Small dogs case method: 50 questions

A 3-month-old Chihuahua (900 g). She had no appetite in the morning and left most of her food. When the owner came home from work at 6 p.m., she was lying limp in her bed, not lifting her head when called, and her body felt cool to the touch. Her legs twitch now and then. She had had soft stools since the day before.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Suspect hypoglycemia, rub sugar water or corn syrup on her gums, keep her warm and head straight to an animal hospital
2. Open her mouth, pour in food and milk to get nutrition into her, then watch and wait
3. Assume she is just tired, cover her with a warm blanket and let her sleep until morning
4. Put her in a lukewarm bath to warm her up and wait for her to perk up

AnswerA. Suspect hypoglycemia, rub sugar water or corn syrup on her gums, keep her warm and head straight to an animal hospital

ExplanationPuppies and toy breeds that skip a meal can become hypoglycemic within hours, showing wobbling, lethargy, seizures and a cold body. Rubbing sugar on the gums is correct: it is absorbed through the mucosa even if she cannot swallow, with little risk of aspiration. Then keep her warm and see a vet right now, including an emergency (after-hours) animal hospital. Pouring food or liquid into a dog with reduced consciousness causes aspiration pneumonia. Leaving her until morning lets the hypoglycemia progress to brain damage or death. A bath drains her strength, a wet body loses even more heat, and she could drown if she seizes.

IssuesThe risk factors for hypoglycemia, poor appetite and soft stools, were already present in the morning, yet the owner left for many hours without acting. The owner did not know that a toy-breed puppy fasting for half a day is dangerous.

ImprovementFeed puppies 3–4 times a day and act within a few hours if they do not eat. Decide in advance what to do on days they refuse food before being left alone, such as using a sitter or leaving work early. Keep corn syrup on hand and post the emergency animal hospital's number on the refrigerator.

A 10-year-old Miniature Dachshund. For about a week he has had a dry, hacking cough at bedtime and when excited by visitors. On walks he has started sitting down partway and refusing to go on. Tonight the cough persists; he cannot lie down and is breathing fast while sitting up. His tongue is pink, but his breathing rate is 45 per minute.

What is the most appropriate decision in this situation?

1. Decide it is a cold, give a small dose of human cough syrup and put him to bed
2. Put the cough down to age and wait until next month's routine checkup
3. Turn on a humidifier, warm the room and log the number of coughs until next week
4. Suspect heart disease such as mitral valve disease, keep him calm and at rest, and see a vet tonight

AnswerD. Suspect heart disease such as mitral valve disease, keep him calm and at rest, and see a vet tonight

ExplanationIn a middle-aged or older small dog, the combination of coughing at night or when excited, reluctance to exercise and rapid breathing is a classic sign of mitral valve disease. Being unable to lie down and breathing fast while sitting suggests pulmonary edema may be starting, which calls for an immediate visit. Human cough syrup can contain ingredients harmful to dogs, does nothing for a cardiac cough and delays treatment. Dismissing it as age can end in sudden death from pulmonary edema. Humidifying and logging will not stop the heart disease from progressing, and once the breathing rate exceeds 40 per minute there is no time to wait.

IssuesThe cough and exercise intolerance had been present for a week, yet the vet visit was delayed. Small dogs over 6 are at high risk of heart disease, but he had not been getting a yearly auscultation and heart ultrasound. The owner did not know the normal resting breathing rate.

ImprovementAfter age 6, get auscultation and a heart ultrasound once a year. Count the resting breathing rate a few times a month; over 30 per minute is the cue to see a vet. Avoid salty treats and prevent obesity. Check the location and phone number of the emergency animal hospital in advance.

