Begin treating the underlying cause of the stroke. If tests reveal canine stroke, your doctor will discuss with you the causes that led to the condition. There are no specific treatments for a stroke except for targeting the underlying cause of the condition.^[3]

• An ischemic stroke is associated with such conditions as diabetes, improper functioning thyroid glands, heart or kidney disease and hypertension. A hemorrhagic stroke is often due to a blood clot, hypertension, rat poisoning and compromised blood vessels.
• Other causes of stroke include brain tumors and head trauma. Once the condition is diagnosed as a canine stroke and the underlying cause is identified, your vet can implement a treatment plan.

Follow your vet’s instructions for home care. Most cases of canine stroke can be managed at home, once the vet has made a diagnosis. Your vet may prescribe medications, and they will also explain how to care for your dog and monitor its condition at home. Your dog may feel disoriented and have difficulty walking. Home nursing for your dog may involve:

• Making sure your dog has a comfortable bed.
• Carrying your dog outside so it can go to the bathroom.
• Placing food and water within easy reach near your dog’s bed.
• Giving your dog any medication prescribed by your vet.
• You can also give your dog a daily massage to increase its ability to move around. Use the palm of your hand to rub its entire body.

Allow your dog to be hospitalized, if your vet recommends it. For severe strokes or strokes caused by trauma, the vet may wish to keep your dog in the hospital for observation and treatment. If the cause of the stroke is trauma, the first step will be to decrease any swelling within the brain and to keep re-hydrating your dog. Your dog will be given an IV of fluids so that he can get hydrated.

• Medications such as Amlodipine may be administered to control high blood pressure, if the stroke was caused by hypertension.
• Other medications may also be given, including an anti-inflammatory such as an NSAID if swelling is evident, antibiotics for a diagnosis of infection, a sedative for ataxia and disorientation, an antiemetic for vomiting and stomach distress, and anticonvulsants to control seizures.
• Your dog will be placed in a soft, comfortable position during treatment so that his head is not laying below the rest of his body. This position will help to promote proper blood flow.

Make sure your dog is monitored at all times during recovery. At-home care involves constant monitoring of your pet during recovery. You may need to employ the assistance of others, such as having your neighbor look in on your dog if you have to leave the house. You could also hire a pet sitter to keep an eye on your dog when you are away.

• Consider taking long lunch breaks to go and check on your dog, or work from home if you are able to. You could also ask if you can bring your dog to work.

Give your dog any medications prescribed by the vet. Medications may also be prescribed to help your dog fully recover from a stroke and possibly prevent further attacks. Dogs with symptoms of ataxia and disorientation may be given a sedative. Other medications may include:

• An antiemetic for vomiting issues.
• An anti-inflammatory for swelling symptoms.
• Antibiotics for infections.
• Anticonvulsants to control seizures and prevent future strokes.
• Antiplatelet drugs similar to Plavix, an anticoagulant for long-term therapy for the prevention of blood clots.
• Drugs that increase the supply of blood oxygen to the brain, such propentofylline (Vivitonin).

Take your dog to a veterinarian. If your dog’s nose bled or is bleeding it should be taken to a veterinarian. If the bleeding stopped quickly after the sneeze, then you can call your veterinary office, discuss the issue, and make an appointment to bring your dog in. If the bleeding has not stopped or took a long time to stop, then the dog should be taken to a veterinarian immediately, as the blood loss alone can be a threat to your dog’s health.

• If your regular veterinary office is closed while your dog’s nose is bleeding, then you should take your dog to an emergency pet hospital in your area. If your dog’s nose stopped bleeding shortly after the sneeze, call the emergency pet hospital and discuss whether to bring the dog in or to wait until the dog’s normal veterinary office is open.

Approve veterinary testing. In order to get a diagnosis, your veterinarian will need to do a variety of tests on your dog. These tests, which may require several rounds of testing, will allow your vet to narrow in on the cause of the bleeding. Possible tests your vet will want to perform include:

• Blood cell count
• Urinalysis
• X-rays
• Rhinoscopy^[5]
• Blood pressure
• Cultures from nose
• Additional specialized testing

Make your dog rest. Rest is the first step to treating a sprain.^[7] To ensure your dog gets enough rest, you will need to restrict your dog’s activity. You should keep the dog inside or in a small area where it is unable to run or play. The less active the dog is, the better.

