As part of our partnership with the vulnerable dogs charity, we take a look at the top 5 dog insurance claims relating to canine first aid. Our canine companions can get injured and ill, just like us. Knowing what to do in an emergency involving your dog is key to being a responsible pet owner.
Wounds
It may be that your dog always comes home from his adventures with cuts and grazes, while other dogs always seem to remain uninjured.
Different wounds require different levels of attention, although small cuts and abrasions can heal themselves, while larger wounds should always be examined by a vet.
If the wound is bleeding, contains an object that needs to be removed, your dog has suffered a burn or has been bitten, you must see a vet immediately.
Always check your dog’s body after a walk, especially if he feels unwell or licks himself excessively.
Vomiting
Dogs vomit for a variety of reasons, from ingesting poison to symptoms of a more serious illness. Mild cases of dog sickness usually improve within 24 hours, if the vomiting persists for longer you should consult a vet.
Make sure you have pet-proofed your home and garden so that anything that could cause an upset stomach is kept out of reach. Keep a close eye on your dog during your walks, as you never know what might attract him. This way you can prevent your dog from eating something it shouldn’t.
Foreign body
Foreign bodies can refer to an object or substance that has accidentally entered your dog’s body. This could be something as small as a thorn in a paw pad, or it could be something he ate that he shouldn’t have eaten that got stuck somewhere in your dog’s digestive system.
After a walk, you should check your dog’s body for anything that shouldn’t be there. This way you can find things like thorns or glass. To avoid your dog getting an internal blockage, make sure his toys are an appropriate size and that he doesn’t chew on things like your socks or underwear.
Stinging or biting
Dogs are curious creatures, and this curiosity can sometimes lead to them being bitten or stung by some of the animals they share the world with. The severity and symptoms of the injury can vary, but look out for signs of an allergic reaction to a sting and contact your vet immediately if your dog has been bitten by an adder.
Ingestion of toxic substances
Dogs can choke on all sorts of things, even if we think we’ve made our home as pet-friendly as possible. Things like plants, food, medicines and toiletries can all be toxic to our pets. If our dog has eaten a toxic substance, they will feel unwell and show a variety of different symptoms depending on the severity and the substance eaten.
If you think your dog has been poisoned, stay calm and contact your vet immediately.
For more information on how you can prepare for an emergency by taking a dog first aid course, check out our blog to help you and your pet.
