Guest post by Kara Masterson
If you have a new puppy, then you know that this young animal is often overly playful. A puppy’s high activity level can lead to an injury, and you must be prepared to help the animal immediately.
Take a Class in Emergency Pet Care
You can enroll in a class that teaches you how to take care of an injured pet. Some of the things that you will learn are how to perform artificial respiration or cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a dog. In addition, you should understand what to do if a pet falls from a window or is hit by a car. You will read an assortment of written material to understand how to provide first aid to a puppy, and you will also receive practical training in caring for an injured animal.
Have a Pet First-Aid Kit
While you are buying your new puppy a bed and food, make sure to select a first-aid kit that is designed for dogs. If you choose a first-aid kit that is in a bag or plastic container with a handle, then you can carry it with you easily to a local park or while you are on a vacation. Become familiar with the contents of the first-aid kit to make it easier to find what you need in a hurry.
Remain Calm When Your Puppy Is Injured
First, don’t panic when your puppy has an injury because the animal may also become agitated or fearful. If your puppy starts to growl or bite at you, then you may need to cover its head with a soft cloth, or you might need to use a muzzle over its mouth. After your puppy is under control, begin an examination to determine if your puppy has a scrape or laceration that requires cleaning. Next, check your puppy’s limbs to make sure that that the animal hasn’t broken any bones.
Observe Your Puppy after an Injury Occurs
After caring for your puppy’s lacerations or scrapes, observe how your pet walks and plays. If you notice any problems with your puppy’s mobility or eating habits, then you should seek professional treatments. A puppy that is having convulsions, vomiting or experiencing a fever requires an emergency trip to an animal hospital.
Have a Regular Veterinarian for Your Pet
Begin taking your puppy to a veterinarian like the Seattle Emergency Veterinary Hospital or someone similar as soon as possible so that the animal becomes accustomed to being handled by a stranger who will administer injections and perform medical tests. If your puppy is injured, then your pet’s veterinarian will have the animal’s medical records in order to provide treatment in an efficient manner.
When you have a new puppy, it is similar to having a toddler in your home. You would install safety devices in your home to protect a child, and you should do the same thing for a puppy. You can place safety devices over electric outlets, remove sharp objects and install safety gates on stairs to protect your puppy from the dangers inside your home.
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