An injury may cause your dog pain, fear and confusion. These things can make even a normally gentle dog unpredictable.

• Avoid attempting to hug an injured dog.
• Keep your face away from your dog's mouth.
• A painful dog may bite. Apply a muzzle when appropriate. Rolled gauze or a leash may be used as a makeshift muzzle when a proper muzzle is not available.
• If your dog is vomiting, do NOT apply a muzzle.
• Whenever possible, ask another person to help you move the dog.

1. Level of Responsiveness
   • Call your dog by name. Is the dog responsive?
   • No response or a sluggish response can be a sign of significant injury or illness.
   • Causes for concern include restlessness, aggression, tremors, seizures or no response to touch.
2. Airway and Breathing
   • Assess breathing by watching movement of the chest.
   • Normal respiratory rate listed in the DOGWORX guide: 10–30 breaths per minute, faster for puppies.
3. Heart Rate & Circulation
   • Medium to large adult dogs: 60–100 BPM
   • Small dogs: 100–160 BPM
   • Puppies: 120–160 BPM
   • With the dog lying on its side, the guide recommends feeling the pulse at the inside of the rear-leg thigh.
   • Count beats for 15 seconds and multiply by four.

1. Behavior
   • Is your dog's behavior normal?
   • Look for aggression, lethargy, fear, obvious pain, bleeding or limping.
   • Is the dog eating and drinking normally?
   • Are urination and bowel movements normal?
   • Is urine very clear or very dark?
   • Are stools loose, watery or is the dog constipated?
2. Temperature

   Using a lubricated rectal thermometer, insert 1–2 inches. Normal temperature listed in the guide is 100°F–102.5°F.

3. Eyes
   • Pupils should be equal and reactive to light.
   • Whites of the eyes should be clear and white.
   • Abnormal findings include yellow color, redness, discharge or bleeding.
4. Gums

   Gums should be pink. White, purple, gray or blue gums are abnormal according to the supplied field guide.

5. Skin / Fur
   • Gently run your hands over the body looking for wounds, ticks or masses.
   • Gently lift the skin behind the neck.
   • Skin returning slowly can indicate dehydration.

Airway and Breathing

1. Assess breathing by watching movement of the chest.
2. Normal respiratory rate listed in the guide is 10–30 breaths per minute, faster for puppies.

Heart Rate

The printed guide includes a diagram showing useful pulse locations, including the inside of the rear-leg thigh.

Normal Temperature

100°F–102.5°F. The printed guide recommends a rectal thermometer for the most accurate reading.

Mucous Membrane / Gum Color

Normal gum color should be "bubble gum" pink.

Capillary Refill Time

1. Lift the dog's lip.
2. Press the gum firmly with your finger or thumb.
3. Quickly release.
4. Watch how quickly the gum changes from white back to pink.

Normal refill time listed in the guide is 1–2 seconds.

• Skin lacks elasticity.
• Back may feel warm to the touch.
• Lethargic / hangs head.
• Sunken eyes.
• Dry, chapped nose.
• Dry mouth / thick saliva.
• Excess panting.
• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Inappetence.
• Wobbly or unsteady movement.
• Very dark urine or low urine volume.

A — Airway

1. Lay the dog on its side.
2. Tilt the head back.
3. Gently pull the tongue forward.
4. Check for a foreign object blocking the airway.

B — Breathing

1. Check whether the dog is breathing.
2. If not, begin rescue breathing.
3. Gently close the mouth and extend the neck to open the airway.
4. Cover the nose with your mouth and breathe into the nose until the chest rises.

C — Circulation

1. Check for a heartbeat.
2. If a heartbeat is absent, begin chest compressions.

1. Stay calm.
2. Open the dog's mouth.
3. Gently grasp the tongue and pull it forward so the tip is outside the mouth.
4. Quickly check the mouth and throat for foreign objects blocking the airway.
5. Hold the dog's mouth closed with your hand.
6. Breathe directly into the nose until the chest expands.
7. Continue rescue breathing as described in the printed guide until the dog is breathing or veterinary professionals take over.

• For most dogs, gently lay the dog on one side.
• For barrel-chested dogs such as English Bulldogs, the printed guide instructs laying the dog on its back and placing hands on the breastbone.
• For small dogs, use one hand around the bottom of the chest between the thumb and fingers.
• For other dogs, place hands over the widest point of the chest or just behind the armpit for keel-chested dogs.
• The supplied guide lists 100–120 compressions per minute.
• Aim to compress the chest approximately one-third of its total width.
• If alone, the supplied guide instructs alternating 30 chest compressions with two rescue breaths.
• Continue until a heartbeat and regular breathing return or veterinary professionals take over.

