Fits

A fit can be recognized by sudden, uncontrolled spasmodic movements, often with champing of the jaw and salivating. A fitting dog will usually fall onto its side and be unaware of its surroundings.

If your dog does have a fit, try not to restrain him. Instead, remove any furniture or hard objects around him that could cause an injury. Then, turn off all stimuli such as lights, radio, television, washing machine etc., and darken the room so he can recover quietly.

N.B. You should ALWAYS consult your vet if your dog has a fit.

Fractured or pulled-off claws

These can be very painful and tend to become quickly infected. Bleeding is also often profuse. If possible, try to apply a bandage to the foot before taking your dog to the vet as antibiotics are often required and the claw may need to be clipped back under sedation or anaesthetic.

Heatstroke

The best advice as far as heatstroke is concerned is that prevention is better than a cure. Ensure your dog doesn't stay out in the sun for too long on hot days and avoids the midday heat.

If he does get mild heatstroke, cool him down as best you can with wet towels or a fan, and ensure he drinks plenty of cool water and gets lots of rest. Serious heatstroke will require the attention of a vet.

Lameness

If your dog is in obvious pain and can't put any weight on his leg, you should take him to your vet immediately as he may have a fracture.

In less severe cases, look for damaged nails and check the pad for thorns, embedded grit or cuts.

Poisoning

Some dogs are very inquisitive and there's always the possibility your dog will get hold of something he shouldn't. Much like heatstroke, prevention is better than a cure and you need to dog-proof your home and garden to ensure he can't access things that could be harmful to his health, such as slug pellets, bleach or chocolate. If you suspect your dog has digested something harmful, always take the packaging to your vet as this will help identify the problem and source an antidote. If the worst does happen, see your vet as an emergency.

Road traffic accidents

If your dog has been involved in a road accident, you should call your vet straight away. Your dog may be in shock and could react unpredictably so approach him with caution. If possible, lift your dog onto a blanket (or use the mat from the car foot well) then take him to the vet as quickly as you can. If he cannot be moved, you may have to ask your vet to come directly to the scene.

Stings and insect bites

If your dog has been stung and has severe swelling around his mouth, nose or throat that's causing breathing difficulties, you should get him to a vet immediately.

If the sting or bite isn't causing any serious problems, you can alleviate your dog's discomfort by applying a cold compress to the affected area.

Hopefully your dog will never seriously hurt himself but, being the high energy bundle that he is, he's bound to get into a few scrapes now and then and it's useful to have knowledge of basic first aid.