Puppy first aid
Hopefully your puppy will never seriously hurt himself but, being the high energy bundle that he is, he's bound to get into a few scrapes now and then and it's useful to have knowledge of basic first aid.
First Aid Box
You should always keep a few basic items on hand for emergencies, such as: cotton bandages, cotton wool or lint to clean wounds, mild pet-friendly antiseptic to wash wounds and a pair of tweezers for removing stings or objects from the mouth.
Bones, Sticks, Balls
Bones, sticks and balls can get lodged in or across the roof of a dog's mouth. If this happens, you may notice your dog pawing at his mouth, or he may find it difficult to close his jaws. You might be able to remove the object by hand or with tweezers, but if not, you'll need to get your vet to do it. He or she will use sedation to make removal easier. As always, prevention is better than cure, so never let your dog play with small balls and avoid throwing sticks.
Burns
If your puppy gets burned by hot water, oil, chemicals or ice, he'll need immediate attention. Minor burns can be treated at home - clean the affected area with a mild antiseptic and apply a soothing cream or gel such as aloe vera. Severe burns will need veterinary attention, so take your puppy to the vet straight away.
Cuts and wounds
Puppies may suffer from cuts or wounds particularly to their feet if they run on something sharp like broken glass. Clean the affected area with as dilute disinfectant such as Hibiscrub and apply a bandage if necessary. Consult your vet if you cannot stop the bleeding or the wound is severe.
Dog bites
If your puppy is unlucky enough to be bitten by another dog, it's always worth getting him checked over by the vet. Make a routine appointment if the bite or bites are minor and make sure your pet is seen as an emergency if they're severe.
Ear Problems
Your puppy's ears should be shiny, pale pink inside and free from wax or discharge. They should not smell unpleasant.
All ear problems require the attention of a vet.
Eye problems
If your puppy has any problems with his eyes such as a scratch or conjunctivitis, you should see your vet. Try to stop your puppy rubbing his eye if you can.
Conseils savoureux
Fits
A fit can be recognized by sudden, uncontrolled, spasmodic movements, often with champing of the jaw, and salivating. A fitting dog will usually fall onto its side and not be aware of its surroundings.
If your puppy does have a fit, don't try to restrain him. Instead, try to remove any furniture or hard objects around him he could hurt himself on. Turn off all stimuli such as lights, radio, television, washing machine etc, and darken the room so he can recover quietly.
You should always consult your vet if your puppy has a fit.
Fractured or pulled-off claws
These can be very painful and tend to quickly become infected. Bleeding is often profuse. If possible try to apply a bandage to the foot and then take your puppy to the vet as antibiotics are often required and the claw may sometimes need to be clipped back under sedation or anaesthetic .
Heat Stroke
The best advice as far as heat stroke is concerned is that prevention is better than cure. Make sure your puppy doesn't stay out in the sun for too long on hot days and that he's not out in the midday heat.
If, despite your best efforts, he does get mild heatstroke, cool him down as best you can with wet towels or a fan, get him to drink plenty of cool water and make sure he gets lots of rest.
Serious heatstroke will require the attention of a vet.
Lameness
If your puppy is obviously in pain and can't put any weight on his leg you should take him to the vet immediately to rule out the possibility of a fracture.
In less severe cases, check the pad for thorns, embedded grit or cuts and look for damaged nails.
Poisoning
Puppies are very inquisitive and there's always the possibility your puppy will get hold of something he shouldn't. Like heatstroke , prevention is better than cure and you need to puppy proof your home and garden to ensure he can't get at things that could be harmful like slug pellets, bleach or human chocolate. If you suspect that you pet has digested something he shouldn't have done then always bring the packaging to your vet as this will help them identify the problem and source an antidote.
If the worst does happen, see your vet as an emergency.
Road Traffic Accidents
If your puppy has been involved in an accident, you should call your vet straight away. Your puppy may be in shock and could react unpredictably. So approach him slowly and carefully. If possible, lift your dog onto a blanket (or use the mat from the car foot well), then get him to the vet as quickly as you can. If he cannot be moved, you may have to ask your vet to visit the scene.
Stings and insect bites
If your puppy has severe swelling around his mouth, nose or throat that could cause breathing difficulties due to a sting , you should get him to the vet's immediately.
If the sting or bite isn't causing any serious problems, you can alleviate your puppy's discomfort by applying a cold compress to the affected area.
Articles Associés
Les démangeaisons excessives chez le chien
Comprendre les causes potentielles des démangeaisons excessives chez le chien et comment y remédier. Découvrez comment soulager votre chien avec les conseils des experts de Hill's Pet FR.
Les chiens nains: ce qu'il faut savoir
Découvrez des informations essentielles sur les soins à apporter aux chiens nains et leurs besoins spécifiques. Pour des conseils complets sur les races naines et la santé du chien, consultez le site Hill's Pet FR.
La science derrière le chien et son comportement
Découvrez comment la science du chien nous permet de mieux comprendre le fonctionnement interne du meilleur ami de l’homme.
Qu'est-ce que le syndrome du petit chien?
Découvrez les causes du syndrome du petit chien et apprenez à prévenir les problèmes de comportement chez les petits chiens. Vous trouverez d'autres conseils sur la santé et le comportement canins sur Hill's Pet FR.
Mettez votre chien au régime sans qu'il le sache
Notre formule hypocalorique vous aide à contrôler le poids de votre chien. Riche en protéines de haute qualité pour développer une masse musculaire maigre, elle est élaborée avec des ingrédients ciblés pour un repas savoureux et nutritif. Des antioxydants cliniquement prouvés, comme les vitamines C et E, contribuent au bon fonctionnement du système immunitaire.
Mettez votre chien au régime sans qu'il le sache
Notre formule hypocalorique vous aide à contrôler le poids de votre chien. Riche en protéines de haute qualité pour développer une masse musculaire maigre, elle est élaborée avec des ingrédients ciblés pour un repas savoureux et nutritif. Des antioxydants cliniquement prouvés, comme les vitamines C et E, contribuent au bon fonctionnement du système immunitaire.