Dog Rescue

The first step of rescuing dogs is to learn the basics of giving care that will save the dog. To help a dog, keep essential medicine and equipment with you and keep your actions clear. You are the best chance the dog has when it is in a critical condition and the next best rescue guys will be 2 hrs away.

The most common situations demanding rescue are 1 or a combination of these situations

  • Dog has profuse external bleeding from an injury – the dog may go into shock and may not have long to live
  • Dog looks like its broken its back from a hit and run – the dog may go into shock from trauma
  • Dog has a fracture
  • Dog has a maggot wound on its body – not life-threatening in the very short run unless its an extensive wound to the head – but can be addressed easily
  • Dog has a festering wound but it does not have maggots – causing trauma and pain but not immediate death
  • Hyperthermia or heatstroke when the temp of the dog is > 105F
  • Hyperthermia i.e. when the temp of the dog is falling and is < 99F

Be prepared for rescuing dogs:

  • Know a good vet. A damn good vet. Someone who will take your call when you need it and give directions on phone to administer essential care.
  • Keep a treatment kit
  • Know how to administer an injection
  • Know how to orally feed medicine
  • Approaching a dog and restraining/ holding a dog to administer treatment
  • Checking on the dog to determine what level of intervention is required
  • Administering the medical care required
  • Force feeding a dog if necessary during rehab

First aid administered to the dog should be followed by immediate veterinary care. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save the dogs life until it receives veterinary treatment.