If possible, use a pet thermometer but a human thermometer is okay in
an emergency.
1) Put a little bit of lubricant on the tip of the thermometer
2) Talk to the dog and calmly insert the thermometer into the anus (not
too far)
3) Wait 1 minute and remove to get the reading (normal is 100 to 102.5
Fahrenheit)
4) Clean the thermometer thoroughly
BLEEDING:
If bleeding doesn't stop in 5 minutes, try to staunch the flow:
1) Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth/wool pad or hand
2) If blood seeps through, DO NOT REMOVE first cloth but apply another
on top and continue layering as each one is soaked
3) If step 2 fails, find the nearest pressure point and compress the
artery against its underlying bone using the flat part of your fingers;
NOT your thumb or fingertips
4) As a last resort use a tourniquet.
Warning: this can stop
circulation and cause gangrene and should only be used after all other life
saving techniques have failed. Use a ribbon of cloth but do not tie it -
use a stick as a handle and twist like you would use a twist-tie to stop
the flow of blood. Release the pressure every once in a while.
BURNS:
Heat Burns:
Do not apply butter, grease or any ointment
Soak a cloth in cold water and hold gently to burn
Know the differences!
Superficial - painful, reddens the skin,
singes hair BUT hair will not pull out easy
Serious - not painful (nerves have been
destroyed), skin is white, black or brown and hair will pull out easily.
Keep the burn covered with the wet dressing in
turn covered by thick towels
Give water for dehydration unless the dog is
vomititing
Chemical Burns: Wash area with lots and lots of plain water
especially if around the face
If ACID, rinse with a solution of 1
teaspoon bicarbonate of soda to 1 liter of water.
If ALKALI, use water only
Apply ointment to sooth such as olive oil
Muzzle and restrain dog if possible to be
ready for the vet