If it is a small dog to do mouth to mouth you would need to cover the mouth and nose with your mouth, A large dog you would need to hold the mouth closed and blow through the nose. You would do the chest compressions as you would for a human.
If your DOG is NOT breathing use a finger to clear any mucus or other objects from the mouth. TILT the head back to straighten the airway passage.
Hold the mouth shut with one hand, and place your mouth over the DOG’S nose and mouth making sure the seal is tight.
Blow into the nose while watching to see if the chest expands.
If the chest DOES NOT EXPAND start over again by clearing the mouth. If the chest DOES EXPAND release your DOG’S mouth so it can exhale.
Repeat the breathing procedure once every five (5) seconds until your DOG is breathing normally, or until your Vet or other Emergency technician is available to begin treatment.
IF YOU CANNOT DETECT A HEARTBEAT YOU MUST PERFORM ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH CARDIAC RESUSCITATION.
PUT your DOG on its right side. PUT the heel of your hand on the ribcage just behind the elbow. PUT your other hand on top of the first hand.
Firmly press on the ribcage in quick, smooth movements. Depending on the size of your DOG press down 3-4 inches using both hands. The compression should last no longer than 1/2 second. The smaller the DOG the fewer inches of compression and less force are needed. At all times try not to damage the ribcage.
Repeat this procedure a total of 10 times.
Then, if your DOG is not breathing, perform CPR as described above.
Alternate between the chest compressions (10 in a row), and one breath into the DOG’S nose.
I know of a person that has done it successfully, When I was in high school my Latin teacher performed it on her mini dashie that was lying under the coffee table and not breathing. She was able to do dog CPR. The dog was paralyzed for awhile but eventually almost fully recovered. (after weeks of therapy from a vet and emergency vet care) So it can be done.
CPR
If dog is not breathing;
-Clear any mucous or objects from the dog’s mouth
-Tilt the head back to straighten the air passage
-Hold the mouth shut with one hand, and place your mouth over the dog’s nose.
-Blow into the nose and see if the chest expands
-If the chest does not expand, start over and make sure everything is cleared from the dogs mouth/throat
-If the chest DOES expand, let go so your dog can exhale
-Repeate once ever 5 seconds until the dog is breathing normally or until a vet/emergency technician is availible
If the dog’s heart is not beating
-Put the dog on it’s right side
-Put the heel of your hand on the ribcage right below the dog’s elbow, and put your other hand on top of that hand
-Firmly press on the ribcage in quick, smooth movements. Depending on the size of your DOG press down 3-4 inches using both hands. The compression should last no longer than 1/2 second. The smaller the DOG the fewer inches of compression and less force are needed. At all times try not to damage the ribcage.
-If the dog is not breathing, then preform CPR
-Alternate between chest compressions and CPR
If you can, find a seminar in your area and sign up to get certified in pet first aid. It’s an hour long seminar, and you get a nifty little card saying you’re certified.
You preform CPR on a dog the same as you would a human only….. (heimlech//thrust manuver) you turn them upside down!! it may sound strange but thats how. you do it.. for moouth to mouth recesitation you breath into their mouth or nose… look it up @ OR watch it on animal planet! its a show called “Good Dog U” its on april 12th at 9:00 am it will teach you every part of it! hope this helps… and if your dog happends to eat something poisonous call… 888*232*8870
I had to do this on my own pup just a month ago and I actually brought him back (he had a heart attack on the way to the vets). You have t be sure to learn the specific breathing for the size of your pup. Anyway, I was really lucky I was ready when it happened. go here:
btw, I took a class given by our dog training club. Sometimes the red cross, training clubs, and local humane societies will have them. I would encourage everyone to take a class if they get the opportunity. It was worth every penny!
Breath in mouth and push in the chest 3 times.Your pet depends on you for his or her well-being. In addition to providing daily care, love and affection, your best friend depends on you in an emergency. Whether your pet becomes ill or injured, or needs help in a disaster, the American Red Cross can help.
Our Dog First Aid and Cat First Aid books and Pet First Aid course (offered at select chapters) teaches you emergency care procedures for cats and dogs and provides tips for keeping your pet happy and healthy too. To purchase Pet First Aid Kits, visit the Charter Oak Chapter of Connecticut, Greater New York American Red Cross Chapter, Heart of Oklahoma Chapter, Heart of Texas Area Red Cross, Mid-Rio Grande Chapter and American Red Cross Bay Area.
