Dogs are full of love, loyalty, and companionship. They're also the most popular pet in America. So it's no surprise that dogs are given plenty of opportunities to be outside, running around, playing, and enjoying life. But with that freedom comes a responsibility: Make sure your dog is safe while they're out there! We'll take you through some tips on how to keep your pooch healthy and happy when they're enjoying their time outside.
Learn CPR.
Learning CPR is an important skill to have, especially if you own a dog. If your canine companion is ever in need of first aid and cannot breathe or has stopped breathing, performing compressions can save his life.
The following steps will help you learn how to perform chest compressions on a dog:
- Check for a heartbeat by placing your fingers over its chest. If the heart is beating, feel for warmth or movement at its neck (you may need someone else's help).
- Place one hand on top of another over the sternum (breastbone) with palms facing down on either side of where they meet in front of him/her. Press firmly into this area about 100 times per minute until help arrives or it becomes apparent that CPR isn't helping anymore.
Teach your dog to swim.
If you live in an area with a lot of lakes and streams, or if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors in the summertime, it's important to teach them how to swim. Swimming can be a great exercise for dogs and can help them cool off in hot weather. It also helps relieve stress and anxiety--just like humans, dogs need some time out from the hustle-bustle of everyday life!
- Teach your canine friend at an early age. You'll have more success training him if he learns this skill as a puppy rather than trying to teach him when he's older (and bigger).
- Make sure that any lake or pool where you take your pet has been disinfected first so there aren't any harmful bacteria present that could make his illness worse later on down the road when he starts playing around again after being sick earlier today due out there by himself without anyone else around except maybe me but since I'm not really paying attention right now anyway then maybe we should just forget about all this stuff because who cares anyway?
Make sure your dog is microchipped.
- Microchipping your dog is an important step in keeping him or her safe and healthy. A microchip is a tiny device that can be inserted under the skin of a canine, and it contains information about your pet's identity and contact information for its owners.
- If you're not sure if your dog has been microchipped, take him to the vet for an exam; many veterinarians offer low-cost microchipping services as part of their regular checkup appointments.
- Once you have located the chip's location (usually near where the shoulder blades meet), use tweezers or needle-nosed pliers to gently pull out any dirt or debris from around the area so there are no obstructions when inserting it into their skin.
- Hold onto their collar with one hand while carefully inserting this small piece of plastic into their flesh with another--don't worry if they squirm! Just keep them steady until everything goes smoothly; after all, this only takes about 10 seconds tops!
Get your dog vaccinated regularly.
- How often to get your dog vaccinated:
- What vaccines are available:
- Recommended vaccines for your dog:
- Where to find a vet that offers vaccinations:
You may have heard of some of these, but there are others you might not have considered. For example, if you live in an area where ticks are prevalent (or even if they're not), it's recommended that all dogs receive tick-borne disease vaccines at least once annually. The same goes for leptospirosis and brucellosis--two bacterial diseases that can cause severe illness or death in unvaccinated animals. You might also want to consider the Bordetella bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough) vaccine if boarding or traveling frequently with your pet.
How To Create A Doggie First Aid Kit And Where To Find These Items
You should keep a first aid kit for dogs handy at home and in the car. Include bandages, antiseptics, painkillers, and scissors. Don't forget to include a muzzle if your dog has bad bite wounds. Make sure the kit is waterproof so it can be used on wet or damp fur without being damaged by water exposure. If your dog is a swimmer (or may need help getting out of icy water), consider getting a flotation device as well - this also doubles as an easy way to spot them when swimming in large bodies of water!
In some states, you could be fined if your dog isn't microchipped; check with local authorities before going hiking with Fido if this applies to you! Check regularly for ticks; they're very common among hikers so try not to let them get too close while exploring nature together! Learning how to recognize signs of shock can save lives both human AND canine during times when emergencies arise--so don't forget about those first aid classes either!
Learn how to put on a tourniquet.
A tourniquet is a device that stops blood flow to an injured area of the body. Tourniquets should only be used in extreme circumstances, such as when there isn't enough time to get your dog the medical attention they need. However, if you find yourself in this situation and don't have another option, learning how to apply a tourniquet will save your furry friend's life!
To apply one:
- Wrap it around the limb between two fingers on either side (for example, if you're applying it around their arm, wrap it between their thumb and index finger).
- Tie off as tightly as possible with string or rope so no more blood can get through; then secure both ends by tying them together underneath where you started wrapping so nothing slips out of place once pressure has been applied.
- Don't leave it on for longer than 15 minutes.
- Remove with scissors or knife when needed.
- If possible try getting someone else who knows what they're doing to help out by taking off any netting/rope etc., but if not just cut through whatever material is wrapped around them carefully using something sharp like scissors or knife until all parts are removed safely without hurting yourself too much while doing so
Carry a knife to cut through rope, netting, or other tough materials that might be tangled around your dog's paws.
A knife is a useful tool to have on hand. If you find that your dog has gotten wrapped up in rope or netting, use the knife to cut through it so he can free himself. You'll want to make sure that the blade is sharp and pointed enough for this purpose, but not so sharp that it could hurt your dog if he accidentally bumped into it while trying to escape from his entanglement. Put the knife in a sheath so that it's safe for both you and him when carrying it around outside; if possible, keep a small pocket knife with you at all times so that even if something goes wrong outdoors (like getting caught up), there will be no delay before being able to take action!
Takeaway:
- First aid is a critical skill for any dog owner, whether you're out for a hike or just trying to keep your pooch safe at home.
- It's important to know CPR, swimming lessons, and vaccination schedules in case of an emergency.
- Be sure that your dog has been microchipped and that you have the proper first aid kit on hand before heading off into the great outdoors with your furry friend!
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many things to consider when preparing your dog for the great outdoors. But with a little planning, you can ensure that your canine companion has all the tools he or she needs to stay safe, healthy, and happy.