A 7-year-old Pomeranian. On a summer afternoon he went for a walk on a leash attached to his collar. Right after he got excited and pulled toward an unfamiliar dog, he started a goose-like honking cough that would not stop. It did not settle even when they stood still; he is breathing with his mouth open, and on closer look his tongue has a purplish tinge.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Remove the collar, hold him quietly in the shade without exciting him, and see a vet immediately even if his breathing eases
2. Run home and give him plenty of water to settle the cough
3. Thump his back hard to stop the cough and continue the walk once he settles
4. Keep filming the cough on your phone to show the vet at tomorrow's appointment

AnswerA. Remove the collar, hold him quietly in the shade without exciting him, and see a vet immediately even if his breathing eases

ExplanationA honking cough is typical of tracheal collapse, common in Pomeranians and Chihuahuas, and is worsened by collar pressure on the trachea, excitement and heat. A purple tongue is cyanosis, an emergency sign of oxygen shortage: remove the collar, keep him calm in a cool place, and see a vet right now even if breathing improves. Running home excites both dog and owner and worsens the airway obstruction. Forcing water does not relieve the obstruction and risks aspiration. Thumping the back jars the trachea and makes things worse. Video helps at the visit, but prioritizing filming during cyanosis is dangerous.

IssuesA breed at risk of tracheal collapse was walked on a collar, and during the hot part of a summer day. The owner did not know that pressure on the neck was the cause of the cough, and had no habit of checking tongue color as an emergency sign.

ImprovementSwitch walks to a harness and use the collar only for the ID tag. In summer, walk in the cool early morning or evening, and cancel if the ground feels hot to your hand. Reduce strain on the trachea with weight control and by avoiding cigarette smoke and strong scents. Learn what the tongue looks like normally.

A 5-year-old Miniature Dachshund (7 kg, somewhat overweight). On Sunday at noon he stopped moving after getting off the sofa. When the owner slid hands under his armpits to lift him, he let out a yelp and is now trembling with a hunched back. His hind legs are wobbly, and he fell on his bottom while trying to go to the toilet.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Massage his back and legs to improve circulation, then check in the yard whether he can walk
2. Assume it is just pain, give him half a human painkiller tablet and let him rest
3. Without moving him, place him in a crate keeping the spine level and see a vet right now
4. Wait until tomorrow and see a vet if his hind legs stop working

AnswerC. Without moving him, place him in a crate keeping the spine level and see a vet right now

ExplanationIn a Dachshund, crying when picked up, a hunched back and wobbly hind legs are classic signs of intervertebral disc disease; as pressure on the spinal cord progresses, paralysis and urinary problems can become permanent. Not moving him is the top priority: support chest and hips level, place him in a crate and see a vet right now. For paralysis, the time from onset to treatment determines recovery. Massaging or walking lets the herniated disc damage the cord further. Human painkillers poison dogs and mask pain so you miss worsening. Waiting for paralysis makes recovery difficult even with surgery.

IssuesA Dachshund, a breed prone to disc disease, was overweight and allowed to get on and off the sofa freely. He was lifted by the armpits alone, straining the spine. The owner also lacked the knowledge to spot early signs.

ImprovementBring his weight back to normal and place ramps at sofas and beds. When lifting, support chest and hips level with both hands. Lay non-slip mats on hardwood floors. If early signs such as a hunched back or crying when lifted appear, see a vet the same day.

A 2-year-old Toy Poodle. After running around the hardwood living room, she began hopping on three legs with her right hind leg held up. She did not cry in pain, and after a while she stretched the leg out backward herself and walked normally again. The same thing has happened once or twice a month before.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Pull the leg to put the joint back yourself and splint it so it does not recur
2. Since it went back on its own, call it a habit and keep letting her play as usual
3. Massage the leg just in case and bring it up at next year's checkup if she is not in pain
4. Suspect a luxating patella, avoid handling the leg, keep her at rest and see a vet the same day

AnswerD. Suspect a luxating patella, avoid handling the leg, keep her at rest and see a vet the same day

ExplanationHolding up a hind leg in a skipping gait and stretching it to pop it back is the classic sign of a luxating patella. It is very common in small dogs, and even if it goes back on its own, repeated episodes wear down cartilage and lead to bone deformity and cruciate ligament rupture. Do not force handling, keep her at rest and see a vet the same day to have the grade diagnosed. An owner trying to reset the joint damages ligaments and cartilage. Dismissing it as a habit lets it progress until surgery is needed. Massage is not a diagnosis, and waiting until next year is too late.

