Doggie First Aid Kit - Be Prepared, Not Remorseful! Part 2

As mentioned in Doggie First Aid Kit - Be Prepared, Not Sorry! Part 1; you should have your dog's baseline data from your veterinarian of their weight, pulse rate, and temperature. Having this data available at the time of an urgency will help you make informed decisions under stressful conditions.

Taking your dog's temperature.

Home First Aid Kit

It isn't something most dog owners look forward to, and neither does their dog...taking their temperature! The mean norm for most dogs is between 99o - 102oF. It is much easier if you have help for this!

To take your dog's climatic characteristic you will need to:

Lubricate the bulb of the rectal thermometer.
Have person hold your dog's head and distract them.
Lift your dog's tail at the base.
Slowly and moderately insert the thermometer into their rectum, until almost half of it is inside your dog.
Hold It! in there for 3 minutes.
Withdraw and get the reading.

Temperature Chart Prioritized Degrees (Fahrenheit)

Below 95F - Hypothermia - Cover dog with blanket - Immediately
95F - 99F - Mild hypothermia - Yes, same day
99F - 102F - general - No need to call vet
103F - 104F -Moderate fever - Yes, same day
105F - High fever - Yes, same day
106F or higher - urgency - Cool dog with water, ice or air conditioning - Immediately

The Mucus Membrane Color Test and the Capillary Refill Test are thought about by color.

To accomplish the Capillary Refill Test

Lift your dog's upper lip.
Press the flat part of your index finger against the non-pigmented pink gum tissue.
Lift your finger to issue the pressure. You will see a white dot.
Using the second hand on your watch, time how long it takes for the dot to acquire color.

Capillary Refill Test (Urgency to call vet)

Less than 1 second - urgency - Immediately
1-2 seconds - general - No need to call vet
2-4 seconds - Moderate to poor - Yes, call vet
4 plus seconds - urgency - Immediately

Anything other than pink gums constitutes a serious medical situation requiring veterinary care. To accomplish the Mucous Membrane Color Test, naturally lift your dog's lip and compare the color of their gums to the chart.

Mucous Membrane Color Test (Urgency to call vet)

Pink - general - No need to call vet
Yellow - Liver problems - Yes, same day
Bright red - Carbon monoxide poisoning - Immediately
Blue - Smoke inhalation - Immediately
Pale to white - Shock or anemia - Immediately

Heart Rate Test (Average beats per minute)

Small dog (up to 20 lbs.) - 70-80
Medium and large dog - 60-140
Puppies (up to 6 weeks old) - Up to 220

Only you know your dog's general general healthy responses. To gauge the severity of the condition, remember: The less responsive, the more serious. Taking age into consideration, a healthy dog is regularly curious, alert, and responsive.

Responsiveness Test (Urgency to call vet)

Alert and responsive - general - No need to call vet
Slow to respond. Lethargic - common to any illnesses - Next day if no turn
Disoriented, blind stares - Inner ear or neurological - Yes, same day
Dazed/stupor - Serious - Immediately
Coma, or seizures - Emergency - Immediately

Bottom line: Make an effort to be aware of your dog's behavior and corporal characteristics when they are in general good health. That simple awareness will be crucially important. Consequently, you can compare the importance of your observations during an emergency, and make the crucial decisions you will need to make, to save your dog's life.

At the time of an emergency, it is best to stay as calm as possible. Your dog will sense your stress, which will only add to theirs. Having your Doggie First Aid Kit geared up and available, will save significant time. In addition, it will cut the panic of looking for what you need, when you have more serious matters to deal with.

Here's to your dog's safety and good health!

Doggie First Aid Kit - Be Prepared, Not Remorseful! Part 2