First Aid

Fits

• If possible, leave the dog where it has collapsed, unless it is a dangerous situation, such as on a road 
• Try to make sure the dog doesn't injure itself 
• Turn off any electric or gas fires 
• Move furniture and objects away from the dog 
• Try and keep the dog as quiet and calm as possible 
• Ask onlookers to leave 
• Draw the curtains 
• Switch off the TV, radio or hi-fi 
• Cushions and rugs can be positioned around the dog to protect it 
• Keep the dog's head down, not raised 
• During the fit, interfere with the dog as little as possible 
• If possible, check that the collar is not too tight. If outdoors, do not loosen too much, as the dog may need to be restrained afterwards 

Foreign body (FB) in mouth or throat

• Need two people 
• One holds the mouth open 
• The other person removes the FB if possible. CARE 
• Don't put anything down the dog's throat/in the mouth in the attempt to remove the object 
• Stop if the FB is being pushed further down the throat. This will only make the obstruction worse 
• Sometimes when dogs are running after a rubber ball, they may catch it at such a speed that it becomes lodged at the back of the throat. The dogs will be 
• Very distressed 
• Choking 
• May even collapse because of lack of oxygen 
• Try to grasp the ball and pull it forwards 
• Sometimes the rubber ball can be forced back. In a life or death situation you can 
• Lie the dog on its side on a firm surface 
• Apply a sudden downward push on the abdomen with both hands, just behind the last rib 
• The second person should open the dog's mouth and try to grab the ball before it goes back down the throat 

Gastric torsion - major emergency 

• Swollen stomach like a drum 
• Contact the vet immediately, and be prepared to transport the dog to the veterinary practice 

Heatstroke

• Dog will be panting and very distressed 
• Remove the dog from the hot surroundings 
• Lower the dog's body temperature 
• Cover with wet sheets 
• Place in a tepid bath, gradually cooling the water 
• Place near a fan, taking care no electrical danger 
• Gradually reduce the core temperature 
• Don't throw a pail of water over the dog 
• Dry the dog, and place in a cool environment 
• Provide plenty of water to drink