Created for conscientious pet owners, the Dog First Aid and Cat First Aid are full-color reference guides build first aid skills and provide guidance for emergency situations until veterinary care is available. Each guide is packaged with a DVD so that that demonstrates how to perform many of the first aid steps described in the book.
Dog First Aid and Cat First Aid make perfect gifts for everybody you know with a cat or dog! Contact your local chapter for more information about your local pet first aid courseCardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR, as it is called, is a version of artificial respiration that includes assisting the HEART to BEAT. The purpose of CPR is to keep oxygen moving to the lungs and blood circulating throughout the body. The directions contained here APPLY TO DOGS. While these instructions may be good in an emergency, it is wise to check with your VET to establish the procedure that is best for your DOG.
How To Administer CPR
If your DOG is NOT breathing use a finger to clear any mucus or other objects from the mouth. TILT the head back to straighten the airway passage.
Hold the mouth shut with one hand, and place your mouth over the DOG’S nose and mouth making sure the seal is tight.
Blow into the nose while watching to see if the chest expands.
If the chest DOES NOT EXPAND start over again by clearing the mouth. If the chest DOES EXPAND release your DOG’S mouth so it can exhale.
Repeat the breathing procedure once every five (5) seconds until your DOG is breathing normally, or until your Vet or other Emergency technician is available to begin treatment.
IF YOU CANNOT DETECT A HEARTBEAT YOU MUST PERFORM ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH CARDIAC RESUSCITATION.
PUT your DOG on its right side. PUT the heel of your hand on the ribcage just behind the elbow. PUT your other hand on top of the first hand.
Firmly press on the ribcage in quick, smooth movements. Depending on the size of your DOG press down 3-4 inches using both hands. The compression should last no longer than 1/2 second. The smaller the DOG the fewer inches of compression and less force are needed. At all times try not to damage the ribcage.
Repeat this procedure a total of 10 times.
Then, if your DOG is not breathing, perform CPR as described above.
Alternate between the chest compressions (10 in a row), and one breath into the DOG’S nose.
well it’s like the same thing for humans but you need to be much careful with dogs. You push the stomach and if u need to put some of ur air from ur mouth into the dog. But be careful and that might kinda gross. But that’s the way. Good Question!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One of the best ways to prepare for an emergency is to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR. CPR is a combination of chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing that can be used on children and adults. Learn more about this life-saving treatment.
Call 911 immediately if you think it is a medical emergency or if the dog has chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness.
Common situations and features that can predispose a pet to overheating:
Being left in a car in warm weather, even if the windows are left slightly open.
Having a muzzle on while a pet is being groomed, and/or leaving the muzzle on while a pet is put in a drying cage.
Short-nosed breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, boxers and Persian cats.
Any pet with an airway disease.
Being confined outside without shade or an adequate supply of fresh water.
Suggested treatment when this condition occurs:
Mild Hyperthermia can sometimes be treated by simply removing a pet from the situation and/or environment where overheating has occurred, and placing it in a cool place in the shade or in an air-conditioned room.
If a pet is unsteady on its feet and you have moved it to a cooler location, you can start cooling it by placing cool water on the feet. Rubbing alcohol on the skin of your pet’s stomach (with a fan blowing on the pet) can also aid in cooling.
While these steps are in progress, have someone call your veterinarian so that they can determine if you should bring your pet in for treatment.
Note: it is very dangerous to cool an overheated pet too quickly. Never put a pet in an ice bath, or use ice cold water, unless under the direct supervision of your veterinarian. Cool water is best.
The most common sign of hyperthermia is restlessness and agitation, with vigorous panting. A pet’s saliva may be thick, and the gums and tongue may be bright red. Depending on the severity of the hyperthermia, the gums can also be very pale and a pet may be lying down with its head, neck, and limbs extended and thick saliva coming from the mouth and nose.
Always call your veterinarian, even if the pet appears to have recovered from hyperthermia, after you have administered any of the treatments above. Your veterinarian may not want to see your pet if it has recovered, but it is always best for them to determine whether or not your pet needs to be examined.
Choking
Choking is caused by a foreign object being lodged in the pet’s airway and adding pressure to the trachea or windpipe. To avoid a choking incident, always provide your pet with toys that are the appropriate size. Toys that are too small (relative to your pet’s size) can be easily swallowed and become wedged in your pet’s airway.
It’s important to provide supervision when an edible treat is being chewed. Some treats that dogs enjoy, such as rawhide, cow hooves, and pig ears, can break off in pieces and may not be small enough for your pet to swallow completely.