IssuesEpisodes once or twice a month were brushed off as a habit. She was allowed to run on bare hardwood without mats, keeping constant strain on the knees. The owner lacked knowledge of luxating patella, one of the three big problems in small dogs.

ImprovementLay cork or rubber mats on hardwood floors and stop her jumping onto the sofa. Trim nails every 2–3 weeks and clip the fur between the paw pads to prevent slipping. Keep her weight normal. Avoid games that make her stand on her hind legs. See a vet the same day symptoms appear and have the knees checked regularly.

An 8-year-old Chihuahua. His breath has long been strong, but lately he chews his food only on the left side and drops hard treats. Opening his mouth shows brown tartar on the teeth and red, swollen gums that are slightly bleeding. For the past few days he has been sneezing with a little blood from the nose.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Suspect advancing periodontal disease and see a vet within a few days for a dental exam and to discuss treatment
2. Scrub the teeth hard every day with human toothpaste until the tartar comes off
3. Give hard bone treats so chewing naturally removes the tartar
4. Put the nosebleed down to dry air, run a humidifier and watch and wait

AnswerA. Suspect advancing periodontal disease and see a vet within a few days for a dental exam and to discuss treatment

ExplanationSmall dogs have crowded teeth in a small mouth and are prone to periodontal disease. Bad breath, tartar, bleeding gums, chewing on one side, sneezing and nosebleeds indicate advanced disease where a tooth root may have reached the nasal cavity. See a vet within a few days to discuss scaling under anesthesia or extractions. Human toothpaste contains xylitol or fluoride, which are harmful to dogs, and scrubbing inflamed gums hard makes them worse. Hard bones fracture teeth and do not resolve periodontal disease. Blaming the nosebleed on dry air misses a root abscess or dissolving jawbone.

IssuesBad breath, the early sign, was ignored for a long time and there was no tooth-brushing routine. He was not getting yearly dental checks. The owner did not know periodontal disease is a whole-body illness that affects the nose and jaw, and even the heart and kidneys.

ImprovementMake daily brushing with dog toothpaste a habit; if he resists, start with a finger cot or gauze. Get a dental check once a year and scaling under anesthesia when needed. Choose small-kibble dry food with a good crunch. See a vet early if you notice bad breath, drooling or one-sided chewing.

A 4-year-old Yorkshire Terrier (2.5 kg). She vomited yellow fluid at 6 a.m. and again at 9 and 11. She brings water straight back up. Her stools are loose, she is listless and does nothing but sleep. When the owner presses her gums, the color seems slow to return. The owner has plans in the afternoon and is torn.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Give her plenty of water to prevent dehydration and watch until tomorrow morning
2. Since she could become dehydrated and hypoglycemic within half a day, photograph the vomit, postpone the plans and see a vet today
3. Withhold all food and water for a full day to rest the stomach, then feed small amounts from tomorrow
4. Give a small dose of human stomach medicine and see whether the nausea stops

AnswerB. Since she could become dehydrated and hypoglycemic within half a day, photograph the vomit, postpone the plans and see a vet today

ExplanationA 2.5 kg dog has little body water, and ongoing vomiting and diarrhea bring dehydration and hypoglycemia within half a day. Vomiting twice or more in a day is the cue for a same-day visit; bringing up water, listlessness and slow gum color return are signs of advancing dehydration, so postpone the plans and go. A photo of the vomit is important diagnostic information. A large amount of water at once irritates the stomach and increases vomiting. Withholding water for a full day causes fatal dehydration in a small dog. Human stomach medicine has unsuitable ingredients and doses, masks the cause and delays the visit.