• As needed, you can take your dog outside on a short leash. Keep the walk short and slow.^[8] Return the dog to a confined area as soon as possible.
• Restrict the dog’s activity for a full 48 hours to give the injury enough time to heal.

Apply an ice pack. To reduce swelling, help with pain, and aid in the healing process, apply an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes.^[9]

• Wrap the ice pack in a towel to protect the dog’s skin from any excessive cold.
• Repeated as needed, waiting at least two hours between applications. This will help prevent irritating the skin and reducing circulation, which can delay healing.
• You can use a bag of frozen vegetables, such as peas, for an ice pack that you can mold around the ankle. This will allow you to evenly and effectively apply the ice to all of the damaged tissue.^[10]

Apply heat. If your dog has an older, chronic, or recurrent injury it is not recommended to apply an ice pack. At this stage of an injury it is best to apply moist heat.^[11]

• Heat will improve circulation and help to loosen tightness in the muscles while having a soothing effect.
• To apply heat, use a damp towel warmed in the dryer or microwave. Be sure the towel isn’t hot enough to burn the skin.
• Apply heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, remove it for at least an hour before applying again.^[12]
• Don’t use a heat treatment immediately after exercise.

Understand the possible severity of a snake bite. Being bitten by a snake causes a range of problems of varying severity. At the milder end of the scale is the pain and discomfort caused by a penetrating bite, which can include soreness, inflammation, and pain locally on the skin. On the other end, a snake bite can lead to death.

• Depending on the snake’s species, the toxin it injects may either be a neurotoxin (affecting the nervous system) or a hemotoxin (affecting the blood and circulation). This can lead to rapid paralysis (neurotoxin), including the muscles of respiration so the victim slowly suffocates, or a life-threatening inability to clot blood, organ failure and shock (hemotoxin).^[3]

Be aware that snakes do not envenomate (release venom) with every bite. This depends on whether they have recently bitten something else, and also on the time of year.^[4] Observe the pet closely, but if in any doubt seek veterinary attention.

• It is better to travel to the vet’s to discover the dog is fine, than wait until symptoms appear by which time treatment could be too late.

Look for the symptoms of a venomous snake bite. Bear in mind that some of the symptoms are general, such as vomiting, which means that it is not the case that every vomiting dog has been bitten by a snake. These general signs become significant if the dog also has puncture marks, possible exposure to snakes, and rapidly developing symptoms. Here are some of the symptoms to be expected when a dog is bitten by a venomous snake:

• Trembling
• Vomiting
• Salivation, drooling, frothing
• Diarrhea
• Weakness in the back legs, unsteadiness
• Dilated pupils
• Respiratory distress
• Bloody urine
• Continuous bleeding from the bite wound
• A flaccid paralysis leading to coma or respiratory failure
• Death can occur within 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the type of snake venom and the amount of venom injected.

Be aware of the specific symptoms of snakes in your area. This can be very helpful if the venom from a snake in your area has unique symptoms. For example, a bite from a Coral snake may be painless, and it can take up to 18 hours before symptoms develop. This means it’s all too easy to be lulled into a false sense of security and assume the dog is OK. Instead, the opposite is true and you should use the time to seek veterinary treatment.^[5]

Protect yourself. If you see the snake, do NOT approach the snake. It is not recommended under most circumstances that you try to kill the snake yourself; you could end up a casualty or waste the precious time you need to save your dog.

Make a note of the appearance of the snake. Pay attention to it’s head shape, approximate length, color, and pattern. In the US the commonest cause of venomous snake bite is the rattlesnake but other significant snakes include the coral snake, Cottonmouths (Water Moccasins) Banded rock snake, Black-tailed snake, Canebrake, Diamondback snake, Massasauga, Mojave, Mottled rock snake, Pacific snake, Pygmy, Prairie snake, Red diamond and Ridge-nosed snakes.^[6]

• Also be aware that as a general rule of thumb venomous snakes have slit shaped pupils (like a cat) and non-venomous snakes have round pupils (like a dog). Of course, do not get close enough to look if you aren’t certain!

Take a picture of the snake if you can. If you can do so safely, take a photo with your phone or with any camera you have handy. If the snake is aggressive and moving towards you, skip the photo and retreat.

• Likewise, do not prevent the snake from escaping in order to take a picture. You could end up being bitten.

Don’t feel bad or panic if you didn’t get a good look at the snake. If your vet can identify the bite area, your vet can swab the bite site using a snake detection kit to identify the snake venom. However, if you can give any details about the snake or your dog’s reaction to the bite, it will help.