Always remove strings, foil, and feathers from cat toys — these items can be enjoyable to your cat but may potentially become caught in its throat or intestinal tract.
Indications of choking:
Noisy and labored breathing sounds – your pet will have difficulty inhaling
Pawing at the nose and mouth
Gums may be white or blue
Excessive drooling
Unconsciousness
Determine if your pet’s airway is able to be cleared by performing a finger swipe of the mouth — this is accomplished by placing your finger on the side of the pet’s mouth and sliding it down and toward the center of the throat. If no foreign object or substance is removed and your pet is still having breathing difficulties, contact your veterinarian for immediate instructions and care. Do not try and perform CPR or the Heimlich method unless instructed by your veterinarian.
Bleeding
A physical trauma can cause pets to suffer blood loss. Regardless of what caused the trauma to your pet, immediate attention to blood loss is required.
Pressure:
Apply gentle pressure to the bleeding; do not remove a cloth or bandage even if it becomes saturated, simply apply additional layers. The bandage can be held in place by bandage material if you need to free your hands. Elevation can be used to aid in stopping the bleeding, but try to continue applying direct pressure to the wound. Try to keep your pet calm, and contact your veterinarian immediately, or if the situation warrants it, begin transporting your pet to the veterinarian while controlling the bleeding.
Tourniquet:
The use of tourniquets can be dangerous and cause damage to the limb if applied incorrectly. A tourniquet should only be used if the pet is experiencing a life threatening situation, due to the amount of blood loss that is occurring from a limb or tail.
How to Move and Transport an Injured Pet
An injured pet is unpredictable, regardless of its personality. When pets are in pain, they react instinctively and unpredictably and cannot be held responsible for their actions.
Always take precautions to protect yourself, and your pet, from further injury when transporting to the veterinarian. An emergency muzzle’ can be made from a neck tie, silk stocking, a section of linen fabric, or other strong material. Using the middle of the material, make a loop and place it around your pet’s muzzle. Bring the ends under the chin and tie snuggly around the back of the head under the ears.
If your pet is unable to walk, or you have determined that walking may cause further injury or damage, a blanket can be used as a transport device. Gently lift the pet onto the blanket, and grip the edges of the blanket to lift and place the pet in the vehicle. Covering your pet is important to prevent heat loss and can create a calming effect.
Smaller pets can be transported in a carrier or a box (with holes large enough for air to allow for adequate breathing) with a lid. Try to minimize the amount of movement, and make your pet as comfortable as possible. Always try to contact your veterinarian, in advance, to share as many details as possible, and the estimated time that you will arrive at the clinic.
Snake Bites
The first thing you must do if you think your pet has been bitten by a snake is to stay calm. Do not add any additional excitement to the situation. Your pet will need to be examined to determine if and where the snake bite occurred, and there may be more than one location, so examine carefully. A constrictive bandage can be placed on the limb involved, above the bite. A bandage will need to fit firmly on the leg, but not too tightly.
If possible, try to identify the snake – you should attempt to determine the size, color, the shape of the head, and if there was a rattle at the end of the snake’s tail. Do not risk injury to yourself in attempting to get this information.
Carry the pet to the vehicle or, if too large to carry, walk it slowly to your vehicle and go to the nearest veterinary hospital. (This may not be the hospital that you regularly use, but immediate care is required for a snake bite.) In the meantime, keep your pet as calm as possible.
Contact your veterinarian if you think a snake bite may have occurred, but you are unable to find the fang marks. Your veterinarian may want to examine your pet to insure a bite mark was not accidentally overlooked.
Spider Bites
Veterinary treatment is required for any spider bite. Unfortunately, you will probably not know when your pet has received a spider bite. Spider bites can be painless when they occur. What you may see is a patch of skin where the hair has thinned; there may be a single hole visible, with skin discoloration around the hole. The skin may be a dark purple or black in color.
There might be lameness in the limb other than where the bite occurred, as well as fever and chills. Spider bites can be life threatening to you and your pets.
Research the area you live to determine which poisonous spiders are prevalent, and always examine the areas where spiders like to build nests. Contact an exterminator to remove spiders from your home.
i hope your dog isn’t choking as your asking questions on yahoo. call your vet.
rubbing thier rib cage can help if they’re choking.
If it is a small dog to do mouth to mouth you would need to cover the mouth and nose with your mouth, A large dog you would need to hold the mouth closed and blow through the nose. You would do the chest compressions as you would for a human.
