Nov 09 2009
Dog Emergencies
A few weeks ago my daughter called my attention to a news story from Baltimore where a woman saved the life of a friend’s Chihuahua by performing CPR. She suggested that I might want to write about it here. Then I recently wrote an online article about the treatment for dogs when they ingest human medications.
Serious dangers exist everywhere for our four-legged, furry children and we should all be aware, as well as prepared for emergencies. Paw Rescue provides information about what to include in a first aid kit for your dog, as well as emergency treatments for many circumstances, including accidents, injuries and poisoning. They also have CPR instructions that you can download and first aid handbooks that you may purchase. Visit http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/dog_tips.php and scroll down to “First Aid Kits and Emergency Treatments - Prepare Now!” You may find other topics in these tips that will interest you.
I urge dog owners to get this information now, so that when the situation arises you are ready. In addition, write down important phone number in an easily accessible location such as your refrigerator, the inside of a cabinet door–someplace you can find them quickly. Include your veterinarian’s phone number, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435, and the National Animal Poison Control Center at 1-800-548-2423. The poison control centers are staffed by veterinarians and although fees apply to these hotlines, they may save your dog’s life if you can’t reach your vet.
You might even want to go a step further. Check with your local animal shelter, humane society or your vet to find out if there are pet first aid classes that you can take.
Know what to do, be ready, and above all, take preventive measures to avoid some of the potential emergencies in the first place. Keep medicines, household cleaning products and hazardous substances out of reach of your dog. Get rid of plants that are poisonous to pets. Walk your dog in areas that are free from debris that could cause injury. And make sure he or she has adequate shelter from heat and cold (and I don’t mean they should live outside!), and fresh water at all times.
