94 — Emergency Dog Care: Impromptu Muzzles, Attacking Dog Defense and Vet First Aid Steps

Host Laura Reeves and veterinarian Dr. Marty Greer share critical emergency protocols for dog owners.

• Prevention and Walk Safety: Why pet owners must put phones away, maintain head on a swivel awareness, and scout new neighborhoods for loose or barking dogs before walking their pets.
• Defensive Tools to Carry: Simple items to keep on hand for protection, including extra leashes, bear spray, wasp spray, and personal alarms.
• How to Handle an Attacking Dog: What to do if an aggressive dog charges at you or your pet. Learn why you should never run or turn your back, how running triggers prey drive, and how to stand your ground using a deep, firm voice.
• Breaking Up Dog Fights Safely: Why you should never reach hands into the middle of a fight, and how to use garden hoses, back leg lifts, or tail pulls to separate fighting dogs safely.
• Human Safety First: Why human medical care must take priority if a person is bitten or injured during an emergency before heading to the veterinary clinic.
• Creating Impromptu Muzzles: Step by step methods to fashion an emergency muzzle using a slip leash, belt, sock, pantyhose, or roll gauze to prevent bites when handling a panicked or injured dog.
• First Aid and Safe Handling: How to check ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation), keep an injured dog horizontally flat on a board or blanket, and coordinate a multi person lift.
• Emergency Vehicle Transport: When to make an exception to the standard crate travel rule so a severely injured pet stays flat, comfortable, and easy for clinic staff to unload upon arrival.

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