IssuesThe owner hesitated until the third vomit and nearly prioritized her own schedule. She had a shallow understanding of how vulnerable small dogs are to dehydration and had not set criteria for when to see a vet. The method of judging dehydration by gum color was also vague.

ImprovementMake it a rule that vomiting or diarrhea twice or more in a day means a same-day visit. Photograph vomit and stools, note the time of the last meal and the body weight, and tell the vet. Give water in small, frequent amounts. Know the hours of your regular vet and the emergency animal hospital, and arrange backup care or family support.

A 12-year-old unspayed female Shih Tzu. For two weeks the water bowl empties quickly and the pee pads of her indoor toilet are twice as wet as before. She still eats but has lost a little weight and lately seems low on energy. This morning a little brown fluid came from her rear, and her belly seems more distended than usual.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Assume she is simply drinking too much and take the water bowl away to limit her intake
2. Put it down to normal aging and wait until next year's checkup
3. Suspect pyometra, kidney disease or similar, record her water intake and see a vet the same day
4. Since she is eating, decide there is no problem and cut her food to restore her weight

AnswerC. Suspect pyometra, kidney disease or similar, record her water intake and see a vet the same day

ExplanationExcessive drinking and urination is an important sign of kidney disease, diabetes, Cushing's syndrome and more; in an unspayed older female with vulvar discharge and a distended belly, pyometra is strongly suspected. Pyometra progresses to sepsis within days and is life-threatening, so a same-day visit is needed. A record of water intake (about 50 ml per kg of body weight per day is the guide) helps the diagnosis. Restricting water causes dehydration and worsens the illness. Blaming aging misses a treatable disease. Even with an appetite the disease is progressing, and cutting food alone achieves nothing.

IssuesDespite a clear sign, excessive drinking and urination, for two weeks, the vet visit was put off. The owner did not know that unspayed older females are at risk of pyometra. Without knowing her usual water intake, the owner could not judge how abnormal it was.

ImprovementKeep track of daily water intake and toilet frequency, and see a vet if it exceeds the guide for several days. Senior dogs should have checkups and blood tests twice a year. Discuss the risks of being spayed or not with your vet. Remember that vulvar discharge, a distended belly and loss of energy are emergency signs.

A 3-year-old Toy Poodle. During the rainy season, on top of her usual tear stains, a yellow-green discharge has started coming from her left eye. She squints the left eye and rubs her face with a front paw. The surface of the eye looks slightly cloudy and white. The day before, she had been playing in the long grass in the yard.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Suspect a corneal injury or infection, keep her from rubbing, and see an eye specialist today or tomorrow
2. Apply human eye drops and watch for a few days until the discharge decreases
3. Clean inside the eye with tear-stain wipes to keep it hygienic
4. Blame the rainy-season humidity and wait, assuming it will clear up with a dehumidifier

AnswerA. Suspect a corneal injury or infection, keep her from rubbing, and see an eye specialist today or tomorrow

ExplanationOne-sided yellow-green discharge, squinting, face rubbing and corneal clouding point strongly to a corneal ulcer or bacterial infection. After playing in long grass, a seed or twig may have scratched the cornea. Small dogs have somewhat prominent eyes, so corneal wounds deepen easily and can perforate if left, so see a vet today or tomorrow. Rubbing spreads the wound, so prevent it with an Elizabethan collar. Human eye drops containing steroids worsen an ulcer and are dangerous. Wiping inside the eye scratches the cornea further. Humidity contributes to tear stains but does not explain the clouding or pain.

IssuesBecause she always has tear stains, the eye problem was nearly dismissed as the usual thing. Her eyes were not checked after playing in the grass. The owner did not know the risk of using human eye drops on a dog.

