Mrsdano
11-06-2005, 02:12 PM
<CENTER>K-9 FIRST AID
By Adela Morris & Shay Cook
</CENTER>
<CENTER>This information is only a guide for giving first aid to a dog.
It is not intended to replace veterinary care, but to
give FIRST AID until you can get professional help.
____________________ </CENTER>
This paper is for Search and Rescue dog handlers who are trained to, at least, the Advanced First Aid and CPR level. We would like to share ideas with you about taking responsibility for your canine partner's health. Learn how to read your dog for signs of a medical problem and how to make decisions about when to get more advanced medical help if needed.
SKELETON OF DOG
http://www.k9forensic.org/dogskelsys.gif
NORMAL VALUES FOR YOUR DOG
<TABLE height=203 cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=10 width=450 align=center border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width="50%" height=23>Capillary refill time</TD><TD width="50%" height=23>less than 1 second</TD></TR><TR><TD width="50%" height=23>Mucous membrane color</TD><TD width="50%" height=23>generally pink</TD></TR><TR><TD width="50%" height=23>Temperature</TD><TD width="50%" height=23>101 to 102 degrees F</TD></TR><TR><TD width="50%" height=71>Pulse rate at rest</TD><TD width="50%" height=71>young dogs 110 - 120 bpm
large breed adult 60-80 bpm
small breed adult 80 - 120 bpm</TD></TR><TR><TD width="50%" height=23>Respiratory rate</TD><TD width="50%" height=23>young 20 - 25
adult 14 - 16</TD></TR><TR><TD width="50%" height=23>Hydration</TD><TD width="50%" height=23>pick up skin and release, it should return within 1 second</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Capillary refill time is measured by pressing on the gums over the canine tooth. Using one finger, press down firmly until the gums turn white under your finger and release. You are looking for the time it took for the color to return. Also, note the color of your dogs gums and mouth. Dogs gum color can vary from black, pink, reddish brown or any combination of colors.
Temperature is taken rectally with an adult rectal thermometer. You should hold it in place for 1 to 2 minutes. If you get a temperature of less than 100 degrees F, re-take the temperature to make sure the thermometer was in place long enough.
The pulse rate and respiration rate will vary from dog to dog, and will also vary if the dog is at rest or working. So, it is a good idea to get normal values for both.
RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF SHOCK
Shock is a condition resulting from a depressed state of many vital body functions, caused by a lack of effective circulation. It is a life threatening condition that is reversible if treated in time. Some causes of shock are; severe loss of blood, burns, trauma, snake bites, poison, lack of oxygen, or prolonged vomiting with diarrhea.
Symptoms of shock include:
Pale color in gums / inside eyelids, capillary refill time greater than 2 seconds.
Dry lips and gums, dehydration.
Excessive drooling in some poison cases.
Weak femoral pulse, rapid 150 to 200 beats per minute.
Rapid heart rate.
Cool Extremities.
Hyperventilation, rapid breathing generally over 25 breaths per minute.
Confusion, restless, anxiousness.
General weakness.
Advanced stages of shock:
Continued depression and weakness to the point of not being able to move or becoming unresponsive or unconscious.
Dilated pupils.
Capillary refill time greater than 4 seconds.
White mucous membranes.
Body temperature below 98 degrees F, taken rectally.
Treatment
ABC's
Insure adequate ventilation.
Control any bleeding.
Keep dog quiet and calm to prevent further injury.
Keep body temperature normal.
Get dog to veterinarian so fluid replacement and medication can be started.
An injured dog or an animal in shock may not recognize you. Your own dog may bite you out of pain or fear. It is very important to talk to the dog in very soft and reassuring tones. If the dog is having trouble breathing or panting heavily do not put a muzzle on it. If a muzzle is placed on the dog it must be monitored at all times and removed at the first sign of overheating or vomiting. Get help, if possible from someone who can help hold the dog, so you can do an examination and/or treat the dog.
WOUNDS AND BLEEDING
Abrasions
Usually minor.
Some bleeding.
Always a possibility of infection.
Treatment
Carefully remove foreign objects and debris.
May have to cut or clip hair away from area.
Clean wound liberally with water and chlorhexidine or Betadine scrubs or solutions if available. If not, any soap will be beneficial. Solution does not have to be rinsed, scrub must be rinsed copiously. (Avoid using hydrogen peroxide. It can damage tissue.)
Major lacerations and bleeding
Can be life threatening.
