First Aid

Burns
Symptoms: Pain, blistering, discolor, odor of burning fur.
Treatment: Apply a cold compress to the burned area for at least five minutes. Do not use ointments. Then take dog to veterinarian.

Choking
Symptoms: Gagging, vomiting, pawing at mouth, crying in pain, excessive salivating, and unconsciousness.
Treatment: Open mouth and pull tongue forward. If the object is seen, remove it. Keep dog calm and take to veterinarian.

Fleas
Symptoms: Small red dots on skin, biting and scratching.
Treatment: Use flea collars, powders, etc. Vacuum house thoroughly, then discard vacuum bag. Regularly wash dogs bedding on hottest settings.

Fracture
Symptoms: Sudden lameness limbs in abnormal position, acute pain, and swelling.
Treatment: Take dog to veterinarian, keep calm, and wrap in towel and place splint on limb if possible.

Heat Stroke
Symptoms: Gasping, panting, very warm skin, dry blue-gray tongue and gums, drooling, unconsciousness.
Treatment: If severe take dog to veterinarian immediately. If not wrap dog in cool towel or soak in cool water.

Over Exposure to Cold
Symptoms: very cold skin, shivers, weakness, bloody stool, pale pink-gray tongue and gums.
Treatment: If severe immediately take dog to veterinarian making sure he's kept warm. If not wrap in towel and put a hot water bottle on him.

Insect Sting
Symptoms: Stinger marks, pain, swelling, weakness, hives, heavy panting, vomiting.
Treatment: If dog is weak or vomiting rush to veterinarian immediately. If stinger is visible, remove by scraping dull knife, and then apply ice pack.

Minor & Serious Wounds
Symptoms: Minor-small cut or puncture, Serious-extensive bleeding with deep puncture.
Treatment: Minor-clean wound with peroxide & wipe dry, Serious-If there is extensive bleeding flap skin over and apply direct pressure to wound with clean material. Take dog to veterinarian.

Motion Sickness
Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, and restlessness.
Treatment: Stop car and provide dog fresh air. Veterinarian may also provide tranquilizers before trip.

Poisoning
Symptoms: vomiting, twitching, collapse, bluish gums and tongue.
Treatment: Call veterinarian or poison control immediately. Take sample of poison to veterinarian. Keep dog warm.

Skunk Spray
Symptoms: Offensive smell of skunk.
Treatment: Flush dogs eyes with warm water then apply warm olive oil or artificial tears. Neutralize smell by rubbing dog's body in tomato juice. Wear rubber gloves.