PEDIGREE® Brand Presents: Pet First Aid

Vomiting

Possible causes: Poisoning, abdominal injury, motion sickness, disease, overeating, fear, brain injury, parasites.

What to do: Examine vomit for blood or other clues as to cause. Also, bring a sample of the vomit to your veterinarian when you take your dog for an evaluation. If your pet may have eaten something poisonous, bring a sample of the suspected poison (preferably in its original packaging) to the veterinarian. Do not offer any food or water until a veterinarian has been contacted. Abdominal pain, enlarged stomach, and dry heaves are serious signs. Call your veterinarian immediately.

Heatstroke

Possible causes: Excessive heat and/or lack of shade, heavy exertion, lack of water (Note: Animals differ in how much heat they can tolerate; even mildly warm, humid temperatures can stress some pets).

What to do: Place your dog in a cool or shaded area. Immediately bathe with tepid, not cold, water. Do not leave your pet unattended while soaking him in the bath. Monitor his rectal temperature. You can dry him when his temperature drops to 103° F. Do not allow your dog to become excessively chilled. Continue checking his temperature and take him to the vet for further treatment. Take him to a vet immediately if his temperature is 104° F or above.

Limping

Possible causes: Broken limb or toe, arthritis, injury to footpad, dislocation, sprain, muscle soreness or a bur between his toes.

What to do: If a fracture is suspected, gently stabilize the limb before you transport the dog to the vet. (See "Handling and transporting tips" below.) Cover any wounds with a clean cloth.