Dog First Aid Manual: Emergencies, Poisoning, Gastric Torsion and Injuries
Life-saving steps for your dog: normal vital signs, what to do after a viper bite, poisoning or heatstroke, and what NOT to do.
In Brief
- First aid does NOT replace the vet: it only serves to stabilise the dog while you get it to the clinic.
- Normal values at rest: temperature 38.0 - 39.0 °C, heart rate 60-140 bpm (depending on size), breathing rate 10-30 breaths/min.
- If you suspect poisoning, do NOT make the dog vomit if the substance is corrosive or acidic, or if the dog is unconscious.
- In heatstroke, wet the groin, paws and neck with room-temperature water (NEVER ice directly).
- Learn the route and the phone number of the 24h veterinary clinic nearest your home in advance.
How to Check Your Dog's Vital Signs
Before panicking, or while calling the clinic ahead, being able to report your dog's vital signs helps the vet on duty prepare the emergency room:
- Gum colour: lift the lip. The gums should be bright pink. White or pale gums suggest shock or internal bleeding; bluish gums suggest cyanosis or asphyxia; bright red or yellowish gums suggest systemic infection or jaundice.
- Capillary refill time (CRT): press the gum with your thumb for two seconds and release. The pink colour should return in under 2 seconds. Longer than 2 seconds signals circulatory shock.
- Heartbeat: place your hand on the left side of the chest just behind the elbow, or feel the femoral pulse on the inside of the back thigh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my dog is bitten by a viper?
Keep the dog completely still (agitation speeds up the spread of venom through the lymphatic system). Do not cut the wound, do not suck out the venom and do not apply a tight tourniquet. Carry the dog to the car and drive to the nearest clinic with intensive monitoring.