Administering First Aid to Your Dog - Transporting the Injured Safely
Author: Jeff NenadicDogs are severely injured when vehicles hit them. You can save the dog from further injuries by carrying it away or helping it walk away to safety by slowing down traffic. Knowledge of First Aid is essential as it helps you when you wish to help an injured dog or human being as the precautions in moving the injured are generally the same. However, the dog might try to escape or bite due to pain, so extra precautions in preventing further injuries are necessary such as keeping its muzzle closed loosely with a shoelace or a towel.
The very first thing to do before moving anyone/anything injured is to gauge their injuries, in order to prevent more injuries or worsening the present ones. Besides, improper handling of injured can be fatal especially in serious injuries.
If the dog has suffered "Spinal and Head Injuries", it can be unconscious, shocked or even paralyzed. Blood might ooze out of its ear, mouth, nose, or anus and the pupils of its eyes might look dilated. Hence, if you feel that the dog has these injuries, a large, flat and solid surfaced object like sled, plywood or stiff cardboard is required, so that the whole animal can rest on it comfortably. Extreme caution is required in moving the dog on the object. Avoid turning or twisting the dogs' neck or body as much as possible. The dog should lie on its side. If you are not able to find a flat surface, you can try using a towel and blanket and slowly move it onto the same. Afterwards, you shall need to carry it carefully to the vehicle. In this case, others help is definite, so do ask for help.
If the dog has suffered "Leg and Pelvic" injuries or fractures, it shall limp, be in extreme pain and the injured/fractured part can become swollen. If the dog is able to stand but is unable to apply weight or pressure on the affected limb, you can create a splint from wood to support and protect the limb from further dislocation of bones or swelling. If possible, you may even wrap a large towel (folded if required) over the limb to protect from accidental touching or bumping while carrying or walking the dog to the vehicle. You can even wrap a towel around its stomach and hold its ends like a sling to help the dog while walking.
If in case the dog is not able to stand on its own due to a serious fracture (like at pelvis) or injury, you shall need to transport the dog to the vehicle just as you would transport one having a head or spinal injury.
Once the dog is safely in the vehicle, it should not move until it is in the safe hands of the veterinarian, which is important for the safety and well-being of the dog and the vehicle occupants. Small dogs can be kept in a kennel fastened tightly in the car while large dogs shall need someone to hold it still.
About the Author:Written by Jeff Nenadic from My Dog Shop - check for current specials on dog outdoor wear online.
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