This paper is for Search and Rescue dog handlers who are trained to, at least, in the Advanced First Aid and CPR level. We would like to share ideas with you about taking responsibility for your canine partner's health. Learn how to read your dog for signs of a medical problem and how to make decisions about when to get more advanced medical help if needed.

NORMAL VALUES FOR YOUR DOG

Capillary refill time - less than 1 second

Mucous membrane color - generally pink

Temperature - 101 to 102 degrees F
Temperature is taken rectally with an adult rectal thermometer. You should hold it in place for 1 to 2 minutes. If you get a temperature of less than 100 degrees F, re-take the temperature to make sure the thermometer was in place long enough.

Pulse rate at rest - young dogs 110 - 120 bpm, large breed adult 60-80 bpm,
small breed adult 80 - 120 bpm
The pulse rate and respiration rate will vary from dog to dog, and will also vary if the dog is at rest or working. So, it is a good idea to get normal values for both.

Respiratory rate - young 20 - 25,  adult 14 - 16

Hydration - pick up skin and release, it should return within 1 second. Capillary refill time is measured by pressing on the gums over the canine tooth. Using one finger, press down firmly until the gums turn white under your finger and release. You are looking for the time it took for the color to return. Also, note the color of your dogs gums and mouth. Dogs gum color can vary from black, pink, reddish brown or any combination of colors.

RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF SHOCK Shock is a condition resulting from a depressed state of many vital body functions, caused by a lack of effective circulation. It is a life threatening condition that is reversible if treated in time. Some causes of shock are; severe loss of blood, burns, trauma, snake bites, poison, lack of oxygen, or prolonged vomiting with diarrhea.

Symptoms of shock include:

• Pale color in gums / inside eyelids, capillary refill time greater than 2 seconds
• Dry lips and gums, dehydration
• Excessive drooling in some poison cases
• Weak femoral pulse, rapid 150 to 200 beats per minute
• Rapid heart rate
• Cool Extremities
• Hyperventilation, rapid breathing generally over 25 breaths per minute
• Confusion, restless, anxiousness
• General weakness

• Continued depression and weakness to the point of not being able to move or becoming unresponsive or unconscious
• Dilated pupils
• Capillary refill time greater than 4 seconds
• White mucous membranes
• Body temperature below 98 degrees F, taken rectally
  
  Treatment

• ABC's
• Insure adequate ventilation
• Control any bleeding
• Keep dog quiet and calm to prevent further injury
• Keep body temperature normal
• Get dog to veterinarian so fluid replacement and medication can be started

An injured dog or an animal in shock may not recognize you. Your own dog may bite you out of pain or fear. It is very important to talk to the dog in very soft and reassuring tones. If the dog is having trouble breathing or panting heavily do not put a muzzle on it. If a muzzle is placed on the dog it must be monitored at all times and removed at the first sign of overheating or vomiting. Get help, if possible from someone who can help hold the dog, so you can do an examination and/or treat the dog.

WOUNDS AND BLEEDING

Abrasions

• Usually minor
• Some bleeding
• Always a possibility of infection

Treatment

Carefully remove foreign objects and debris.
May have to cut or clip hair away from area.
Clean wound liberally with water and chlorhexidine or Betadine scrubs or solutions if available. If not, any soap will be beneficial. Solution does not have to be rinsed, scrub must be rinsed copiously. (Avoid using hydrogen peroxide. It can damage tissue.)

Major lacerations and bleeding

• Can be life threatening
• May need to be sutured by a vet

Treatment

Control bleeding.
1. Additional direct pressure 2. Elevation 3. Pressure points
Get professional help right away. Also see the above treatment for laceration.

Bandaging Principles

• Protect wound from further injury or infection

• Discourage licking
• Restrict movement
• Secure splint
• Prevent weight bearing
• Provide compression to control bleeding and edema
• Verify circulation is maintained to toes, make sure to cushion pads

FRACTURES AND SUSPECTED FRACTURES

Signs and Symptoms

• Obvious pain
• Loss of use of the limb
• Protruding bone
• Swelling
• Irregularity or deformity
• Limping

Treatment
Remember, shock and bleeding should be controlled first.
Treat dislocation as fracture.
Do not push bone back through skin.
Cover an open fracture with clean dressing.
Limb fracture below elbow or knee apply a Robert Jones bandage from toes to shoulder or hip.
Unfortunately, there is no agreed upon or standard for first aid for a fracture of the humerus or femur.
Transport to appropriate facilities ASAP.

Splinting principles

• Immobilization of fracture or suspected fracture. (This requires immobilization of both the joint above and the joint below the fracture)
• Decrease pain
• Prevent shock
• Prevent further injury to surrounding tissue
• Provide compression to control bleeding and edema

SNAKE BITES

Signs / Symptoms

• Pain
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Salivation, thirsty
• Swelling at the area of the bite
• Shock

Treatment
Seek immediate veterinary care. While transporting, immobilize the part of the animal that has been bitten, keeping below the heart level. A constricting band may be used, with caution, to impede the spread of the venom. Keep the animal calm and confined during the transport. If you can identify the snake species, it may be helpful in treatment.