If your DOG is NOT breathing use a finger to clear any mucus or other objects from the mouth. TILT the head back to straighten the airway passage.
Hold the mouth shut with one hand, and place your mouth over the DOG’S nose and mouth making sure the seal is tight.
Blow into the nose while watching to see if the chest expands.
If the chest DOES NOT EXPAND start over again by clearing the mouth. If the chest DOES EXPAND release your DOG’S mouth so it can exhale.
Repeat the breathing procedure once every five (5) seconds until your DOG is breathing normally, or until your Vet or other Emergency technician is available to begin treatment.
IF YOU CANNOT DETECT A HEARTBEAT YOU MUST PERFORM ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH CARDIAC RESUSCITATION.
PUT your DOG on its right side. PUT the heel of your hand on the ribcage just behind the elbow. PUT your other hand on top of the first hand.
Firmly press on the ribcage in quick, smooth movements. Depending on the size of your DOG press down 3-4 inches using both hands. The compression should last no longer than 1/2 second. The smaller the DOG the fewer inches of compression and less force are needed. At all times try not to damage the ribcage.
Repeat this procedure a total of 10 times.
Then, if your DOG is not breathing, perform CPR as described above.
Alternate between the chest compressions (10 in a row), and one breath into the DOG’S nose.
GET YOUR DOG TO A VET!!!!!
Take a Red Cross pet first aid class.
Look on their website for more information.
This website explains it a little.
I am sure your vet will have more information.
I know of a person that has done it successfully, When I was in high school my Latin teacher performed it on her mini dashie that was lying under the coffee table and not breathing. She was able to do dog CPR. The dog was paralyzed for awhile but eventually almost fully recovered. (after weeks of therapy from a vet and emergency vet care) So it can be done.
CPR
If dog is not breathing;
-Clear any mucous or objects from the dog’s mouth
-Tilt the head back to straighten the air passage
-Hold the mouth shut with one hand, and place your mouth over the dog’s nose.
-Blow into the nose and see if the chest expands
-If the chest does not expand, start over and make sure everything is cleared from the dogs mouth/throat
-If the chest DOES expand, let go so your dog can exhale
-Repeate once ever 5 seconds until the dog is breathing normally or until a vet/emergency technician is availible
If the dog’s heart is not beating
-Put the dog on it’s right side
-Put the heel of your hand on the ribcage right below the dog’s elbow, and put your other hand on top of that hand
-Firmly press on the ribcage in quick, smooth movements. Depending on the size of your DOG press down 3-4 inches using both hands. The compression should last no longer than 1/2 second. The smaller the DOG the fewer inches of compression and less force are needed. At all times try not to damage the ribcage.
-If the dog is not breathing, then preform CPR
-Alternate between chest compressions and CPR
If you can, find a seminar in your area and sign up to get certified in pet first aid. It’s an hour long seminar, and you get a nifty little card saying you’re certified.
You preform CPR on a dog the same as you would a human only….. (heimlech//thrust manuver) you turn them upside down!! it may sound strange but thats how. you do it.. for moouth to mouth recesitation you breath into their mouth or nose… look it up @ OR watch it on animal planet! its a show called “Good Dog U” its on april 12th at 9:00 am it will teach you every part of it! hope this helps… and if your dog happends to eat something poisonous call… 888*232*8870
Here is a wonderful brochure explaining the various life-saving canine CPR techniques:
I had to do this on my own pup just a month ago and I actually brought him back (he had a heart attack on the way to the vets). You have t be sure to learn the specific breathing for the size of your pup. Anyway, I was really lucky I was ready when it happened. go here:
btw, I took a class given by our dog training club. Sometimes the red cross, training clubs, and local humane societies will have them. I would encourage everyone to take a class if they get the opportunity. It was worth every penny!
Breath in mouth and push in the chest 3 times.Your pet depends on you for his or her well-being. In addition to providing daily care, love and affection, your best friend depends on you in an emergency. Whether your pet becomes ill or injured, or needs help in a disaster, the American Red Cross can help.
Our Dog First Aid and Cat First Aid books and Pet First Aid course (offered at select chapters) teaches you emergency care procedures for cats and dogs and provides tips for keeping your pet happy and healthy too. To purchase Pet First Aid Kits, visit the Charter Oak Chapter of Connecticut, Greater New York American Red Cross Chapter, Heart of Oklahoma Chapter, Heart of Texas Area Red Cross, Mid-Rio Grande Chapter and American Red Cross Bay Area.
