I just went into my kitchen (2:00 am my time) and a huge Chocolate Lab is laying on the floor. The dog next door is in heat and I have seen this dog hanging around. He has a front paw that is swollen about 3 times the size of his other ones. His nose is very dry and crusty. The cracks of the swelling on his paw ooze a pinkish foamy goo when the paw is slightly squeezed. I can't find a cut or any sandspurs (common in my area). I do see one deep puncture-like (canine tooth sized) wound. He is unresponsive to commands. He has tried twice to get up, but layed back down without moving more than a foot or two. I think he either has an un-attended infection or a snakebite. Either way I'm not sure what I should do until morning when I can call a vet. I put hot towels on his paw. Now I don't know what to do.
2006-10-15 20:45:11 · 12 answers · asked by traceystewart1964 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
You need to call animal control and have them come get the dog so it can be treated. They will notify the owner.
There is nothing else you can do that can take the place of vet care. What is oozing from his paw is plasma coming from a very infected wound. Put a warm cloth, not a hot one, that will help bring out the infection and soothe the pain.
You also could take him to the nearest animal hospital they are open all night and tell them you found him and he needs help. Most likely they will not turn him away, but then you never know..
2006-10-15 20:57:00 · answer #1 · answered by Mommadog 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like he has infection from the dog bite,and that would be the reason for the swelling.If you have some hydrogen peroxide,try to clean the wound with that(if not salty water will work).I would also be putting an icepack on the swollen foot as with swelling it would be hot and the hottowel on his poor will only encourage more swelling.You must cool it down.
Working on the dog having an infection and the fact that his nose is dry and cracked,please try and get something to drink into him.You will find he is very dehydrated.You can test this by doing a pinch test on the skin.Pull up the skin with your fingers it should flick straight back.If it doesnt then he is dehydrated.Some water or milky water to encourage him to drink would be a great advantage.Good luck and god bless you for taking care of this animal.
2006-10-16 04:02:21 · answer #2 · answered by geejaydoc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This dog is dehydrated, in shock, and in need of EMERGENCY care. If he is that unresponsive, he likely won't last the night. Call the Vet's emergency #, or an emergency vet to see about stabilizing him before bringing him in. At the very least call Animal Control & get some advice/someone out there. Shock itself can kill, and very quickly. It is the result of the body not getting enough oxygen, in this case as a result of trauma.Cover him with a blanket or towel, as shock causes hypothermia which makes it worse. Rub a drop or two of honey or corn syrup on the gums as shock can also cause very low blood sugar levels.My ref.book states "Pets who are treated quickly will recover from shock within a few hours. But because shock is so serious and acts so quickly-pets can die within minutes-fast first aid and veterinary attention are essential". Don't move him, keep a calm environment, and get emergency treatment NOW to avoid tragedy. Praying for you.
2006-10-16 04:08:02 · answer #3 · answered by gettin'real 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From your description the dog is allowing you to go near him? Is he allowing you to touch him (you dont have to take chances, just asking if he is one of those friendly dogs). You can feed him fluids and semi-solid food to prevent dehydration. The dry nose is indicative of dehydration also. When there is intake of food dogs usually recover fast on their own even without vet care if its not possible. You can try to contact the local or nearby animal shelter for help. For now its just food and rest for him. Snake bite may not be the reason because if it was so, there would be frothing in the mouth and if its a lethal snake he would have been gone by now. Good that you are trying to help him. If you can locate the owner, that is best,,,look in local dailies if someone has put an ad about a dog they have lost? Dogs do go to other areas during mating season and may not be able to get back sometimes (due to hostile dogs on their path). Good Luck
2006-10-16 08:08:34 · answer #4 · answered by goodcitizenz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like he's a goner.Septic. Unless you get him to the Vet right away for some IV fluids and antibiotics. If he's febrile and full of infection from his paw and now raging through his entire system he will go into multisystem failure soon with out aggresive support from an animal hospital. It's not free, several thousand dollars, but you must do the right thing.
2006-10-16 03:59:15 · answer #5 · answered by radrictheomen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I treat a lot of dog injuries but I'm not a vet.The first thing I would do is take his temp.You can use a human thermometer.Remember to use something as a muzzle as dogs in distress can be unpredictable.His normal temp. should be 100.5 to 102.5 It is important to give him fresh clean water, if he will drink.He doesn't need food at this time.If he won't drink use a turkey baster with water and put in the side of his lip be very careful to go slow YOU DONOT want liquid in his lungs!! If he will eat at this point give him some canned food diluted with water so he is taking in liquid.Please take him to a vet as soon as possible.You can clean his wounds with Betadine or a half and half mixture of iodine and water.Puncture wounds can cause a lot of trouble so he needs antibotics and the vet!! He may be in shock and it sometimes kills very quickly try to cover him and keep him quite and warm.Try to find an 24hr. emergency vet service in your area or try the humane society to help. GOOD LUCK
2006-10-16 04:38:28 · answer #6 · answered by Goldie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like another dog bit him (probably competing for the female in heat, or maybe she did it) and it got infected (hence the funky oozing). A snake bite wouldn't leave a puncture that big.
You should probably call a 24 hour vet since he seems to be in such bad shape.
And, tell your neighbors to spay their dog, or bring her inside.
2006-10-16 03:51:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I took my pet to an emergency vet clinic in our area.
If you have such a place near you, call them and see what advice they offer first.
It sounds like you have done all the first aid I could think of to offer.
While tis a shame the pup is injured, he is lucky to have found such a caring human to help him.
Good Luck.
2006-10-16 03:53:02 · answer #8 · answered by donamarie_1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Give him a Benadryl pill (one for every 50 lbs or so) to help with any swelling and get him to a vet or call animal control.
2006-10-16 05:56:52 · answer #9 · answered by MegaNerd 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Call animal control.
2006-10-16 03:49:36 · answer #10 · answered by MC 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