Emergency First Aid Tips

Stay calm
In an emergency, you must first stay calm. Call your veterinarian to make sure the clinic is open. If not, call the nearest emergency pet clinic. Keep emergency phone numbers near your telephone. Unless you have been trained and are absolutely positive you can administer CPR to your dog, it's best - and safest - to seek immediate veterinary care.

Things you can do before going to the clinic:

• Wrap your dog in a heavy towel or blanket to keep him warm and restrict his movements. Ask someone to assist you if possible.
  
  
• Apply a pressure bandage (sterile gauze or a clean handkerchief) to stem or stop the bleeding of a cut or bite.
  
  
• Apply a cold compress to a burn and gently hold it there until you get to the veterinary clinic.
  
  
• Do not induce vomiting if you suspect or know your dog has swallowed a poisonous substance.
  
  
• At any sign of choking (drooling, difficulty swallowing, pawing at the mouth, gagging), do not attempt to remove the item.
  
  
• If your dog suffers from heatstroke, take him to a cool spot and sponge him with cold water. Encourage your dog to drink small amounts of water.
  
  
• If your dog suffers from frostbite, place him in a warm room immediately. Thaw out the frostbitten areas slowly by applying warm moist towels that are changed frequently until the area becomes flushed. Severe frostbite can result in damaged paws and ear tips, so it is best to let your veterinarian determine the extent of the damage as soon as possible.