Traffic Accidents
A traffic accident is probably the most common cause of serious injury to a cat or dog. Always approach the animal with caution, it may react aggressively because of the pain. Move the dog as little as possible, but if you must move it, it is probably best to use a blanket, sliding it underneath the dog. Seek the assistance of another person and lift the dog gently to safety. Check for heartbeat and any haemorrhaging. Attempt to stem excessive bleeding by holding a clean pad or clean handkerchief over the wound, binding it tightly with a makeshift bandage. Call the nearest vet's surgery to warn of your arrival.

Burns
The only recommended first aid is to clean off the offending substance and immerse the body part under cold running water for as long as possible. Seek professional advice immediately.

Heat Stroke
This occurs most commonly when a dog has been left alone on a hot day without ventilation. If your dog has not already collapsed it may be panting, vomiting or frothing at the mouth. Remove froth and lower the dog's temperature as soon as possible by placing or dousing the animal in cold water. Take the dog to the vet immediately where it will be treated with drugs and more cold water.

Poisoning
Signs of poisoning may include collapse, muscular twitching, vomiting, bleeding or convulsion. Do not hesitate to contact the vet. Take some of the noxious substance to the vet with you if you know what it is. If the dog has recently swallowed the poison, try to make it vomit. methods are a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. Mix the regular Chemist strength of hydrogen peroxide (3%) with an equal part of water, but do not attempt to pour it down your dog's throat, as that could cause inhalation pneumonia. Instead, simply pull the dog's lips away from the side of his mouth, making a pocket for depositing the liquid. Use at least a tablespoon of the mixture for every ten pounds of your dog's weight. Once the mixture has been given, he will begin to vomit in about two minutes. When his stomach has settled, give him a teaspoon of Epsom salts in a little water, as this will empty the intestines quickly. The hydrogen peroxide, on ingestion, becomes oxygen and water and is harmless to your dog; it is one of the best antidotes for phosphorus, which is often used in rat poisons. After you have administered this treatment to your pet and his stomach and bowels have been emptied, rush him to your veterinarian for further care.

Other methods are Salt and mustard in water, or a small piece of washing soda (sodium carbonate pushed down the throat.See the more extensive articles on poisons below.

Drowning
It is a popular misconception that all dogs can swim, but this is not always the case. You must attempt to empty the dog's lungs of water as soon as possible. Place the dog's head lower than its body, open its mouth and begin to pump the chest by pressing down on the ribs and releasing the pressure immediately. Repeat at five-second intervals.

Choking
Sometimes a piece of stick, bone or small rubber ball may get stuck in a dog's throat. Your dog may be unable to breath as a result and swift action is necessary. Open the dog's mouth carefully and see if you can see the object. Pumping the chest, as in the case of drowning (see above) may dislodge the foreign body, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible where the object can be removed under anaesthetic.

COURTESY Collins Dog Photo-guide

Sticks and Dogs

Can I remind everyone: "Never to play with and throw sticks for their dogs".

Yet another dog has died recently. That is the 3rd I know of locally already this year and many others have had horrific injuries. What generally happens is the dog is running with the stick and because of distractions it turns it's head and then back, the stick digs into the ground and is propelled down the throat or up through the soft palate and into the brain.

A lady has just contacted me for behavioural therapy because a bamboo cane splintered in her puppy's throat, after numerous operations the Puppy is now fearful and anxious of handling and is showing initial signs of aggression because of the trauma.

On top of that when chewing sticks they can inhale the small fibres, this can cause lung problems. Once you start your dog with sticks Mother Nature takes over and scatters them everywhere. Therefore the key is ignore dogs and puppies with sticks and stimulate them with something else like a frisbee, ball, or special retriever dummies.