Don’t panic. You need to keep a calm head and focus on your dog’s health. Getting your dog help should be your primary concern, so focus on it and don’t lose your composure.

Seek immediate veterinary attention. Call your veterinary clinic ahead of time and tell them you are bringing in a dog with a snakebite. This will allow the vet to prioritize treating your dog once you arrive. It may also help them to make logistics arrangements to make the admissions process smoother, such as getting you a parking spot close to the clinic and retrieving your dog’s health records.

• Be aware that a dog showing signs of toxicity is not a problem that you can care for at home or will not stand a good chance of survival with first aid alone. The dog is likely to require anti-venom, intravenous fluids to support failing organs, and pain relief. All of these require the intervention of a veterinary professional.

Treat your dog with first aid. The farther away you are from the vet and the greater the amount of venom from the bite, the worse your dog’s chances of survival. However, some basic first aid will increase your dog’s chances of survival, especially during the car trip to the vet’s:

• Apply a pressure bandage to a limb bite but do not apply a tourniquet or bandage the wound too tightly. This will restrict blood flow too much.
• Do not wash the bite area or cut the wound. Do not try to suck or squeeze out the venom.
• The dog is likely to be in pain and restless. However, moving around increases blood circulation and spreads the toxin more rapidly. Try to keep your dog calm (and its heart rate down) by acting calm yourself and speaking to it in a reassuring manner. Do not encourage the dog to walk, instead carry him to your car.^[7]

Avoid unreliable treatments. There are many myths when it comes to treating snakebites, and taking these actions can make matters worse rather than better. Avoid trying to suck venom out, cutting the animal to make it bleed, applying a tourniquet to localize the venom, and ice-packs over the site of the bite. These are all to be avoided.

Know what to expect at the vet’s. You may feel better if you know how the vet will probably treat your dog. Although treatment depends on the type of venom and the treatment facilities available, Your vet will likely:

• Determine the stage of envenomation
• Examine the site of the wound
• Administer a snake detection test (blood or urine sample) and analyze the results
• Give your dog intravenous fluids and appropriate anti-venom
  • Anti-venom is administered by slow intravenous injection. In a small number of cases the dog can be allergic to the anti-venom, in which case the outlook is poor. Many vets will administer an antihistamine at around the time the antivenom is given, in order to reduce the risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which could send the dog into shock.
  • Intravenous fluids may be given to support the organs, especially the kidneys. Once the dog has recovered the vet may suggest monitoring its renal function with blood tests to check there was no lasting damage.^[8]
• Give your dog antihistamines, allergy reduction reduction drugs, painkillers, or sedatives if they are necessary
  • Broad spectrum antibiotics are generally given to protect against secondary infections as a result of tissue damage.^[9]
• In some cases the venom causes blood clotting disorders, which can lead to hemorrhage. The vet may assess the dog and decide that a blood transfusion is necessary or the administration of replacement clotting factors in order to prevent internal bleeding.^[10]

Care for your dog while it recovers. The consequences of a bite can be extremely painful, and while the anti-venom can reduce the spread of the toxins, they do not deal with the pain. Expect recovery in 24 – 48 hours, but expect that your dog will take more time to get back to his old self. Set aside time to nurse your dog back to full health and ask the vet for advice.

• The vet will likely use strong painkillers, such as those from the morphine family, to control the pain while the animal recovers.^[11]
• If the dog has nerve damage and difficulty breathing, it may need intensive care facilities, where it can be put in an oxygen tent or onto a respirator until it recovers.

Check for signs of severe dehydration. If your dog has been in a hot environment and is panting heavily, he may be overheated. Check to see if his gums are beet red or pale. If so, get your dog to a cool place with a fan on him and offer cool water.^[7]

• If your dog doesn’t stop panting or acts weak, take him to the veterinarian.

Consider your dog’s overall health. Your dog may pant heavily to flush his body of toxic substances if he has chronic health problems, like heart or lung disease. If your dog is obese, he’s more likely to pant heavily because of heat exhaustion. This is because the extra fat and energy required to carry the weight makes your dog work harder.

