First Aid

Bites: A dog may get bitten during a fight with another dog, or this can happen when two boisterous youngsters are playing together. In some instances, a dog may have been bitten by a rat. The best treatment is to bathe the affected area with a good antiseptic in order to prevent an infection. On rare occasions, a dog may be bitten by a snake, and if this happens the dog should be kept quiet, and the vet should be contacted immediately.

Burns: A dog may bum itself by lying too close to an electric fire, so it is wise to always use a fire- guard. Perhaps more common, is a scald which a dog can get from boiling water spilt from a pan or a kettle. The most important thing to do is to soak the affected area with cold water, as a dog's coat will retain the heat. If possible, trim the hair from the scalded area, as blisters may appear, and these could become an open wound within a few days. In some severe cases the hair will not re-grow. If it is a very bad scald, keep the dog quiet, and call the vet immediately.

Heatstroke: Despite repeated warnings to all dog-owners, the most common cause of heatstroke is dogs being left in cars in hot weather. It is not sufficient to park the car in the shade, or leave the windows open. Dogs have a fur coat, and they are therefore very susceptible to over-heating. It can also occur if an old dog lies out in the sun for too long, particularly if it has a bad heart and is overweight. The signs of heatstroke are rapid heavy panting, restlessness, and eventual collapse. It is imperative to reduce the dog's temperature as quickly as possible - by any means that are available. Ideally, hose the dog with cold water, particularly around the neck. Give it a small amount of water to drink, and then contact your vet for further advice.

Torsion and Bloat: Most of the large deep-chested breeds are prone to this. The stomach blows up like a balloon, and it can kill very quickly. It is vital to get to the vet without delay, as the condition is rapidly fatal.