Possible Causes

• Insect bites.
• Spider bites.
• Fire ants.
• Stings.

Signs

• Hives.
• Swelling.
• Redness.
• Itching.
• Swelling commonly around the eyes, face or muzzle.
• Vomiting, difficulty breathing or collapse can occur in anaphylactic shock.

Initial Treatment Listed in the Supplied Guide

The DOGWORX booklet includes diphenhydramine / Benadryl instructions based on the dog's weight.

The supplied booklet states tablets/capsules are 25 mg each and lists a dose of 1 mg per pound of body weight.

1. Protect yourself first.

   Be cautious. A dog in pain can bite. Use a muzzle, or make one with rolled gauze or a leash if you do not have a muzzle.

2. Find the source of the bleeding.
3. Apply firm direct pressure.

   Use a clean cloth or gauze over the wound.

4. Maintain continuous pressure.

   Hold pressure for at least 5–10 minutes depending on the severity of the bleeding.

   IMPORTANT: DO NOT lift the gauze or cloth to check whether the bleeding has stopped.
   DO NOT remove bloody gauze or cloth. Add additional gauze or cloth ON TOP and continue holding pressure.
5. Bandage if possible.

   If a bandage or wrap is applied, check for swelling, particularly below or around the wrapped area.

   A BANDAGE APPLIED TOO TIGHTLY CAN CUT OFF CIRCULATION.

Additional Information From the DOGWORX Guide

• Bleed Clot powder may be used for appropriate smaller wounds or cuts as described in the kit guide.
• The supplied guide includes a tourniquet for serious limb bleeding / blood loss.
• Significant wounds or abnormal blood loss require immediate veterinary care.
• A dog may require surgical repair, infection prevention, pain management or treatment for blood loss.

Signs

• Restlessness.
• Hypersalivation.
• Distended abdomen.
• Pacing.
• Non-productive vomiting.
• Shock.

This condition is more common in larger and deep-chested dogs, but the supplied guide notes that it can occur in any dog.

Signs of Low Blood Sugar / Hypoglycemia

• Wobbliness.
• Twitching.
• Extreme lethargy.
• Collapse.
• Seizures.

What to Do

1. The supplied guide instructs rubbing honey, corn syrup, glucose paste, molasses, maple syrup or sugar water on the gums, even if the dog has collapsed.
2. Seek immediate veterinary care.

Watch For

• Abdominal movement while breathing.
• Coughing.
• Increased breathing rate.
• Increased breathing effort.
• Loud or noisy breathing.
• Pale gums.
• Blue or gray gums.

Potential Concerns Listed in the Guide

• Choking / blocked airway.
• Heart issues / CHF.
• Lung infections such as pneumonia.
• Trauma.
• Electrical shock.

1. If only one body part is burned, the supplied guide states that the area may be immersed in cool water or covered with a cool compress.
2. Do NOT use cold water.
3. Do not immerse the dog in cool water if more than one area of the body is burned.
4. Place a clean, moist cloth over the burned area.
5. Do not use ointments, petroleum jelly or other topical treatments unless specifically directed.
6. Seek veterinary care.

The burn gel included in the kit is described in the supplied guide as being intended only for very superficial skin/pad burns and sunburn.

1. Assess the surroundings and traffic before taking action.
2. Get help to stop traffic when possible.
3. Approach slowly and cautiously.
4. Move the dog off the road when it can be done safely. A towel or blanket may help with movement.
5. Use a muzzle or makeshift muzzle when appropriate.
6. Take the dog to a veterinarian immediately for examination and possible diagnostic imaging / pain management.

The supplied guide warns that internal injuries may not be immediately visible and a frightened, painful or shocked dog may attempt to run away.

Possible Signs

• Anxiousness or frantic behavior.
• Stopped breathing.
• Blue or white gums.
• Loud or abnormal breathing sounds.
• Gasping.
• Pawing at the mouth.

What to Do

1. Open the mouth and gently pull the tongue forward. Use your fingers to check for an object. Be careful not to push an object farther into the mouth or throat.
2. The supplied guide instructs performing five rapid abdominal thrusts, lifting inward and upward.
3. The guide then instructs giving five sharp blows between the shoulder blades using the palm of the hand, appropriate to the dog's size.
4. The guide also describes lifting the dog's hind legs with the head downward, using a "wheelbarrow" position for a large dog.

