First Aid – Dog Bleeding
Many dogs have died from shock resulting from profuse bleeding. External bleeding can be easily seen but a dog owner has to recognize the symptoms that the pet is bleeding internally to be able to rush the pet to a veterinary facility as there is no first aid for internal bleeding. A dog’s natural behavior of jumping, running, exploring and chasing prey oftentimes result to accidents. Administering first aid is one of the responsibilities of pet owners. In case of emergency situations involving the pet, the owner should remain calm in order to perform the necessary measures that can save the dog’s life.
Because of the inquisitive and energetic nature, dogs seem to have an invisible magnet for accidents. A dog owner therefore has to have the ability to apply first aid to the pet. Luckily, the injuries commonly sustained by dogs are not serious and can be treated using a dog’s first aid kit. For serious injuries that need professional medical care, the owner’s first aid know how will be important to stabilize the pet before it is transported to the veterinary facility.
Dogs can bleed a lot. Even nail trimming can make a dog bleed. The bleeding of a nail cut too short would seem to be profuse but this is not a serious condition as the bleeding can be easily resolved with Kwik Stop. What first aid methods can you administer to a dog with a profusely bleeding wound?
Pet owners should not be daunted in giving first aid to the pet as the methods would be pretty much the same as the first aid for humans. Bleeding must be controlled as two teaspoons of blood lost for every pound of body weight can make a dog go into shock. To stem the bleeding, a bandage or a towel applied directly to the wound will put on pressure that will control bleeding. Another towel must be placed on top of the one already soaked to maintain pressure. To reduce bleeding, the injured body part must be elevated above the heart. Excessive bleeding can be controlled by applying pressure to the pressure points. Heavy bleeding can be stopped with tourniquet but this method is dangerous and must only be done by a qualified person or it can result to the amputation of a limb.
Internal bleeding is rather hard to recognize as no bleeding will be noticed in the dog. A dog hit by a car or one that has fallen from heights can have internal bleeding. Typical symptoms of internal bleeding are pale gums, weak pulse and shallow breathing. There is no first aid for a dog that is bleeding internally. The pet must have immediate medical attention.
Bleeding? More information on this and first aid for dogs can be found at Sarah’s Dogs.
Why Do Dogs Wag Their Tails?
Are you or are you not in favor of docking dogs? Doberman Pinchers, Rottweiler, German Short Haired Pointers are some of the breeds with docked tails. Tail docking is commonly done in accordance with a kennel club standard. Docking is a procedure usually done to working dogs for the purpose of protecting the tail from possible injuries. If you know why a dog wags its tail, you probably would think twice about having the tail of the pet docked. Do you know the reasons why dogs wag their tails?
Dogs are not the only animals with tails but tail wagging is usually manifested by dogs. Dogs use the tail in many ways. A well feathered tail is an asset that gets the dog lots of attention. The tail though is a very important appendage for a dog. The tail becomes a rudder for retrievers, a balancing tool that allows dogs to negotiate sharp curves and steep cliffs and ravines. The most important function of a tail is as an effective communication tool.
Dogs’ ability to communicate is limited, nevertheless, they can still convey what they feel to humans and animals by using the tail as well as other body parts. Dogs can convey their intentions and make humans understand what they feel by using the movements of the eyes, the ears as well as the wagging of the tail .
The dog’s tail wagging is the counterpart of human’s smile and handshake. Because of a smile, people can gain friends. Dogs are the most popular choice for a pet because of their friendly nature. To gain friends; the dog’s tail will do the talking. A dog with a happily wagging tail will get lots of human friends. An observant owner will be able to understand what the pet is feeling.
Fast wagging is indicative of excitement. A dog meeting the master at the gate with a happily wagging tail may be looking forward to a walk or to receiving a treat. Apart from being social animals, dogs are pack oriented thus they would need to have well defined hierarchy. Tail wagging specifies the dog’s rank in the pack. A dominant dog will hold the tail high and wag it stiffly. Lower ranked dogs wag tails that hare held lower slowly. Wagging the tail has another important function for a dog – identification. Every time the tail is wagged, the odor that identifies the dog from other dogs is released by the glands. This secretion that is released by the glands are pheromones that identify the dog.
Learn more about why dogs wag their tails and first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.
Dog Health : How to Pack a First-Aid Kit for Pets
First aid kits for dogs? Why not? If your dog injures himself and neeeds to go to the vet, it would be helpful to be able to get him to the stage where he can travel safely. The first thing to consider is a bandage to stop any bleeding…
A first-aid kit for pets should have brown gauze, bandages, a pair of scissors and a pair of tweezers. Find out how to organize medical supplies to prepare for pet injuries withhelp from a veterinarian in this free video on dog health and first-aid kits. Expert: Gregory McDonald Contact: www.petpointers.com Bio: Dr. Gregory McDonald earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ohio State University in 1979.