• If you have an older dog who suddenly pants more when he does average physical activities or when he’s laying down, make an appointment to have him examined.^[8]

Treat your dog for heat exhaustion or fever. Your dog may pant heavily if his body temperature rises externally (in hot weather) or internally (by fever due to illness or infection). In these cases, he’ll pant to rid his body of this heat. If your dog has heat exhaustion or a fever over 102.5 degrees, immediately call the veterinarian. Your veterinarian should tell you what steps you’ll need to take before bringing your dog in for medical treatment.^[9]

• To take your dog’s temperature use a rectal thermometer, or an ear thermometer if your dog will tolerate it. Never take an oral (mouth) temperature since it won’t be accurate.

Know when to get medical attention. Take your dog to the veterinarian if you notice heavy panting and:^[10]

• Pain from arthritis
• Pain from abdominal problems like bloat or pancreatitis
• Pain from an injury
• Fever over 102.5 degrees
• Panting that lasts more than 10 minutes
• A bluish purple or very pale mouth or tongue
  • See the vet immediately if your dog has bloat, pancreatitis, colored or pale mouth or tongue, and heavy breathing.

Inform your veterinarian about the fall. When you meet with your veterinarian you will need to provide accurate information about your dog’s injuries. By giving your veterinarian this information, they will be able to start treating your dog more quickly and efficiently.

• Tell your veterinarian exactly how and when your dog fell.
• Inform your veterinarian about any signs of injury that you have noticed.
• Let your veterinarian know about any first aid you have administered.
• Tell your veterinarian about any past injuries or surgeries that your dog may have had.
• Be ready to provide basic information about your dog including age, current medications, or other health issues.

Be aware of some tests and procedures your veterinarian may perform. Your veterinarian will likely perform some diagnostic tests and will administer certain medical techniques to treat your dog’s injuries. Review some of the following possible tests and treatments that your veterinarian may perform.^[6][7]

• A basic physical exam will let your veterinarian learn of any surface injuries as well as the overall condition of your dog.
• Orthopedic examinations will check for any injuries to the bones, joints, muscles, or affected range of movement in your dog. This examination may include an x-ray.
• Neurological examinations will be ordered if your dog has hit its head during the fall. If your dog is walking oddly or seemingly unaware, this test can help determine if your dog’s nervous system was damaged.

Follow any instructions given by your veterinarian. After your dog has received initial emergency treatment and has been cleared to go home with you, your veterinarian will likely give you home-care instructions. These instructions must be accurately followed to ensure that your dog will have a quick and full recovery.^[8][9]

• If your dog is given medications, keep up with the schedule. Make sure your dog is consuming them completely if administered orally.
• Keep up with changing any bandages that your dog may need.
• You may need to apply ice or heat packs to your dog’s injuries.
• Make sure your dog rests and keep activities to a minimum while injuries heal.

Keep car windows up. If your dog enjoys going for car rides with you, take this simple step to help keep it safe. Although most humans wouldn’t dare jump out of a moving car, your dog might not be so hesitant. Keep the windows rolled up enough to prevent your dog from jumping out during your drive.^[10]

• You might also wish to purchase a seatbelt designed specifically for your dog, to keep it as safe as can be during any road trips.
• Consider locking power windows as dogs may accidentally be able to roll them down.
• Do not leave your dog alone in the car on a hot day with the windows rolled up. This can raise temperatures to a deadly degree for your dog.^[11]

Always leave house windows closed. A common fall hazard for dogs is any open window in your house that it can reach. Even if the window has a screen on it, your dog may still try and escape, which can lead to it suffering a dangerous fall. Any window your dog can reach needs to be kept closed enough so that your dog cannot fit out the window.^[12]

Keep your dog away from fall hazards in the home. If your home has potential fall hazards you should prevent your dog from accessing this areas. Keeping your dog away from these potentially dangerous ares will help keep it safe in your home.

• Steep stair cases, lofts without a railing, and balconies are some examples of places in your home that your dog may fall from.
• Make sure to leave doors to these areas closed.
• You can buy pet-gates to block off staircases or doorways in your home.
• Never bring your dog into an area of the house that presents a fall hazard.