1. Dogs can have gastrointestinal upset for a number of reasons.
2. Age and lifestyle are important factors when assessing gastrointestinal issues.
3. Watch for:
   • Lethargy.
   • Inappetence / lack of appetite.
   • General behavior that is not normal for your dog.
4. Puppy or incompletely vaccinated dog:

   If you have a puppy that has not been fully vaccinated and the puppy has vomiting or diarrhea, call your veterinarian.

   SMALL DOGS AND PUPPIES CAN BECOME DEHYDRATED VERY QUICKLY, WHICH CAN BE HIGHLY DANGEROUS.

   In puppies, the client specifically wants owners to be aware that a veterinarian may need to rule out parvovirus or intestinal parasites.

   The client's updated guide identifies both of these issues as potentially life-threatening to puppies.
5. Continuous vomiting or diarrhea should be assessed by a veterinarian to determine the cause and obtain appropriate treatment.
6. Adult dog with mild GI upset after eating something outside its normal diet:

   The client's updated guide states that you may try a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice.

   Canned pumpkin, which is high in fiber, may be used to help firm stools.

   Pumpkin Pro from the DOGWORX kit may also be used for loose stools or diarrhea. Follow the dosing instructions on the product package based on the dog's size.

7. Consider your dog's exposure.

   Contact your veterinarian if your dog regularly visits dog parks, doggie daycare, heavily trafficked walking or hiking areas, or environments frequented by other dogs or wildlife.

   The client notes that a veterinarian may recommend a fecal test to look for internal parasites or bacterial overgrowth acquired through environmental exposure.

   Depending on the cause, your dog may require a specific medication and/or deworming treatment.

1. For an unconscious dog, the supplied booklet instructs keeping the head lower than the torso and lifting the dog by the stomach/hips to allow water to leave the nose and mouth.
2. Check for heartbeat and pulse.
3. Perform CPR if necessary.
4. Place a blanket around the dog.
5. Seek immediate veterinary care.

1. If the eye is red, has discharge, is closed or the dog is squinting, see your veterinarian.
2. If there is a small foreign object in the eye, the supplied guide recommends gently flushing with sterile saline eye wash.
3. Even if a foreign object is removed, seek veterinary care.

The supplied guide warns that foreign objects can cause corneal abrasions, ulcers and infection and may lead to permanent damage without treatment.

Signs & Symptoms

• Rapid panting.
• Weakness or collapse.
• Bright red tongue.
• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Thick / sticky saliva.

What to Do

1. Move the dog to a cool, shaded area.
2. Apply cool water over the body, focusing on the head.
3. Apply wet, cool towels to the head, stomach and inguinal area.
4. Offer small drinks of water.
5. Seek veterinary care immediately.

What Is It?

• A drastic reduction in body temperature.
• It can occur after prolonged exposure to very cold temperatures or when fur remains wet in a cold environment.

Symptoms Listed in the Guide

• Rectal temperature of 98.5°F or below.
• Decreased heart rate.
• Pale or blue gums / mucous membranes.
• Shivering.
• Dilated pupils.
• Weak pulse.
• Wobbliness.
• Unconsciousness.

What to Do

1. Remove the dog from the cold.
2. Wrap the dog in the thermal blanket supplied in the kit.
3. Double-wrap in another blanket if available.
4. The supplied guide lists warm bottles or hand warmers as possible warming aids.
5. Seek veterinary care.

Information to Have Ready When You Call

• Approximate weight of the dog.
• Approximate time the dog was exposed to or may have ingested the substance.
• What type of substance was involved.
• How much the dog may have ingested.
• Packaging or product information. Bring the packaging with you to the veterinarian when possible.

Poison Exposure Can Occur Three Ways

Ingested Poison

1. Call your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately.
2. Ask whether vomiting should be induced.
3. Do not automatically induce vomiting simply because a toxic substance was swallowed.
4. If a veterinarian or poison-control professional instructs you to induce vomiting, follow the instructions supplied with the kit / 3% hydrogen peroxide product.

Topical / Skin Exposure

1. Call your veterinarian or animal poison control before attempting to wash the substance off the fur or skin.
2. Follow their directions regarding whether the material should be washed with water.

Inhaled Poison

1. Move the dog into fresh air immediately.
2. Get to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
3. The client notes that the dog may require oxygen or other veterinary treatment.

Poison Control

The supplied DOGWORX booklet lists the following as examples of common toxins. It identifies this as only a partial list.

