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Here is a guide to what you should do in the event of an emergency involving your pet dog.
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Stay calm. An injury to your dog can be distressing to both you and your pet. You need however to take a step back from the situation and to be able to think rationally.
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Check to see if your dog is breathing. If it is not then practice resuscitation immediately. Put the animal on its side and open its mouth to check for obstructions. Pull the tongue forward. If breathing does not start hold the mouth closed with the head pointing upwards towards the sky and then blow into the nose about twenty times a minute. If there is no heartbeat push on the chest below the front legs every second. Blow twice for every fifteen compressions of the chest.
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Contact the vet by phone. Have the number readily available or programmed into your telephone and your mobile phone. Know the name of the veterinary practice just in case you need to call direct inquiries. It is important to phone the vet first before taking your dog into the surgery as a vet may not always be immediately available if you arrive unannounced. Additionally, staff at the veterinary practice may be able to advise you over the phone on actions that you can take to aid your dog right away. Have a pen and paper handy too just in case the veterinary practice gives you another number to call.
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Contact the vet by phone. Have the number readily available or programmed into your telephone and your mobile phone. Know the name of the veterinary practice just in case you need to call direct inquiries. It is important to phone the vet first before taking your dog into the surgery as a vet may not always be immediately available if you arrive unannounced. Additionally, staff at the veterinary practice may be able to advise you over the phone on actions that you can take to aid your dog right away. Have a pen and paper handy too just in case the veterinary practice gives you another number to call.
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Safety first. Always keep in mind your safety and the safety of others. If reaching your injured dog causes a hazard to others make sure you have proper protection. If your dog is injured on a busy road call the police. When wounded animals are often frightened and may lash out. If there is a danger of been bitten then place a muzzle or similar over the dog's mouth.
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Never administer treatment without explicit instruction from the vet. It could cause more harm than good. Do not offer the dog food or water either in case the animal needs to be anaesthetised.
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Handle your dog with care. Internal injuries and bone breakages could be aggravated if the dog is not properly handled. Lift the dog carefully supporting it with one arm and hand over its chest below the chin and the other arm and hand below its hind legs. Place the dog in a box or container for careful transportation to the vet.
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It is critical that veterinary advice is sought in the event of your dog being injured. Even if there is no visible sign of injury a trip to the vet is wise as a precautionary measure. Of course this can be costly in financial terms. But, if you have a
pet insurance policy in place, you are unlikely to have to pay for the treatment.
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