STINGS

Signs / Symptoms

• Pain
• Swelling and redness
• Pawing at face
• Snapping in the air

Treatment
If you see the stinger, get it out. Cool compression will help alleviate the sting. Give oral Benadryl (diphenhydramine 2-4mg/kg orally every 8 hours). Seek medical attention if swelling persists/gets worse or if the sting is near the head/neck/throat area.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Signs / Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Circulatory collapse
• Red mucous membrane (gums)
• Excessive panting
• Dehydration
• Shaking

Treatment
Seek shade, rest the dog, offer small amounts of water. Seek veterinary care if condition does not improve.

HEAT STROKE

Signs / Symptoms

• Excessive panting
• Rectal temperature above 105-106 degrees F
• Disorientation
• Weakness
• Rapid pulse/breathing
• Brick red mucous membranes

Treatment
Get the dog into shade, into a creek if available. Use same precautions as with human, don't use ice water bath. Slowly cool down the body temperature, immerse in a cool water bath. Ice can be placed, with caution, under armpits, head, neck, and groin area, being sure to wrap in cloth first. Monitor temperature, avoiding cooling too much. Transport to veterinary hospital.

BLOAT

Bloat is the common terminology for Gastric Dilatation/Torsion. This is most common in larger - deep chested dogs. Gastric dilatation is the enlargement of the stomach beyond its normal dimensions. Gastric dilatation volvulus is when the stomach actually rotates on itself. This is a life threatening situation.

Signs / Symptoms

• Dry retching/unproductive vomit
• Restlessness
• Anxiousness
• Distended abdomen (hardened)
• Drooling excessively
• Depression
• Shock

Treatment
Take to the veterinary hospital immediately.
To monitor the bloat you can take a measuring tape (webbing or leash could work) and measure the distance around the dog, just caudal (past) the last rib. Monitor and make sure it is not enlarging, mark it with a pen to keep accurate. Prevention
Feed your dog his/her ration of food in, at least, two feedings a day (am/pm). Avoid giving lots of water at once, offer water more frequently. Avoid exercise approximately 1-2 hours before and after feeding.

POISON

Signs / Symptoms

• Breathing difficulty
• Unusual actions
• Digestive upset
• Irregular heart, rapid, or weak
• Shivering
• Convulsions
• Salivation

Types of poisons and a brief reaction description are:

• Anti Coagulant Rodenticides
• Warfarin
  
  These rodenticides will cause the dog's blood to stop clotting in hours or a day. This does not show immediate signs like other poisons. Make your dog vomit, further veterinary care is necessary for survival. Seek immediate veterinary care bringing the box of poison with you.
  
  Other Rodenticides

• ANTU
• Thallium
• Pindone
• Strychnine
• Sodium Floro-acetate (1080)
• Zinc Phosphide

May cause fatal pulmonary edema, seizures, liver or kidney destruction, or severe hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. If the dog s conscious, induce vomiting, give Toxiban, collect the product label, and transport to the veterinarian.

Pesticides

• Arsenic
• Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
• Organophosphates
• Carbonates
• Rotenone
• Metaldehyde
• Glycol's Antifreeze

The signs are more immediate for most of these. General profuse salivation, stomach pain and cramps, labored reathing, bluish mucous membranes, seizures/convulsions, rigidity, extended legs and many other signs. IMMEDIATELY SEEK VETERINARY CARE.

Signs may not be readily apparent. The dog may actually appear a bit "drunken". The fatal effect of ethylene glycol occurs hours later and is irreversible at that point. Immediately rinse the dogs mouth, feet and any other points of contact. Induce vomiting if conscious and give Toxiban. Transport immediately to veterinarian.

• Miscellaneous poisons
• Acid
• Alkalies
• Garbage
• Toxic plants
• Chocolate
• Acid - Clean off what you can see, do not induce vomiting, transport to vet
• Alkalies - Clean off what you can see, do not induce vomiting, transport to vet
• Garbage - Remove what you can, induce vomiting, give activated charcoal....do not give lomotil
• Toxic plants - Take a sample of the suspected plant to a local veterinarian
• Chocolate - If more than 1 oz/kg of baking chocolate is consumed, or 2 oz/kg of semi-sweet chocolate, or 4 oz/kg of Milk chocolate, induce vomiting, give activated charcoal and transport to vet. (Note, the fat content of some milk chocolate products can cause life threatening pancreatitis)

CPR AND RESCUE BREATHING

Airways
The first priority is to establish an unobstructed airway. Open airways by extending head and neck. Check and remove any foreign materials from the mouth and pull the tongue forward.

Breathing
Look and listen for signs of breathing. If none, place your hands around the muzzle to prevent air from escaping and breathe forcefully into the nostrils. The chest should expand and fall if you are getting air into the lungs. Do not be too forceful with small animals. Rescue breathing should be given at a rate of 8 to 10 breaths per minute (or one breath every 6 seconds).

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) If there is no pulse, place the dog on a hard surface with its right side down. Use the heel of your hand to compress the chest on the lower side immediately behind the elbow. The compression should be firm and not a sudden blow. It helps to have 2 people; the first gives the cardiac massage, the second does the breathing. CPR should be given at a rate of 80 to 120 compressions per minute with two ventilations being given every 15 compressions of the chest.

Drugs & Electrical Manipulation Drugs and electrical manipulation can only be done by a veterinarian. For the best chance to save your dog, get to a veterinarian as quickly as possible! Even if you revive your dog by doing rescue breathing or CPR, take your dog to a vet for a complete exam.

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