May need to be sutured by a vet.
By Adela Morris & Shay Cook
</CENTER>
<CENTER>This information is only a guide for giving first aid to a dog.
It is not intended to replace veterinary care, but to
give FIRST AID until you can get professional help.
____________________ </CENTER>
This paper is for Search and Rescue dog handlers who are trained to, at least, the Advanced First Aid and CPR level. We would like to share ideas with you about taking responsibility for your canine partner's health. Learn how to read your dog for signs of a medical problem and how to make decisions about when to get more advanced medical help if needed.
SKELETON OF DOG
http://www.k9forensic.org/dogskelsys.gif
NORMAL VALUES FOR YOUR DOG
<TABLE height=203 cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=10 width=450 align=center border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width="50%" height=23>Capillary refill time</TD><TD width="50%" height=23>less than 1 second</TD></TR><TR><TD width="50%" height=23>Mucous membrane color</TD><TD width="50%" height=23>generally pink</TD></TR><TR><TD width="50%" height=23>Temperature</TD><TD width="50%" height=23>101 to 102 degrees F</TD></TR><TR><TD width="50%" height=71>Pulse rate at rest</TD><TD width="50%" height=71>young dogs 110 - 120 bpm
large breed adult 60-80 bpm
small breed adult 80 - 120 bpm</TD></TR><TR><TD width="50%" height=23>Respiratory rate</TD><TD width="50%" height=23>young 20 - 25
adult 14 - 16</TD></TR><TR><TD width="50%" height=23>Hydration</TD><TD width="50%" height=23>pick up skin and release, it should return within 1 second</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Capillary refill time is measured by pressing on the gums over the canine tooth. Using one finger, press down firmly until the gums turn white under your finger and release. You are looking for the time it took for the color to return. Also, note the color of your dogs gums and mouth. Dogs gum color can vary from black, pink, reddish brown or any combination of colors.
Temperature is taken rectally with an adult rectal thermometer. You should hold it in place for 1 to 2 minutes. If you get a temperature of less than 100 degrees F, re-take the temperature to make sure the thermometer was in place long enough.
The pulse rate and respiration rate will vary from dog to dog, and will also vary if the dog is at rest or working. So, it is a good idea to get normal values for both.
RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF SHOCK
Shock is a condition resulting from a depressed state of many vital body functions, caused by a lack of effective circulation. It is a life threatening condition that is reversible if treated in time. Some causes of shock are; severe loss of blood, burns, trauma, snake bites, poison, lack of oxygen, or prolonged vomiting with diarrhea.
Symptoms of shock include:
Pale color in gums / inside eyelids, capillary refill time greater than 2 seconds.
Dry lips and gums, dehydration.
Excessive drooling in some poison cases.
Weak femoral pulse, rapid 150 to 200 beats per minute.
Rapid heart rate.
Cool Extremities.
Hyperventilation, rapid breathing generally over 25 breaths per minute.
Confusion, restless, anxiousness.
General weakness.
Advanced stages of shock:
Continued depression and weakness to the point of not being able to move or becoming unresponsive or unconscious.
Dilated pupils.
Capillary refill time greater than 4 seconds.
White mucous membranes.
Body temperature below 98 degrees F, taken rectally.
Treatment
ABC's
Insure adequate ventilation.
Control any bleeding.
Keep dog quiet and calm to prevent further injury.
Keep body temperature normal.
Get dog to veterinarian so fluid replacement and medication can be started.
An injured dog or an animal in shock may not recognize you. Your own dog may bite you out of pain or fear. It is very important to talk to the dog in very soft and reassuring tones. If the dog is having trouble breathing or panting heavily do not put a muzzle on it. If a muzzle is placed on the dog it must be monitored at all times and removed at the first sign of overheating or vomiting. Get help, if possible from someone who can help hold the dog, so you can do an examination and/or treat the dog.
WOUNDS AND BLEEDING
Abrasions
Usually minor.
Some bleeding.
Always a possibility of infection.
Treatment
Carefully remove foreign objects and debris.
May have to cut or clip hair away from area.
Clean wound liberally with water and chlorhexidine or Betadine scrubs or solutions if available. If not, any soap will be beneficial. Solution does not have to be rinsed, scrub must be rinsed copiously. (Avoid using hydrogen peroxide. It can damage tissue.)
Major lacerations and bleeding
Can be life threatening.
May need to be sutured by a vet.