Serious Bleeding   Minor Cuts and Wounds   Shock   Car and Truck Accidents   Transporting the Injured Dog   Breath Stoppage   Electric Shock and Lightning   Burns and Scalds   Poisoning   Choking

Snakebite   Encounter with a Skunk   Porcupine Quills   Bee, Hornet and Wasp Stings   Dogfights   Attack by a Cat   Heat Exhaustion   Lameness   First Aid Kit

LAMENESS

Dogs often suffer from sore feet or lameness. Lameness may be caused by sprain, fracture, thorn or other foreign object, rheumatism, injury, etc.

Symptoms

The lame dog will limp, hop on three feet, hold up one foot and whimper. Pain, swelling and bleeding may be present.

First Aid

If necessary, restrain the dog. Gently examine the lame leg or foot. Look for thorns, glass, stones, etc. Check the leg for possible fractures. Remove any foreign objects from the pads or between the toes.

After you've removed any foreign objects, wash the part with mild soap and water. If the cuts are minor, let the dog lick them. If swelling is present, apply icepacks or cloths wet with cold water. Examine carefully for fractures of the toes. These will usually appear as swellings and the dog will be unable to move the broken toes. If there are fractures, or lameness persists, take the dog to the veterinarian.