Observe any coughing or wheezing. If you hear constant coughing, wheezing, or noisy breathing for several hours, make an appointment with your vet. If the dog starts coughing up pink foam or froth, take it to the vet immediately.^[6]

• Coughing and wheezing can be signs of numerous illnesses. They may indicate a respiratory infection or show that your dog is struggling to breathe.
• If it appears your dog is coughing something up, gently place your fingers in its mouth to see if you can identify what is causing the choking. If you can’t find it, call your vet for advice.^[7]

Watch for difficulty breathing. Listen for heavy, long, or loud, labored breathing. The dog may expand its belly to try to fill its chest with air or stretch its neck out as it breathes. These can be signs that your dog is struggling to breathe.^[8]

Inspect the color of the dog’s gums. Look into your dog’s mouth to check the color of its gums. A healthy dog with well-oxygenated blood usually has bright pink gums. Pale gums may be a sign of sickness. Blue gums are much more serious, as they are a sign that your dog is struggling to breathe.^[9]

Monitor your dog if it has been vomiting or experiencing diarrhea. If the dog vomits only 2 or 3 times, wait 24 hours to see if the dog gets better. If there are other symptoms and the dog keeps vomiting for 2-3 hours, call the vet. If there is blood in the vomit or diarrhea, get the dog immediate medical attention.^[10]

• Blood in vomit or diarrhea can be a sign of internal bleeding, parasites, or an internal obstruction.
• If your dog has diarrhea or vomiting, give it plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration.

Identify any foul-smelling discharge from your dog. Discharge from the dog’s eyes, mouth, nose, or genitals can indicate various illnesses, such as pyometra or a cold. If there is a strange or foul odor to the discharge, take your dog to the vet.^[11]

• The discharge may be clear, white, yellow, or green in color.
• If you see clear, odorless discharge from your dog, it may not be a medical emergency, but you may still want to have your vet check it out.

Check for an increased respiratory rate. Count how many times your dog takes a breath in a minute. This is its respiratory rate. A normal respiratory rate is 10-34 breaths per minute. If the dog is resting and its respiratory rate is 60 BPM, it may need medical attention.^[12]

• Check its respiratory rate after it has been resting for at least 15-20 minutes. It is normal for your dog to have a higher respiratory rate after exercise or when it is excited. Dogs may also pant if they are happy, stressed, or hot.
• If the dog’s respiratory rate is between 34 and 60, keep an eye on it. Check it again after 15-20 minutes to see if it has gone down. If it is still raised, call your vet for advice.

Check your dog’s pulse. For this method, you must know what your dog’s average heart rate is, since this can vary greatly between dogs. Place your hand over the dog’s heart or near the top of its hind legs to feel its pulse. Count how many beats there are in a minute. If it is higher or lower than normal, call your vet for advice.^[13]

• To learn your dog’s baseline rate, take its pulse a few times while it is healthy. Larger dogs may have a heart rate of 60-100 beats per minute while smaller dogs may have a heart rate between 100-140 beats per minute.

Watch out for weakness or lethargy. Compare your dog’s activity to its normal self. If it is suddenly sleeping or resting more than usual, this can be a sign of an illness or condition. It may also seem depressed, act quieter than usual, or avoid exercise.^[14]

• Lethargy alone may not be a sign of a medical emergency, but it can indicate something is wrong.
• There are many reasons why lethargy and weakness may develop, from heart disease to running a fever.

Watch for any unusual restless behavior. If your dog suddenly starts pacing, circling, or moving around frequently, it may be feeling restless. Restlessness alone is not a serious condition. If joined with other symptoms, however, like vomiting or heavy drooling, it may be a sign of a serious condition.^[15]

• If your dog is restless while breastfeeding, it may have hypocalcemia (also known as milk fever), a serious condition that needs immediate medical attention.
• If the dog is restless and vomiting, check the stomach for any swelling. If the dog has a swollen belly, see a vet immediately. The dog may have bloat.

Seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog has eaten any toxins. If your dog has ingested poisonous chemicals, paint, poisonous plants, or other toxic substances, take it to the vet immediately. The effects of the toxin will depend on exactly what type of poison it is, how much was eaten, and the dog’s size.^[16]

• Even if you just suspect that your dog has eaten something bad, get it to the vet just in case. Do not induce vomiting, unless your vet specifically tells you to.
• There are many plants that are dangerous for dogs. These include azaleas, lillies, and tulips. If you find your dog chewing or eating these plants, take it to the vet, even if it is not displaying signs of sickness.^[17]
• Signs of poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, nosebleeds, and lack of energy.

