What can I do in an emergency with my Yorkie (such as bumping their head real hard, limping because of wrong landing after a jump, bleeding or cuts, constantly vomiting and diarrhea) besides going to emergency vet. I mean if it's the middle of the night or just in the meantime BEFORE I can go to the vet?
Most emergency vets are open 24 hours, however first aid attention might need to be given before hand. If you feel your Yorkie needs immediate attention prior to going to the vet the following can help. It is best to prepare for an emergency before hand with your veterinarian's emergency phone number at hand. Also, it is very helpful to have a prepared first aid kit including a photocopy of emergency numbers and first aid instructions in it. Your first aid kit should include:
- Rectal thermometer (normal temps are 101.5-102.5 F)
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Sterile gauze dressings
- Self-adhesive bandage (such as Vet-Wrap)
- Karo syrup or Nutrical
- Instant cold compress
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Ophthalmic ointment
- Soap
- Antiseptic skin ointment
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Clean sponge
- Pen light
- Syringe (12 cc curved tip is very handy)
- Towel
- First aid instructions
- Veterinarian and emergency clinic numbers
If your Yorkie has fallen, hit their head, or possibly has a limb fracture, attempts to immobilize fractures with splints tend to do more harm than good, so it's best to keep the Yorkie still and cushion the limb from further trauma without splinting.
If your Yorkie is bleeding, if possible to do so elevate the wound site and apply a cold pack to it. Do NOT remove impaled objects. Cover the wound with a clean dressing and apply pressure. Don't remove blood-soaked bandages; apply more dressings over them and leave them even after bleeding stops. If the wound is on an extremity, apply pressure to the closest pressure point. For a front leg, press inside of the leg just above the elbow; for a rear leg, press inside of the thigh where the femoral artery crosses the thigh bone; for the tail, press the underside of the tail, close to where it joins the body.
For abdominal wounds, place a warm, wet sterile dressing over any protruding internal organs and cover with a bandage or towel. Do not attempt to push organs back into the dog.
For head wounds, apply gentle pressure to control bleeding. Monitor for loss of consciousness or shock.
If your Yorkie has vomiting it may or may not indicate a serious problem. Vomiting after eating grass is usually of no great concern, but the following circumstances require veterinary attention as soon as possible:
- Projectile vomiting, or vomit containing blood or anything resembling fecal matter or coffee grounds (which is how partially digested blood looks)
- Repeated vomiting could indicate that your Yorkie has eaten spoiled food or undigestible objects or has a stomach illness.
- Vomiting immediately after eating could indicate an esophageal problem.
- Sporadic vomiting with poor appetite and generally poor condition could indicate internal parasites or a more serious internal disease.
If your Yorkie has diarrhea, diarrhea medication is often helpful. You can use one for human babies or children; avoid any containing salt. A bland diet consisting of rice, tapioca, or cooked macaroni, along with cottage cheese or tofu for protein, can be given. Try giving your Yorkie fresh water so your Yorkie does not become dehydrated.
Remember this is just for informational purposes only, please see an emergency vet for the best course of care for your Yorkie in case of an accident. |