Learn about 5 serious medical conditions in dogs that must be addressed right away
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Like humans, dogs also experience medical emergencies. A basic understanding of first aid in canine medical emergencies can save your pet’s life. This article discusses common medical conditions in dogs. Learn what to do if your dog experiences an emergency.
Heatstroke
- Dogs have an average body temperature of 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit. A dog suffers heat stroke when the body temperature rises above 105 degrees F. Confinement in an enclosed space such as a car is the most common cause of heatstroke.
Other factors that increase the risk of heatstroke include vigorous exercises on a hot day, obesity, and poor ventilation in the kennel areas.
Signs Of Heatstroke
- Skin becomes hot to touch.
- Heavy Panting
- Drooling
- Rapid breathing and increased heart rate
- Vomiting
- Loss of coordination
Dealing With Heatstroke
- Heatstroke therapy aims to bring down the dog’s body temperature. If your dog shows signs of heatstroke, immediately lower the body temperature.
The following measures can save your dog’s life:
- Stop any activity and carry the dog to a cool area.
- Spray the dog with cool water on the underside, but do not completely immerse the dog in cold water.
- Blow cool air on your dog using a fan.
- Offer drinking water in small amounts.
Take your dog to the vet when the temperature reaches 103 degrees F.
Cardiac Arrest
- It is a medical condition in which the heart stops working, and the dog may collapse or stops breathing and loses consciousness. The underlying factors responsible for causing cardiac arrest include decreased blood circulation, low oxygen levels, heart disease, etc. If, in an unfortunate event, your dog suffers from a cardiac arrest, perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) as soon as possible.
Excessive Bleeding
- Bleeding can result from injuries, puncture wounds, cuts, etc. If the blood pumps out in spurts or quickly soaks through a bandage, it represents a veterinary emergency. It is critical to stop the loss of blood as soon as possible. The wound needs to be covered with a clean, absorbent compress.
Try to stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure or by using a tourniquet above the wound. This would significantly reduce the flow of blood. However, it is essential to consult your veterinarian for further instructions on the way to the hospital.
Burns
- Exposure to acidic and alkaline substances or direct heat can lead to significant burns in dogs. These injuries may sometimes go unnoticed until a scab appears. However, if you see your pet getting burned, cool the affected area. This can be done by running cool water over the burn.
Another option is to cover the affected area with a cold, wet towel. When burns are caused by a caustic substance, rinse the wound with cold water for at least 15 minutes. This helps dilute the acidic material and soothe the pain. In severe cases, immediately contact your veterinarian.
Seizures
- A series of violent and uncontrolled spasms are referred to as seizures. Most seizures subside in less than two minutes. However, your dog requires urgent veterinary attention if an attack continues for more than five minutes. Failure to do so can lead to permanent brain damage or even the animal’s death.
During the seizure, protect your dog from injuring itself. In addition, provide reassurance by petting the dog once the seizure subsides. After a seizure, the dog may remain disoriented for some time. Therefore, contact the veterinarian immediately to determine the cause of the seizure.
If your dog is not acting right, consult a veterinarian immediately. At Autumn Trails and Veterinary Center, we provide urgent care to your pets. We have the experience and technology to handle all types of healthcare needs of your pets. We are located in Charlottesville, VA. Appointments are conveniently available. Call us at 434-971-9800.