victim and could compound the injuries, especially if
any bones are broken. Small dogs may be cradled in the arms with equal
support being given to all the legs.
Prepared by Dr. Charles D. Knecht