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How To Know If Your Dog's Injury/Illness Requires First-Aid or Emergency Room 
 
by Bruce Thomas May 24, 2005

CONVULSIONS AND FITS:

Single convulsion - may last a minute or two and not happen again in 24 hours

Continuous convulsions - lasts a minute or two and happens again within 24 hours

  • Gently restrain dog by placing a towel over it
  • Do not put your hand on the dog
  • Do not put your hand in or near the dog's mouth
  • When convulsion has ceased, get the dog to a vet right away. A single convulsion is not as serious as continuous ones but do require a check up.

EYE INJURY:

Bleeding - apply direct pressure with dry gauze and go to vet

Penetration - DO NOT REMOVE any objects stuck in the eye. A foreign object in a dog's eye is an extremely serious situation. Apply a cold compress around the area (not covering the object as this may push it in further) for comfort. Get the dog to the vet immediately.

SHOCK:

Much like humans, animals may be in shock following an accident or illness. There are varying degrees of the loose term 'shock' but watch for the following signs of true shock in a dog which requires emergency care even if the dog seems alright after an accident:

  • weakness, collapse, coma, unconsciousness
  • pale color mouth, lips and eyelids,
  • coolness of skin and legs
  • rapid but weak pulse (possibly over 140 per minute), rapid respiration (over 40 per minute)
  • staring eyes and dilated pupils

Treat shock as follows:

1) Keep airways open, give artificial respiration if needed, bandage wounds and splint broken bones

2) Conserve body heat by wrapping the dog in towels or blankets. If the animal is unconscious, keep the head lower than the rest of the body. If the animal is awake, keep it horizontal and wrapped up

3) Take the dog to emergency care immediately. Time is important in shock cases as intravenous fluids may be needed

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