Created for conscientious pet owners, the Dog First Aid and Cat First Aid are full-color reference guides build first aid skills and provide guidance for emergency situations until veterinary care is available. Each guide is packaged with a DVD so that that demonstrates how to perform many of the first aid steps described in the book.
Dog First Aid and Cat First Aid make perfect gifts for everybody you know with a cat or dog! Contact your local chapter for more information about your local pet first aid courseCardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR, as it is called, is a version of artificial respiration that includes assisting the HEART to BEAT. The purpose of CPR is to keep oxygen moving to the lungs and blood circulating throughout the body. The directions contained here APPLY TO DOGS. While these instructions may be good in an emergency, it is wise to check with your VET to establish the procedure that is best for your DOG.
How To Administer CPR
If your DOG is NOT breathing use a finger to clear any mucus or other objects from the mouth. TILT the head back to straighten the airway passage.
Hold the mouth shut with one hand, and place your mouth over the DOG’S nose and mouth making sure the seal is tight.
Blow into the nose while watching to see if the chest expands.
If the chest DOES NOT EXPAND start over again by clearing the mouth. If the chest DOES EXPAND release your DOG’S mouth so it can exhale.
Repeat the breathing procedure once every five (5) seconds until your DOG is breathing normally, or until your Vet or other Emergency technician is available to begin treatment.
IF YOU CANNOT DETECT A HEARTBEAT YOU MUST PERFORM ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH CARDIAC RESUSCITATION.
PUT your DOG on its right side. PUT the heel of your hand on the ribcage just behind the elbow. PUT your other hand on top of the first hand.
Firmly press on the ribcage in quick, smooth movements. Depending on the size of your DOG press down 3-4 inches using both hands. The compression should last no longer than 1/2 second. The smaller the DOG the fewer inches of compression and less force are needed. At all times try not to damage the ribcage.
Repeat this procedure a total of 10 times.
Then, if your DOG is not breathing, perform CPR as described above.
Alternate between the chest compressions (10 in a row), and one breath into the DOG’S nose.
Red Cross has pet first aid classes and all that is trained.
I took it but from breeding and working in teh vets office I knew more than the trainer.
they also make cpr mouthgaurds for pets, which makes it easier to give them respirations.
well it’s like the same thing for humans but you need to be much careful with dogs. You push the stomach and if u need to put some of ur air from ur mouth into the dog. But be careful and that might kinda gross. But that’s the way. Good Question!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One of the best ways to prepare for an emergency is to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR. CPR is a combination of chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing that can be used on children and adults. Learn more about this life-saving treatment.
Call 911 immediately if you think it is a medical emergency or if the dog has chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness.
Common situations and features that can predispose a pet to overheating:
Being left in a car in warm weather, even if the windows are left slightly open.
Having a muzzle on while a pet is being groomed, and/or leaving the muzzle on while a pet is put in a drying cage.
Short-nosed breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, boxers and Persian cats.
Any pet with an airway disease.
Being confined outside without shade or an adequate supply of fresh water.
Suggested treatment when this condition occurs:
Mild Hyperthermia can sometimes be treated by simply removing a pet from the situation and/or environment where overheating has occurred, and placing it in a cool place in the shade or in an air-conditioned room.
If a pet is unsteady on its feet and you have moved it to a cooler location, you can start cooling it by placing cool water on the feet. Rubbing alcohol on the skin of your pet’s stomach (with a fan blowing on the pet) can also aid in cooling.
While these steps are in progress, have someone call your veterinarian so that they can determine if you should bring your pet in for treatment.
Note: it is very dangerous to cool an overheated pet too quickly. Never put a pet in an ice bath, or use ice cold water, unless under the direct supervision of your veterinarian. Cool water is best.
The most common sign of hyperthermia is restlessness and agitation, with vigorous panting. A pet’s saliva may be thick, and the gums and tongue may be bright red. Depending on the severity of the hyperthermia, the gums can also be very pale and a pet may be lying down with its head, neck, and limbs extended and thick saliva coming from the mouth and nose.
Always call your veterinarian, even if the pet appears to have recovered from hyperthermia, after you have administered any of the treatments above. Your veterinarian may not want to see your pet if it has recovered, but it is always best for them to determine whether or not your pet needs to be examined.
Choking
Choking is caused by a foreign object being lodged in the pet’s airway and adding pressure to the trachea or windpipe. To avoid a choking incident, always provide your pet with toys that are the appropriate size. Toys that are too small (relative to your pet’s size) can be easily swallowed and become wedged in your pet’s airway.
