Pet First Aid &
Administering Medicine

Not every health problem your pet encounters will require emergency medical care.
With some illnesses or injuries, symptoms may develop slowly or seem minor on the surface,
thereby making it difficult to determine the need for immediate medical care.
Use the tips below to guide you.

Remember, whenever you are uncertain about the severity
of a pet's medical problem, call your veterinarian or emergency facility.

Labored Breathing
Labored breathing -- coupled with pale or bluish mucous membranes of the mouth and gums -- may indicate heart failure, lung disease, or a major chemical imbalance. Dogs are not as good as people in shedding excess heat. You should take general care during hot and summer weather that your dog does not get too hot. Make sure shade and water is available and that there is some fresh air. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN A CAR on a hot day! Cars heat up much more quickly than you think and that one inch or so of open window will not help. If you park in the shade, the sun may move more quickly than you think. A water-filled pump sprayer can help keep your dog cool. But your best bet is to prevent overheating.

Serious Bleeding
Apply direct pressure to the wound and seek medical help immediately.

Major Trauma
If your pet has fallen, been struck by a moving vehicle, or suffers multiple wounds from an unseen accident, see a veterinarian...even if your pet initially appears unharmed.

Wounds
Wounds that penetrate the skin are contaminated and may become infected within several hours. Many wounds that seem minor on the surface -- such as bite wounds -- often hide more extensive injuries to vital tissues below.

Collapsing
Illness or injury can make your pet too weak to stand. Neurological problems can impair or prevent normal movement and further attempts at walking may result in even greater injury.

Poisoning
When you know or suspect that your pet has ingested a poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or emergency facility immediately to receive emergency instructions and to assess the need for additional medical treatment.

Vomiting or Diarrhea
Many diseases begin with vomiting and/or diarrhea. Regardless of the underlying cause, multiple episodes can lead to severe dehydration and shock.

Infections
If you discover an infected wound or abscess, or if your pet suddenly becomes worse while on medications for infection, see a veterinarian. Infections may spread and cause toxicity.

Constipation or Difficulty in Urinating
Be observant here... your pet may appear to be straining due to constipation. Attempting to urinate without normal urine flow can signal an obstruction which may lead to uremic poisoning and ultimately could result in death.

Eyes Problems
Redness, tearing, pain, and eyelid spasms usually suggest an acute problem in one or both eyes. Such symptoms can go quickly from bad to worse..

Paralysis or Seizure
If your pet is unable to walk, he or she may have a ruptured disc or other neurological problem where time may be of the essence in treatment.

Head Tilt
Both of these symptoms may indicate a central nervous system problem that requires immediate attention.

Administering Medicine
There are many devices to aid in administering medicine. In particular, pill plungers are effective and available by mail order. A syringe with no needle is good for liquids. Ask your vet for some other ideas.


Pills
Open your pet's mouth and drop the pill down as far back as you can, on top of and in the center of the tongue. Close the his mouth and hold it shut while stroking the throat until your he swallows. If it licks its nose, chances are that it swallowed the pill. Giving it a treat afterwards helps insure that the pill is swallowed. You can try hiding the pills in a treat, say cheese or peanut butter. Pill plungers work well, also.

Liquids
Tilt the chin up at 45 degrees, and place the neck of the bottle into the cheek pouch, between the molar teeth and the cheek. Seal the lips around it with your fingers and pour in the liquid. Large amounts can be given this way. Hold the muzzle firmly while the he swallows. Bottles, syringes and eyedroppers can be used. Your vet can help you out here.

Eye Drops
If you must administer eye drops to your pet and it resists, try the following trick: stand behind him and hold the eye open to administer the drops. You don't appear as dominating this way.