In your furry companion’s lifetime, it’s inevitable for them to be injured in ways that need immediate assistance. When you walk in the streets, it’s common to see wounded stray dogs. Even if your pet is well taken care of in the house, the accidents could be unpredictable and may occur at times you’d never expect. This is why it’s crucial to have a fundamental knowledge of handling injured dogs.
So what should you do when your fur baby encounters an accident that needs to be dealt with immediately?
How to Take Care of Pet Injuries
You might have first aid kits ready should one of your loved ones cut themselves unintentionally. But do you know how to respond when your dog chokes on a bone and hurts itself? Learning the essential pet first-aid techniques might outline the difference between life and death. When your furry buddy encounters emergency situations, below are five safe and effective methods to respond.
1. Never hug or squeeze them
Although your intention is to calm or comfort the wounded animal, refrain from touching or hugging them. Even the gentlest pet will bite and strike back if hurt, so never try to hug them and always stay away from its mouth. If you suspect joint fractures or damaged bones judging from their movements, take them to a dog surgeon for immediate treatment.
2. Examine the injury thoroughly
Most of the time, it’s easy to say if a pet is hurt due to visible signs. However, injuries are sometimes tough to discover, so we’ve listed the common symptoms of injuries you must watch out for to evaluate what your pet is going through.
- Swelling of a body part
- Unusual warmth in their body’s certain areas
- Limping and other adjustments in their movement
- Barking or whimpering when touching a certain spot
- Don’t want to be handled in a specific spot
When you observe these signs in your pet, it’s a good idea to bring them to centers specializing in vet pharmacy to pinpoint the specific conditions or injuries causing them discomfort.
3. Muzzle the dog when only necessary
When your pet is displaying hostility and is trying to bite you, this is when muzzling is essential. However, never do this if your canine is experiencing chest injuries, short breathing, or vomiting, as these might choke them and intensify their condition. If you should muzzle your pet, use stockings, towels, a piece of bandage, or a tie.
4. Stop the bleeding
If your pet has bleeding wounds, using a clean cloth or towel and applying light pressure to the injury may stop the bleeding. If the wounds still bleed profusely despite your efforts, go to an emergency animal center, as this might be a severe wound.
Have you just got a newborn pet? Take them to professionals specializing in puppy care in Walnut Creek consistently to guarantee they get all the needed veterinary care to grow up healthy and strong.
5. Transport them with care
When taking your furry buddy to the vet center, keep them confined in a small space to prevent more injuries. Pet carriers are the recommended option, but a container or box with adequate ventilation is also useful if you do not have one. To keep your pet comfy inside, you may try putting towels or soft blankets to guarantee they don’t lie on a hard surface.