• Alcohol.
• Antifreeze.
• Artificial sweeteners including xylitol, also listed in the supplied guide under names including 967, birch sugar, wood sugar, birch bark, birch bark extract, xlitol, xylite and xylo.
• Avocado.
• Chocolate and caffeine.
• Fertilizers.
• Household cleaners and bleach.
• Human prescription medications and many over-the-counter medications.
• Macadamia nuts.
• Marijuana and other recreational drugs.
• Moldy foods.
• Mushrooms.
• Onions and garlic.
• Pain relievers including ibuprofen, naproxen, Tylenol, aspirin and others.
• Pesticides / herbicides.
• Poisonous plants / flowers.
• Potpourri.
• Rat poisons.
• Raisins and grapes.
• Raw bread dough.

Items Listed in the DOGWORX Kit

• Hydrogen Peroxide 3% — 4 oz.
• 5 ml oral syringe.
• 10 ml oral syringe.
• 20 ml oral syringe.

The supplied booklet states that dosing instructions are also printed on the bottle.

Dosing Printed in the Supplied Guide

The booklet states: 0.5 to 1 ml per pound of body weight.

The supplied booklet states that up to two doses may be given, 15 minutes apart.

Possible Signs During an Active Seizure

• Falling over.
• Urination.
• Defecation.
• Twitching.
• Drooling.
• Body stiffening.
• Biting at the air.
• "Chewing gum" behavior.

What to Do

1. Make sure the dog is in a safe place.
2. Do not attempt to restrain the dog.
3. You may help prevent the dog from injuring itself, but keep your hands and face away from the dog's mouth.
4. Track how long the seizure lasts.
5. Call your veterinarian and report seizure activity so it can be documented in the dog's medical history.

Possible Signs

• Cherry-red gums, identified in the supplied guide as a possible sign of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Eye discharge.
• Mouth discharge.
• Nasal discharge.
• Labored breathing.
• Coughing.
• Singed hair.
• Smoky odor.

What to Do

1. Immediately move the dog to fresh air and away from smoke.
2. Check Airway, Breathing and Circulation.
3. Perform CPR as needed.
4. Take the dog to a veterinarian immediately.

Complications Listed in the Guide

• Body-fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
• Corneal ulcers / eye damage.
• Fluid accumulation in the lungs, pneumonia and swelling of the throat or mouth.

Abrasions

1. Clean the wound with mild soap and water.
2. Use the appropriate wound / paw-care product supplied in the kit as directed on its packaging.
3. Monitor the wound for worsening redness, swelling, discharge or pain.

Bite Wounds

1. Clean and flush the wound with mild soap and water or sterile saline.
2. Apply a gauze pad and wrap when appropriate for the paw or leg.
3. Check circulation and swelling after wrapping.
4. Seek veterinary care for possible stitches, antibiotics and pain management.

Cuts, Lacerations & Paw / Pad Wounds

1. Clean and flush with mild soap and water or sterile saline solution.
2. If serious bleeding is present, apply firm direct pressure.
3. The DOGWORX guide also lists BleedClot powder and hemostatic gauze as kit supplies for bleeding control.
4. Apply a bandage if appropriate and monitor circulation.
5. Seek veterinary care for significant wounds or wounds that may require stitches, antibiotics or pain treatment.

Ticks

1. Use gloves.
2. Part the hair around the tick.
3. Use the tick-removal tool or tweezers supplied for that purpose.
4. Grasp the tick close to the skin and remove.
5. Monitor the area for redness, swelling, pain or discharge.
6. Seek veterinary care when needed.

1. Attempt to identify the snake when this can be done safely.
2. Seek immediate veterinary care.

The supplied guide also states that antihistamines are no longer recommended as treatment for snake bites.

Skin Stapler

• The supplied guide states to use this only if familiar with the tool.
• It describes the tool as being for superficial wounds / lacerations.
• Deeper wounds require veterinary care and appropriate layered closure.
• The supplied guide specifies using the appropriate staple remover for removal.

Suture and Needle Holder

• Use only if familiar with the tools.
• Inappropriate use may cause additional injury or harm.

Published by DOGWORX LLC.

Copyright DOGWORX LLC. All rights reserved.

All content, illustrations and materials contained within the DOGWORX first aid field guide booklet are the intellectual property of DOGWORX LLC and are protected by copyright laws.

No part of the publication may be reproduced, copied, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means without express written permission from the copyright owner.

The user assumes all risk and responsibility for use of the information in this guide and the items supplied in the K9 MEDKIT.