Was there ever a time when dog first aid would have reduced your dog's pain and suffering? Or perhaps even saved the life of a poisoned or injured dog?

First aid for dogs, just like first aid for humans, is an effective combination of knowledge, supplies and skills, put into action for the benefit of your four-legged friend.

Along with a clear head and a good supply of confidence, anyone, including a child, can use them to save a dog's life. Dog First Aid 101 will help you with all of them, including the confidence.

Before Emergencies Happen

As important as it is to know what to do during a crisis, and how to do it, it's even more important to avoid the situations that put dogs at risk. Prevention is the key.

• All dogs, especially inquisitive puppies and poorly trained dogs, get into mischief. This can lead to poisoning from ingesting a cleaning product or chewing on a toxic houseplant, asphyxiating on a small object found on the floor, or electrocution from chewing an electric cord. Outdoor hazards like toxic garden plants and pesticides are equally dangerous. Time invested dog-proofing your home will prevent such incidents.


• A calm dog is a safer dog. She's much less likely to bolt into traffic or hurt herself trying to hide from a thunderstorm. And if she suffers from separation anxiety, she can get into a lot of trouble while you're out. Learn ways to calm her and relieve her anxiety.


• A daily check helps you keep up with changes in your dog, so you can catch them early, before they worsen. Regular grooming helps prevent ear and eye infections, along with hot spots and skin conditions. Daily brushing keeps her teeth and gums healthy, and regular exercise keeps her whole body healthy. All of these activities give her the attention she needs and craves, which helps with behavioral problems.


• Activities away from home are also dangerous. Your dog can be seriously hurt, and even injure other passengers, in a traffic accident. She needs to be restrained while in the car, for her safety and yours. Learn why it's important to put a canine float coat on her when she's in the boat or even swimming. And learn why it's even more important to put a reflective safety vest on her if you take her hunting with you.


• An obedient dog is a safer dog. If she's trained to obey you, you'll be able to control her in unusual and provocative situations. Learn about the value of proof-training her so she's ready for real-world experiences. Also learn how to pick a professional dog trainer who suits your learning style, and your dog's.

Prevention can't remove all risk to your dog. Preparation is important for effective treatment of any injury or illness.

• If you live in an area subject to floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, forest fires, tornadoes, volcanoes or even toxic waste spills, you need a disaster plan,an evacuation kit and a dog first aid kit for you and your dog. Nowhere in recent memory has this been so clearly demonstrated as it was with Hurricane Katrina, which left thousands of pets stranded as their owners had to leave them behind in their race to safety.


• You'll need a dog first aid kit. You can put one together yourself, to suit your dog's needs. Or you can buy a prepackaged dog first aid kit, and customize it with extra supplies. Now is the time to become familiar with the supplies in a canine first aid kit.


• If you're familiar with the signs and symptoms of illnesses and injuries that can harm your dog, you can provide the right aid faster, and more confidently. Learn how to recognize the signs of poisoning, illness and shock. Read up on how to determine if she has broken bones after an accident. Know the symptoms of illnesses and diseases that are common in your dog's breed.
  
  Also read a dog first aid book and the information here in Dog First Aid 101 so that you'll know what to do if you ever have to treat her. It's very hard to concentrate, and even harder to learn, when you're panicked. Prepare now so you don't panic later.

During Emergencies

You'll need to act quickly and correctly if your dog, or any other dog, is seriously ill, injured or poisoned. Learn what dog first aid to provide in various situations to relieve her suffering and keep her alive until the veterinarian can take over.

Serious injuries mean handling your dog carefully and transporting her to the veterinary clinic. You'll have to lift her in a way that limits any further damage, and minimizes her pain.

What You'll Find Here

Dog First Aid 101 is your source for information on all these aspects of canine care. Throughout the site, you'll find links to valuable resources, along with recommendations for products to help you keep your dog healthy and safe. We're here to help you help your dog, so that she’ll continue to live a long, happy life.

May You Never Need It

I hope you never have to use any of the emergency and first aid information and resources you'll find in Dog First Aid 101. And I hope you'll use all of the prevention and preparation information, so that your dog can continue to live a happy, healthy life with you.

Don't Put It Off

Planning and preparing for your dog's emergency are like writing your will — they're not something many of us want to do, or even consider. But just like a will, you do need to have them, for your dog's sake. You'll feel better knowing that you can keep your dog alive and reduce her suffering during any emergency situation.

Subscribe to It's A Dog's Life - YOUR Dog's!, our monthly newsletter with in depth information to help you keep your dog safe and healthy. Fill out the form below. You'll then receive an email asking you to confirm that you subscribed. And you'll always have the option to unsubscribe at the click of your mouse.

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