First aid in an emergency

In an emergency, keep your cool and get your dog to the vet as quickly as possible. Call before you go. If your vet's office isn't open, call the nearest open clinic. Keep emergency numbers close to your phone.

Even if you've been trained and know how to administer artificial respiration to your dog, it's safer to seek care from a veterinarian. But there are a few things you can do to help your dog before you take him to a clinic:

• Wrap your dog in a thick towel or blanket to keep him warm and restrict his movements. Having someone to help you would be preferable.
• Apply a sterile bandage to seal or stop blood from a cut or bite.
• Apply a cold-water compress to a burn and hold it gently in place until you get to the clinic.
• Do not induce vomiting if you suspect your dog has swallowed a poisonous substance.
• If there is any sign of choking (salivation, difficulty swallowing, pawing at the mouth, retching), do not try to remove the object from his mouth.
• If your dog suffers from heatstroke, take him to a cool place and sponge him with cold water. Encourage him to drink a little water.
• If your dog suffers from frostbite, place him in a warm room immediately. Slowly thaw frozen areas by applying a towel of lukewarm water until reddened. Severe frostbite can damage paws and ear tips, so it's best to let your vet examine the extent of the damage as soon as possible.