Emergency Care for Your Dog

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Heat Stroke
Exercising in hot weather, lack of shade, no fresh drinking water, excessive excitement, or leaving a dog in a secure but poorly ventilated car are a few of the ways dogs can suffer heat stroke. When you're outdoors with your dog during the warm weather, look for signs of heat stroke. If you suspect heat stroke, immerse him in cool water or spray with a hose to help lower his body temperature. If you have access to ice packs, place them on his head and neck and move him to a cool place immediately. Of course, see a veterinarian as soon as possible to avoid potential complications.

Poisonous Plants
When you're outdoors, who knows what hazards lie underfoot. Potentially serious threats to your dog is any are poisonous plants.

Porcupines
Curiosity in the wild has lead to many an encounter between dogs and porcupines; dogs usually suffer the consequences with quills left in their faces, necks, and front legs. A dog's natural response to this is to roll and paw at himself. This only makes the situation worse. If your dog meets with a porcupine, it's important to put him on a leash to keep him under control. Then seek veterinary help as quickly as possible. For this reason, it's a good idea to keep a leash in your car, even if you let your dog go with you off leash while you're out together.

Insect Stings
Dogs tend to get stung in the mouth, or on the nose or feet. Signs of an insect sting include: scratching and licking the head, or rubbing it on the ground; swelling of the head, face, tongue, or limbs; excessive salivation; and the presence of a stinger. If the stinger is still intact, carefully remove it; apply a cold compress to the wound. Once home, a paste of baking soda and water will help relieve the irritation of a bee sting, while a mixture of vinegar and lemon juice works against wasp stings. If your dog has a severe reaction, veterinary treatment may be required.

Snakebites
If your dog is bitten by a nonpoisonous snake, see your veterinarian for appropriate treatment. If the snake is poisonous, the need for treatment is more urgent. If possible, try to identify the kind of snake for the veterinarian.

Frostbite
Frostbite in dogs occurs primarily on the ears, tail, scrotum, and feet.

Immediate treatment includes warming the affected areas by immersing in warm water (not hot), or using warm moist towels that are changed frequently. Once warm, gently dry affected areas and lightly bandage with a clean, dry, nonadhesive bandage. Seek veterinary treatment promptly and watch the affected areas for days to observe damage.

Once a dog has suffered frostbite, he's more susceptible to repeat freezing and should be protected from further exposure to the cold.