Inspect the dog’s fur for signs of a burn or scald. If the dog has come into contact with a hot or burning object, its fur may cover up the burn. If you’re worried about a burn, brush back the dog’s fur gently. Look for signs of redness, peeling, bleeding, or swelling.^[18]

Take the dog to the vet after falls, fights, and traffic accidents. Even if your dog appears fine at first, a vet can check for broken bones, bruising, and internal injuries. Handle broken bones carefully until you can get the dog to the vet.^[19]

• Even if the dog is able to walk, it is best to treat this as an emergency because pain can push a dog into shock, which can be life-threatening. Signs of shock include pale gums, cold paws and limbs, a weak pulse, and lethargy. These are signs that your dog needs immediate medical treatment.

See the vet if you notice heavy bleeding. Observe any injuries carefully for bleeding. Heavy bleeding may spurt, constantly drip, or soak through a bandage in a matter of minutes. If you can, wrap the dog’s wound in a gauze bandage and elevate the wound until you can reach the vet.^[20]

• Apply pressure to the wound for several minutes. Non-life-threatening bleeding stops when pressure is applied over the injury, and the bleeding does not resume when the pressure is removed.
• Any bleeding that resumes once pressure is removed should be treated as an emergency.

Call your vet first to see if you can bring your dog in. Explain your dog’s symptoms and injuries to the vet. Ask them what you should do. The vet may give you advice over the phone or tell you when you can come in to see them.^[21]

• If it is outside of your vet’s normal hours, check their website to see if they have an emergency line. Call this number instead.

Take your dog to an emergency vet if your normal vet is unavailable. If you can’t reach your vet or if your vet can’t see your dog right away, find an emergency vet or animal hospital near you. These are open 24-hours a day and usually do not require an appointment.^[22]

• While you do not need an appointment, it is a good idea to call the emergency vet if possible to make sure that they have time to see your dog.
• Your vet can refer you to an emergency vet if they can’t treat your dog. In the U.S., you can find a local one here: https://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/about_aaha/hospital_search/default.aspx

Speak to the dog in a soothing voice. During a medical emergency, your dog may be panicked, distressed, or upset. Even the friendliest of dogs may react aggressively towards its beloved owners while sick. Speak to your dog in a soft soothing voice. If the dog will let you touch it, stroke its head and shoulders.^[23]

• If the dog snaps, growls, or tries to bite you, try not to touch it as much as possible. Coax it into the dog carrier or car using a treat, toy, or leash.
• If needed, you can make a muzzle out of a belt, gauze, or pantyhose. Wrap it around its jaw, keeping its nose free to breathe.

Perform CPR if needed. If a dog is not breathing, you may need to perform CPR. Close the dog’s mouth and place your lips over its nose. Give three to four strong breaths.^[11]

• If the dog does not start breathing on its own, continue to give it 10 to 12 breaths per minute.
• If you can’t detect a heart beat, lay the dog on its side and compress its chest with your hands. Give five compressions per breath.
• Once a dog starts breathing on its own, stop CPR.

Move the dog carefully. There is a good chance you will need to move the injured dog, whether you are bringing it home, taking it to a vet, or just trying to get it out of a busy street. An injured dog must be moved gently and with great care.

• If you are able to, splint, bandage or otherwise stabilize wounded areas before moving the dog to reduce the risk of further harm.^[12]
• Confine the dog while moving it so it can’t hurt itself more. If possible, use a pet carrier, but if you don’t have one, punch some holes in a box.
• Larger dogs can be moved using a makeshift stretcher. You can use a board, a door, a rug, or a large blanket, carried by at least two people.

Stop any bleeding. If the dog is bleeding from its injury, press down firmly on the injured area with your fingers and palm and apply a firm but not tight bandage. Gauze or a washcloth or towel will often do the trick.^[13]

• If the bandage becomes soaked through with blood, don’t remove it. Place additional materials on top.

Apply a tourniquet if necessary. If a dog has an injury on it’s leg or tail that will not stop bleeding, and is gushing blood in a rhythmic way, it may have a damaged artery. You may need to apply a tourniquet to save its life.^[14]

• Wrap the limb in a bandana or other strip of cloth, between the wound and the heart, tightly enough that no blood can pass through.
• Every 15 minutes, loosen the tourniquet so blood can pass through for about 10 seconds. If you don’t, the dog may lose the limb.
• Always seek immediate emergency care for a wound of this nature..

Clean and treat lacerations. If the dog has any lacerations that aren’t bleeding, clean them with an antiseptic solution, such as hydrogen peroxide, and dry them. ^[15]

• If you don’t have an antiseptic solution, warm water with a little salt will do.
• Pat the area dry with some sterile gauze. You can apply some ointment if its not an area the dog can lick.
• Keep an eye on the injury in case of infection and make sure to keep it clean for several days.