It’s important to provide supervision when an edible treat is being chewed. Some treats that dogs enjoy, such as rawhide, cow hooves, and pig ears, can break off in pieces and may not be small enough for your pet to swallow completely.
Always remove strings, foil, and feathers from cat toys — these items can be enjoyable to your cat but may potentially become caught in its throat or intestinal tract.
Indications of choking:
Noisy and labored breathing sounds – your pet will have difficulty inhaling
Pawing at the nose and mouth
Gums may be white or blue
Excessive drooling
Unconsciousness
Determine if your pet’s airway is able to be cleared by performing a finger swipe of the mouth — this is accomplished by placing your finger on the side of the pet’s mouth and sliding it down and toward the center of the throat. If no foreign object or substance is removed and your pet is still having breathing difficulties, contact your veterinarian for immediate instructions and care. Do not try and perform CPR or the Heimlich method unless instructed by your veterinarian.
Bleeding
A physical trauma can cause pets to suffer blood loss. Regardless of what caused the trauma to your pet, immediate attention to blood loss is required.
Pressure:
Apply gentle pressure to the bleeding; do not remove a cloth or bandage even if it becomes saturated, simply apply additional layers. The bandage can be held in place by bandage material if you need to free your hands. Elevation can be used to aid in stopping the bleeding, but try to continue applying direct pressure to the wound. Try to keep your pet calm, and contact your veterinarian immediately, or if the situation warrants it, begin transporting your pet to the veterinarian while controlling the bleeding.
Tourniquet:
The use of tourniquets can be dangerous and cause damage to the limb if applied incorrectly. A tourniquet should only be used if the pet is experiencing a life threatening situation, due to the amount of blood loss that is occurring from a limb or tail.
How to Move and Transport an Injured Pet
An injured pet is unpredictable, regardless of its personality. When pets are in pain, they react instinctively and unpredictably and cannot be held responsible for their actions.
Always take precautions to protect yourself, and your pet, from further injury when transporting to the veterinarian. An emergency muzzle’ can be made from a neck tie, silk stocking, a section of linen fabric, or other strong material. Using the middle of the material, make a loop and place it around your pet’s muzzle. Bring the ends under the chin and tie snuggly around the back of the head under the ears.
If your pet is unable to walk, or you have determined that walking may cause further injury or damage, a blanket can be used as a transport device. Gently lift the pet onto the blanket, and grip the edges of the blanket to lift and place the pet in the vehicle. Covering your pet is important to prevent heat loss and can create a calming effect.
Smaller pets can be transported in a carrier or a box (with holes large enough for air to allow for adequate breathing) with a lid. Try to minimize the amount of movement, and make your pet as comfortable as possible. Always try to contact your veterinarian, in advance, to share as many details as possible, and the estimated time that you will arrive at the clinic.
Snake Bites
The first thing you must do if you think your pet has been bitten by a snake is to stay calm. Do not add any additional excitement to the situation. Your pet will need to be examined to determine if and where the snake bite occurred, and there may be more than one location, so examine carefully. A constrictive bandage can be placed on the limb involved, above the bite. A bandage will need to fit firmly on the leg, but not too tightly.
If possible, try to identify the snake – you should attempt to determine the size, color, the shape of the head, and if there was a rattle at the end of the snake’s tail. Do not risk injury to yourself in attempting to get this information.
Carry the pet to the vehicle or, if too large to carry, walk it slowly to your vehicle and go to the nearest veterinary hospital. (This may not be the hospital that you regularly use, but immediate care is required for a snake bite.) In the meantime, keep your pet as calm as possible.
Contact your veterinarian if you think a snake bite may have occurred, but you are unable to find the fang marks. Your veterinarian may want to examine your pet to insure a bite mark was not accidentally overlooked.
Spider Bites
Veterinary treatment is required for any spider bite. Unfortunately, you will probably not know when your pet has received a spider bite. Spider bites can be painless when they occur. What you may see is a patch of skin where the hair has thinned; there may be a single hole visible, with skin discoloration around the hole. The skin may be a dark purple or black in color.
There might be lameness in the limb other than where the bite occurred, as well as fever and chills. Spider bites can be life threatening to you and your pets.
Research the area you live to determine which poisonous spiders are prevalent, and always examine the areas where spiders like to build nests. Contact an exterminator to remove spiders from your home.