If you get too close to the puppy, it might bite you, especially if it is frightened or in a lot of pain. [3] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
If you have some kind of food or dog treats available to you, try to show the pup that you mean no harm to it by offering up the treats or food as a gift. [5] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Be sure that the puppy is not vomiting before trying to muzzle it; if it vomits with a muzzle on it could choke. You can use a strip of towel, gauze, a knee high sock, or panty hose to gently tie the dog’s muzzle shut. [6] X Research source
If you see lots of blood, or if the puppy is actively losing lots of blood, it might be an emergency situation. A puppy that simply has a skin condition such as mange will still need medical care, but it may not be an emergency. A puppy that is easily moving around is less severely injured than if it is lying on the ground whimpering. Try to figure out if the animal can or should walk, or if it needs to be carried.
Check out this helpful wikiHow article for more information on splinting a dog’s leg. Use a clean rag or cloth to apply pressure to any bleeding, open wound. This will help to stop the bleeding until you can get help from a vet.
The dog might be frightened while you move it, so speak in a calm, soothing voice to reassure it. If it’s a small puppy, consider placing it in a cardboard box or pet carrier. This can help keep it safe while you drive. Otherwise, ask someone to come with you and have them hold the puppy wrapped in a towel or blanket.
Try to describe the dog’s size in pounds, approximate age if you can guess, and what you think its injuries might be. For instance, the puppy may have been hit by a car, attacked by a bigger dog, or may seem to have mange or a severe case of flea or tick infestation.
This is usually easiest during business hours on weekdays, but don’t give up if you can’t get ahold of someone. If you live in a major city, search online for rescue groups. If the puppy looks to be a particular breed (or a mix containing a particular breed), search online for breed-specific rescue groups in your city or state (for instance, the Boxer Rescue of Oklahoma). You can also try using Facebook or other social media outlets to find help for the injured puppy. Many cities have pet lost and found groups or animal rescue groups, and members are often willing to help rescue injured dogs or even pitch in for veterinary bills. Search Facebook for “dog rescue” and the name of your city. If you have a big social network, share a picture of the puppy and a plea for help, and ask your friends to share your post.
Parvovirus Ringworm fungus Bacterial Dermatitis Mange Internal parasites, such as worms Ticks and fleas Ear mites
If you do not have the funds to care for the dog, or if you are not attached to the pup, this might be a good option if it is available to you.
In the event of serious injury, the vet might suggest euthanasia. [12] X Research source Be sure to listen to what they have to say, ask for alternative treatment plans, and consider the level of discomfort the dog is experiencing and it’s likelihood of recovery. [13] X Research source When in doubt trust your vet’s recommendations.
Some medications like antibiotics or skin creams have to be administered even after the symptoms of illness or injury have passed. Be sure to use the full course of medication, and don’t skip any doses.
You can’t use a flea or tick shampoo on a puppy younger than 12 weeks or so, but some veterinarians recommend using liquid dish soap such as blue Dawn to remove dirt and grease from the puppy’s fur. If the puppy has ticks, pull them off at the head using a pair of tweezers and flush them down the toilet or smash them before discarding.
A pet crate with a few towels or baby blankets inside will serve as a warm place for him or her to get some rest while recovering from their injuries.
A very young puppy will need to be bottle fed using a special puppy formula, but puppies can eat dry puppy food starting at around five weeks of age. You can get the proper food at your local pet store. Ask the vet if he or she recommends a special diet while the puppy recovers. Sometimes a critically ill or injured dog will need a critical care diet, which is easier to digest and more calorie-dense for a dog who has a lower appetite due to illness. [15] X Research source
Always have a bowl of clean, cool water available for your puppy.
If the dog does have a microchip, make sure that you contact the owner. Sometimes the vet will offer to board the puppy until its owner can pick it up.
Grocery Stores Veterinarian Offices Humane Society Local Animal Shelters Telephone poles at busy intersections College Campuses Social media sites, like Facebook or Nextdoor
In some areas, you will need to contact the animal control agency or the humane society to report finding the animal, prove that you’ve made a reasonable attempt to find the owner of the dog, and demonstrate that you want to adopt the puppy. You will need to get the puppy vaccinated, licensed, and microchipped. You should also get a collar with ID tags for the puppy. [21] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Make sure you shop for pet supplies ahead of time! You’ll need a leash, harness, dog bed, playpen, and crate, along with tick prevention medicine and plenty of toys. [22] X Expert Source Belgin AltundagCertified Dog Trainer Expert Interview. 11 August 2021.
