Canine First Aid

As dog groomers, it is important that we know and understand what is normal in dog health and what is not. It is important that you know how to measure vital signs, address emergency situations, maintain a calm and professional approach to sometimes difficult difficult situations as well as monitor your own health and sanity! As always, transparency is the very best way forward when dealing with a dog that has been accidental injured in a salon. Emergency procedures including up to date customer details, trained staff and swift action are critical in crisis situations.Unfortunately when we are dealing with sharp implements and moving targets, accidents can happen.

Medical Concerns

It is important to obtain a medical history from owners. Make sure to ask if there are any health and behavioral problems. Old age, cataracts, crucial ligaments or any recent operations are important to be aware of to limit unnecessary movement or stress. Always call the owner if you are concerned for the dog. In cases where the dog is quite agitated, avoid bathing and drying. It is essential to get them groomed as soon as possible to limit their time and stress.

Emergency situations

Emergency situations which require immediate veterinary care are:

Bloat
Hyperthermia (heat stroke)
Certain insect bites (swelling affecting airways)
Seizures which are prolonged or have happened for the first time
Trauma to the head, chest or abdomen
Arterial bleeding
Fractures
Poisoning
Shock
Respiratory distress
Inability to walk
Unconsciousness

If a dog is stressed or ill, it might begin to pant more frequently, mucous membranes may become pale and may have a slow refill time.

Heartbeat and pulse

An average size dog has a pulse rate between 70-160 beats per minute (bpm). Larger dogs have slower rates than small dogs, and dogs that are in good physical condition will have lower heart rates than dogs of similar age and size that are not physically fit. Puppies typically have higher heart rates, up to 180 beats per minute is normal, up to one year of age.

To take the dog’s heart rate:

Lie the dog on it’s right side, bend its left front leg at the elbow. If you can’t get the dog to lie down you can also do it with them standing. Touch the elbow to the dog’s chest. The area where the elbow touches is where the heartbeat is best heard. Place hand or stethoscope on area and count heartbeat for 15 seconds. Multiply that number by four and that is the heart rate per minute. You can also check the pulse at the femoral artery located in the hind leg.

Hypothermia (Heat Stroke)

Always be careful drying a dog in hot weather. Warm weather, with high humidity and stress, can increase the chances of hypothermia. Short nosed breeds such as pekingese, boxers, pugs, bulldogs for example tend to be more susceptible to overheating. Other susceptible dogs may be overweight, in poor health or elderly dogs. Other signs of hypothermia could be weakness, unresponsiveness, disorientation and rapid panting. Stop drying immediately.

Shock

Common causes of shock are dehydration (prolonged vomiting and diarrhea), heat stroke, severe infections, poisoning and hemorrhage. Any condition affecting the heart, vessels or blood volume may induce shock. , signs of shock are pale mucous membranes, a drop in body temperature, weakness or a weak, faint pulse.

Panic Attacks

These may occur suddenly and unexpectedly, and will be brought about by an experience the dog finds frightening, upsetting or uncomfortable. This can happen when on the grooming table, getting bathed or dried, or when a groomer is picking up the dog. Dog grooming can be a scary experience for a lot of dogs, so it is important to identify if the dog may go into a panic attack and how to act upon it. Signs of this generally appear out of nowhere. The dog may be disorientated, start to bark/whine excessively, pant heavily, experience an increase in heart rate or present with pale mucous membranes.

Seizures

There are a variety of causes of epilepsy, including many genetic and medical disorders. Any situation that may cause the dog stress may trigger seizures. Some of the symptoms may be loss of consciousness, freezing up, passing out and kicking of the legs and loss of bodily functions. It is important to stay calm when a dog is in seizure and to make sure they are safe from injury. call/transport the dog to a veterinarian.

Wounds

Wounds, if caused by scissors or blades, are generally quite minor. Heavy bleeding occurs mostly around the pads and ears. If there is a lot of bleeding, pressure should be applied to the area and styptic powder may also be used. Betadine™ or an antiseptic solution or cream can be applied to the area before applying gauze and a bandage, if necessary. If the wound looks like it needs stitches the dog should be taken to a veterinarian for treatment.

First Aid Kit

A First Aid Kit for dogs in the workplace must include the following:

Muzzles
Protective gloves
Digital rectal thermometer
Lubricating jelly (petroleum)
Sterile rinse solution (saline as a wound flush or eyewash)
Clean syringes (1ml and 5ml) for flushing wounds or eyes
Torch or pen light
Blanket or towel for pet transport (if necessary)
Adhesive tape
Gauze squares
Gauze roll
Stretchy bandage
Non-stick sterile wound dressing
Cotton wool roll
Bandage scissors
Tweezers
First aid ointment or solution (such as Betadine™)
Tongue depressor

First aid kit is a necessity and should be re-filled as soon as stock has been used.

Remember

Always ask owner about any current or previous medical and behavioural issues. When grooming an elderly dog a dog in ill-health, be gentle and get them groomed as soon as possible. If a dog with a medical problem seems stressed and agitated, have the owner stay with them. In an emergency situation, check the pulse, temperature, overall behaviour (loss of coordination, disorientation) and appearance (colour of mucous membranes, excessive panting or difficulty breathing, uncontrollable bleeding or collapse). Notify owner and call/transport the dog to a veterinarian.