First Aid 101: Tips for Treating Swimming and Boating Injuries in Dogs
Dogs are curious creatures and love to explore the outdoors. As a responsible pet owner, it is your duty to ensure their safety even when they are having fun. Among the activities that dogs love to do is swimming and boating, especially during summer. While these activities provide a fun-filled experience for your furry friends, they also come with their share of risks. It is, therefore, essential to know how to manage dog injuries that may occur during swimming and boating. This guide provides some crucial tips on how to treat the most common injuries.
Treat Water-Induced Ear Infections:
Dogs that swim frequently are prone to ear infections, particularly those with floppy ears. The infection can result from water trapped inside the ear canal, which provides a breeding ground for bacteria. Some common signs of an ear infection in dogs include a pungent odor, redness, and persistent itching. In such a scenario, it’s best to clean the ear using a warm, damp cloth and treat the infection with veterinary approved cleaning solutions.
Manage Cuts and Bruises:
Scratches, cuts, and bruises can also occur to your dog during swimming and boating. The best first aid treatment for cuts and bruises entails applying direct pressure to stop the bleeding and clean the wound with soap and water. After cleaning the wound, apply an antibacterial ointment to prevent bacterial infections.
Treat Ingestion of Non-Toxic Seaweed:
Non-toxic seaweed is a favorite snack for dogs that love swimming. However, swallowing too much of it can cause your furry friend to get a stomach upset. In such a case, it’s best to induce vomiting by giving your dog hydrogen peroxide. Give them 1 ml per pound of body weight with a maximum of 45 ml.
Manage Sunburn:
Just like humans, dogs can get sunburns too, particularly on the nose, ears, tummy, and groin. Always limit the time your dog spends in the sun, especially during peak hours and ensure that they are adequately hydrated. If your dog shows signs of sunburn like redness or sore, apply aloe vera gel to the affected area for relief.
Manage Drowning:
While dogs are great swimmers, drowning is still a real risk, and owners should stay alert at all times. In case your dog drowns, perform CPR by compressing their chest with both hands and providing rescue breaths through mouth-to-nose resuscitation. Also, take your dog to the vet for a check-up, even if they seem fine.
Tips for Treating Swimming and Boating Injuries in Dogs
Swimming and boating can be a thrilling experience for your furry friend, and most dogs love it. However, dog owners must take extra precautions to ensure their dog’s safety when engaging in these activities. This includes frequently inspecting your pet for any scratches, and cuts, managing ingestion of non-toxic seaweed, limiting sun exposure and treating water-induced ear infections. By doing so, you will keep your pet safe and secure while they have fun in the sun. Remember, if you are ever in doubt, it’s always best to seek the advice of your trusted veterinarian.
