Basic First Aid For Dogs: Cuts And Scrapes

The majority of injuries to your pooch that may require first aid for dogs
are usually in the form of cuts and scrapes that are easily obtained whilst
your dog is playing with another dog or human. We all know how easy it is
to cut our fingers when messing around in the home, and this is no
different for dogs. As a result, a basic knowledge in first aid for dogs is
absolutely necessary for any owner wanting to do what is right by his or
her pet.

It is easy to leave a cut or scrape to heal without administering first aid
for dogs, but that is not in the best interests of your dog. Although the
majority of cuts will heal well enough, what about the one that becomes
infected? Dogs do not think about staying clean when they’re enjoying
themselves in the mud, and it only takes one spore of bacteria to get into
a cut to really cause a mess. This is the reason why it is necessary to
administer minor first aid for dogs to all cuts, no matter how small!

That is not to say that all first aid for dogs carried out on cuts and
scrapes will be of the minor variety. Some cuts are much more serious and
require a good level of dog first aid knowledge. You should always monitor
a deep cut and time how long it takes it to stop bleeding. If the cut or
wound is still bleeding after four minutes then major dog first aid is
required. Alternatively if common sense tells you that it is more serious,
administer first aid for dogs straight away.

First aid for dogs to more serious wound is very similar to that
administered to humans. Put pressure on the wound whilst seeking veterinary
help. Once a cloth is placed over the wound, leave it there. Even if the
blood begins to seep through the cloth, simply place another cloth over the
top. If an artery is severed then plug it at the source with two fingers.
This may sound familiar for those who have attended a human first aid
course, but if your dog’s life is at risk then this can easily be
translated into first aid for dogs and used in the midst of the crisis!