Use a cold compress. For bruising or tenderness, you can give your dog some immediate relief using a cold compress. Gently place something frozen, such as a bag of frozen peas, on the injured area.^[16]

• Cool the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove the compress. You can reapply as often as every two hours if it seems to be helping.

Seek veterinary care. Even for what seems like a minor injury, it is a good idea to seek professional care. You may not be able to detect some injuries, such as those that are internal.^[17]

• For non-emergencies, call your vet and explain the situation. The vet’s office will either make an appointment for you soon or refer you to emergency care if they deem it necessary.
• For serious bleeding or other major injuries, search online for an emergency vet clinic near you and take your dog immediately.

Give the dog medications. Some injuries last a long time, sometimes even for the rest of the dog’s life. Treating these injuries requires patience and consistency. To begin with, give your dog any medicine your vet prescribes, following all instructions precisely.^[18]

• There are variety of medications available for treating the pain that may result from an injury, from anti-inflammatory medications to opioids and more.^[19] Talk to your vet about the benefits and possible side effects of any medications he or she recommends.

Make dietary changes. Changing what your dog eats can also be helpful in treating injuries. For injuries that have resulted from weakened tissue, a high-quality, meat-based diet is best.^[20]

• There are also a number of supplements, foods, and dog treats formulated especially for helping dogs with joint injuries.^[21]

Use splints and braces as appropriate. If your dog has sustained an injury that makes it difficult to walk or stand, it may benefit from a splint, brace, or cart. There are number of such products available for both short and long-term use.^[22]

• Your vet will be able to help you select the most appropriate option for your dog.

Try gentle massage. Some dogs will benefit from a gentle massage of the injured area, once it is no longer too sensitive. Lightly rub affected areas.^[23]

• If the dog exhibits any sign of discomfort, discontinue this immediately. This should be a pleasant experience for your dog, not a painful one.

Keep exercise moderate. An injured dog should not overly exert itself, as this may result in further injury/re-injury of the damaged area. Make sure the dog doesn’t, for example, walk or run for too long on an injured leg.

• Total lack of exercise isn’t a good idea either. This can result in a dog becoming overweight, which can produce its own problems, especially for dogs that have joint injuries.^[24]

Beware of biting. Pain can change a dog’s behavior. Even a friendly dog in great pain will be more likely to bite.^[9]

• Even a dog that has never bitten before may bite when approached if it is experiencing significant pain.
• A dog in pain may also bite if you touch or move a painful area.^[10] The natural response, when a painful area is touched, is to turn toward that area. The dog may try to bite out of instinct.
• You may first see warning signs such as growling. A dog on the verge of biting may pin its ears back or show its teeth. This is a natural protection mechanism that a dog may use to try to prevent further pain.^[11]

Monitor your dog’s eating. A dog in pain may decrease its food consumption. If your dog suddenly has a decreased appetite, this may be a sign of pain.^[12]

• A dog with mouth pain may also drop food when it eats.^[13]

Watch for signs of restlessness. A dog in pain may experience restlessness or an inability to get comfortable. Your dog may show this by pacing, repeatedly readjusting its position, or getting up and down frequently.^[14]

Notice sleep changes. A dog in pain may experience changes in its normal sleep schedule. A dog in pain may either sleep more than usual,^[15] or have difficulty sleeping.^[16]

Listen for changes in the dog’s vocalization. Unusual vocalizations including moaning, groaning, whimpering, yipping, and even growling can all be signs of pain.^[17]

• These sounds may be associated with particular movements, such as when first getting up. That can help to give you a clue about the nature of the pain.^[18]
• A dog that is normally vocal may also suddenly become quiet.^[19]

Look for avoidance behaviors. Avoidance behaviors, such as hiding or shying away from contact with people or other animals are common when a dog is in pain.^[20]These behaviors are efforts to avoid potentially painful situations.

• If your dog moves its head away when you try to pet it or makes other moves to avoid touch, this can be a sign it is in pain. Take note of such behaviors if your dog normally likes being touched.
• These behaviors can go along with a dog being more withdrawn and less interactive than normal.
• You may also notice an attitude of depression or mental dullness if your dog is experiencing pain.^[21]
• Note that some dogs may seek more attention, rather than avoiding it, if they are in pain.^[22] You should take note of either avoidance or unusually high levels of attention-seeking behaviors.