Emergency Care

Introduction

Emergency care for service dogs is a critical aspect of work in dog units. In the field, dogs can be injured, suffer poisoning, or develop acute health problems. A quick and professional response can mean the difference between life and death. This guide provides the basics of emergency care, from initial assessment to professional veterinary treatment.

Basics of Emergency Care

What is an Emergency?

An emergency exists when the dog is acutely endangered and immediate action is required. Typical emergency situations include:

• Unconsciousness or collapse
• Severe injuries with heavy bleeding
• Breathing difficulties or risk of suffocation
• Poisoning
• Heat stroke or hypothermia
• Seizures
• Shock

The First Seconds Decide

In an emergency, the first reaction is crucial. Stay calm and act systematically:

1. Ensure safety: Make sure you are not at risk yourself
2. Stabilize the dog: Prevent further injuries
3. Check vital functions: Breathing, pulse, consciousness
4. Initiate first aid measures: Stop bleeding, stabilize condition
5. Call professional help: Contact veterinarian or emergency service

Checking Vital Functions

Checking Breathing

Breathing is the most important vital function. Check:

• Normal values: 10-30 breaths per minute (at rest)
• Abnormal: Rapid, shallow breathing or respiratory arrest
• Check: Observe chest movement or hold a mirror in front of the nose

Respiratory arrest: Immediate ventilation required!

Measuring Pulse

The pulse provides information about circulatory status:

• Measurement point: Inner thigh (femoral artery)
• Normal values: 60-120 beats per minute (depending on size)
• Abnormal: Very fast (>180), very slow (<40) or not palpable

No pulse: Cardiac arrest - immediate cardiac massage required!

Checking Consciousness

Check consciousness by:

• Calling the dog
• Gentle touching
• Response to pain stimuli

Unconsciousness: Life-threatening - immediate professional help!

First Aid Measures

Recovery Position

For unconscious dogs, the recovery position is important:

1. Carefully place dog on its side
2. Slightly extend head (keep airways clear)
3. Pull tongue out of mouth (if visible)
4. Regularly check breathing and pulse

Stopping Bleeding

Bleeding must be stopped immediately:

Minor bleeding:

• Cover with clean cloth or bandage material
• Apply light pressure
• Hold for 5-10 minutes

Heavy bleeding:

• Apply direct pressure to the wound
• Apply pressure bandage
• For limbs: Elevate
• For arterial bleeding: Pressure point compression

Recognizing arterial bleeding:

• Bright red, pulsating blood
• Heavy bleeding
• Life-threatening!

Ventilation

In case of respiratory arrest, ventilation is required:

1. Dog in recovery position
2. Open mouth, pull tongue forward
3. Close mouth, breathe through nose
4. 10-15 breaths per minute
5. Chest should rise

Important: Do not breathe too forcefully - lung could burst!

Cardiac Massage

In case of cardiac arrest (no pulse):

1. Place dog on right side
2. Cardiac massage: 100-120 compressions per minute
3. For large dogs: Both hands stacked on chest
4. For small dogs: One hand is sufficient
5. Always alternate: 30 compressions, 2 ventilations

Special Emergency Situations

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is life-threatening and often occurs during operations:

Symptoms:

• Panting, rapid breathing
• Elevated body temperature (>40°C)
• Red gums
• Vomiting, diarrhea
• Collapse, seizures

Immediate actions:

1. Immediately bring dog into shade
2. Cool with cold water (not ice cold!)
3. Apply wet towels
4. Use fan (air movement)
5. Offer water (do not force)
6. Contact veterinarian

Forbidden: Ice water, too rapid cooling (risk of shock!)

Poisoning

Poisoning requires quick action:

Common sources of poison:

• Rat poison, slug pellets
• Plants (yew, oleander, etc.)
• Medications
• Cleaning agents
• Chocolate, grapes

Symptoms:

• Vomiting, diarrhea
• Salivation, trembling
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness

Immediate actions:

1. Identify source of poison (if possible)
2. DO NOT induce vomiting (except on instruction)
3. Administer activated charcoal (if available)
4. Contact veterinarian or poison control
5. Bring poison sample

Shock

A state of shock is life-threatening:

Symptoms:

• Rapid, weak pulse
• Pale mucous membranes
• Cold limbs
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Impaired consciousness

Immediate actions:

1. Keep dog warm (blanket)
2. Slightly elevate legs (except in case of breathing difficulties)
3. Calm, avoid stress
4. Immediate veterinarian - intravenous fluid administration required!

Seizures

Seizures can have various causes:

Immediate actions:

1. Do not hold dog down
2. Secure surroundings (risk of injury)
3. Do not reach into mouth (bite risk!)
4. Time the seizure (duration of attack)
5. After seizure: Rest, contact veterinarian

In status epilepticus (seizure lasts >5 minutes): Emergency!

Emergency Equipment

Well-equipped emergency equipment is essential:

Maintenance: Check regularly, replace expired medications!

Communication in Emergency

Emergency Contacts

Always keep the following contacts readily available:

• Veterinarian (practice): Normal business hours
• Veterinarian (emergency service): Available 24/7
• Poison control: For poisonings
• Unit leader: For operation organization
• Transport service: For emergency transport

Information for the Veterinarian

Prepare the following information:

1. What happened? (accident, poisoning, sudden?)
2. When did it happen? (time)
3. Symptoms? (What do you observe?)
4. Vital functions? (breathing, pulse, consciousness)
5. First aid measures? (What have you already done?)
6. Pre-existing conditions? (Known diseases, medications)

Transport to Veterinarian

Transport must be safe and gentle:

Preparation

1. Stabilize dog (as far as possible)
2. Provisional treatment of injuries
3. Prepare means of transport
4. Plan route (shortest way)
5. Alert veterinarian

Transport Methods

Small dogs:

• Transport box or carrier bag
• On lap (if stable)
• Wrap in blanket

Large dogs:

• Transport blanket or blanket as stretcher
• Carefully lift into vehicle
• Stable positioning (do not let slide)

In case of spinal injury:

• Dog on firm surface (board, stretcher)
• Do not move!
• Get professional help for transport

Prevention of Emergencies

The best emergency care is prevention:

Regular Preventive Care

• Health checks: Regular veterinary examinations
• Vaccinations: Current vaccination status
• Nutrition: Balanced, healthy diet
• Exercise: Appropriate training without overload

Operation Preparation

• Check equipment: Before each operation
• Weather conditions: Consider heat, cold
• Hazard sources: Avoid toxins, sharp objects
• Condition: Dog must be fit for operation

First Aid Training

• Regular courses: Refresh at least annually
• Practical exercises: Train emergency situations
• Team training: Train all team members
• Updates: Incorporate new knowledge

Legal Aspects

Documentation

Emergencies must be documented:

• Incident report: What happened?
• First aid measures: What was done?
• Veterinarian report: Diagnosis and treatment
• Follow-up examinations: Document course

Liability

• Own responsibility: Every dog handler is responsible
• Insurance: Pet health insurance recommended
• Documentation: Protects against liability claims