Dogs are quite playful which makes them susceptible to accidents. An injury is an uncomfortable experience, and a wounded dog will not only be hurting be will also be scared. It is therefore up to you to step up and aid them in getting rid of the pain and ensure their comfort during the recovery process. Many dog owners have a difficult time caring for their injured pets not because they don’t care, but they have no ideas on how to approach dog care. So, how do you ensure your dog’s comfort after an injury or surgery?
Giving first aid to your dog
When caring for your precious dog at home, it is imperative that you know what to do before you get to the emergency room. Below are tips to help you learn how to administer first aid to an injured animal properly.
Restrain the wounded animal
Remember, the dog is in pain and is therefore likely to be afraid and confused. Therefore, even the gentlest animal might scratch or bite if injured. A combination of pain and fear makes dogs unpredictable and sometimes even dangerous. Take advantage of the following tips to restrain your injured dog.
- Approach slowly and talk in a reassuring tone while observing its facial expressions.
- If it is growling and hiding in the kennel, do not attempt to pet it or hug it. Also, keep your face away from the dog’s mouth.
- If it is shivering and not wide-eyed, you can try to pet it and reassure it.
- Gently and slowly examine the injury and stop whenever the dog becomes agitated.
- If necessary, place a muzzle on him or her to prevent biting. You can use towels, gauze rolls or stockings for muzzling. But, NEVER muzzle your dog if he/she is vomiting.
- Stabilize injuries by bandaging or splinting depending on the type of injury before you attempt moving your dog.
- Arrange for a pet carrier. If you have a dog carrier at home take him/her to the vet in it. A carrier restricts movements hence reducing the pain and discomfort. If you don’t have one, arrange for a pet carrier immediately.
Any treatment or first aid care administered should be followed by immediate professional veterinary care. Always carry medical records when visiting the vet.
Essential of a dog first aid kit.
Whether you take care of him/her at home or prefer a dog daycare, you should ensure that a dog first aid kit has the following items.
- Adhesive tape
- Scissors
- Gauze pads and gauze bandages
- Strips of clean cloth
- Safety pins
- Wooden paint-mixing sticks for splints
- Muzzle
- Tongue depressor or wooden ruler for tourniquet
- Rectal thermometer
- Hydrocortisone cream
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
- Fresh bottled water
- Saline eyewash
- Diphenhydramine
- Leash
- Wire cutters
- Tweezers
- Cotton batting
- Pliers
- Blankets and towels
- Nylon rope
Aftercare
After administering first aid and taking an injured dog to the vet, you will also need to provide aftercare. Aftercare ensures a successful recovery after an injury.
- Provide adequate diet and fluids: When your dog is fighting his/her way through a serious injury, illness or surgery, fluids and nutrients ensure an optimal recovery. Sick animals are unable to make adaptive responses that aid in utilizing fat for energy. Therefore, there is a negative energy balance that can cause slow and poor wound healing, organ dysfunction, digestive tract dysfunction and reduced immunity. Have a diet chart to help you give him/her the much needed balanced diet for quick healing and recovery.
- Administer full medication course: Good medicine helps bring about a return to good health. All medication should be strictly provided and completed to ensure a full recovery. Sometimes, your dog may recover before a full medication course. However, don’t think that the wounds are completely healed. Incomplete medication can cause future complications.
- Caring for the injuries: This involves a thorough check for any signs of discharge, heat, odor, swelling and skin irritation. If your dog has a bandage, it should not get wet or soiled with dirt. Also, consider using a collar or putting him/her in a kennel to prevent self-injury.
- Watching out for signs of trouble: These include lethargy, vomiting, swelling, excessive redness, discharge, and bleeding.
More often than not, you might be willing but unable to deliver adequate care for your dog. If you are a dog owner in Lakewood or Golden, you might want to consider hiring professional dog training and dog care services. Find a reputable dog boarding facility to help with the aftercare. So, what are the benefits of dog daycare?
Expert care
A good dog day carecenter employs experts in proper dog supervision, pack behavior, dog discipline techniques, emergencies, first aid, and aftercare. Besides, experts have experience in pet care and are therefore in a better position to ensure your dog’s comfort and swift recovery.
Temperature control
Regardless of the time of the year, you want to ensure that your dog is comfortable. With Pet Peeves LLC, this is made possible since they understand the challenges of the cold.
Exercise: Dogs get plenty of exercise at a boarding center. Exercise plays a significant role in healing and recovery. Regular exercise improves your canine’s mood and overall health. A day care is also an excellent outlet for your dog’s pent up energy. Moreover, exercising brings about mental stimulation which prevents boredom and keeps their brains from focusing on the injury.
Safety
You should not leave an injured dog unattended. By taking them to a dog boarding center, they are continuously monitored, and the excitement level is always under control. Moreover, monitoring also involves log books and behavior reports which help detect behavioral problems and recovery progress.
With a myriad of dog training and dog boarding centers in Golden and Lakewood areas, you want to be confident that you are choosing a place where your dog will be safe and happy. Pet Peeves LLC has a team of highly trained and experienced professionals who have passed certifications for animal care and customer service. Let your dog experience exceptional dog care at Pet Peeves LLC, a home away from home.