ImprovementWipe only around the eyes daily with lukewarm water for tear stains, and use that moment to check eye color, discharge color and redness. Check eyes and body after playing in grass or lawns. Never use human medicines on your own judgment. Keep an Elizabethan collar on hand and fit it as soon as she bothers her eye.

A 9-year-old Miniature Dachshund. An hour after playing hard right after dinner, he began pacing restlessly and retching repeatedly, bringing up only foamy saliva. His belly has swollen tight like a drum and he flinches when touched. His breathing is fast and his gums look pale. It is 10 p.m.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Massage his belly to release gas, and once he burps, feel reassured and put him to bed
2. Suspect gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), give nothing by mouth, call the emergency animal hospital and transport him immediately
3. Make him lick salt to bring up the food and watch him after he vomits
4. Give a little water and a digestive aid, and see a vet first thing in the morning

AnswerB. Suspect gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), give nothing by mouth, call the emergency animal hospital and transport him immediately

ExplanationUnproductive retching right after post-meal exercise, a drum-tight belly and pale gums are classic signs of gastric dilatation-volvulus; it is more common in large dogs but also occurs in deep-chested Dachshunds. Blood flow is cut off within hours and the dog dies of shock, so give nothing by mouth, call the emergency animal hospital and transport immediately. Massage risks damaging the twisted stomach or spleen. Salt causes salt poisoning, and a twisted stomach cannot be emptied by vomiting, so it only makes things worse. Water and digestive aids will not reach the stomach either, and waiting until morning is too late.

IssuesThe owner allowed the risky behavior of vigorous exercise right after eating. He did not know bloat can occur in small dogs and had not looked up the emergency animal hospital's number. He lacked the knowledge to judge signs of shock from gum color.

ImprovementNo vigorous exercise for 1–2 hours after meals; split food into 2–3 meals a day to prevent gulping. Look up the emergency animal hospital's number and travel time and post it by the front door. Learn gum color and breathing rate when he is normal to use as a baseline for judging abnormality. Keep a carrier and towel where they can be grabbed quickly.

An 11-year-old Pomeranian. On a winter evening, right after barking excitedly at the door when the owner came home, he staggered, fell on his side and lay limp and unresponsive for a few seconds. He got up right away and walked normally, but his tongue seemed to go white for a moment. He has disliked walks for some time and sometimes coughs at night.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Since he recovered right away, decide there is no problem and mention it at next week's checkup
2. Keep him calm and at rest, record the details of the fainting episode and get a heart examination the same day
3. Decide it is anemia and give iron-rich treats such as liver while waiting for recovery
4. Take him for a walk to confirm he is fine and see whether he collapses again

AnswerB. Keep him calm and at rest, record the details of the fainting episode and get a heart examination the same day

ExplanationFainting right after excitement, a change in tongue color, coughing at night and disliking walks are signs of heart disease such as mitral valve disease, common in older small dogs; fainting means the heart could not pump enough blood. Even with spontaneous recovery, a recurrence can mean sudden death, so keep him calm and get auscultation and a heart ultrasound the same day. Recording the time, duration and what happened just before helps the diagnosis. Waiting until next week is dangerous, and self-diagnosing anemia and giving treats does not address the cause. Stressing him with a walk invites another collapse and sudden death.

IssuesThe early signs of heart disease, coughing at night and disliking walks, were left for a long time. The habit of exciting him at homecoming strained his heart. Dismissing the fainting because he recovered right away was also a misjudgment.

ImprovementFrom age 6, get yearly auscultation and heart ultrasound, and see a vet promptly if coughing or exercise intolerance appears. Greet him calmly when you come home to minimize excitement. Record the resting breathing rate regularly. If he faints, record video and the time, and keep the emergency animal hospital's number ready to use.

A 6-year-old Pug (12 kg, 1.5 times ideal weight). On a midsummer early afternoon, after returning from a walk on asphalt, he will not put his left hind leg down and sits without moving. He flinches when the inside of the knee is touched. He has occasionally skipped on walks before, but this was ignored. He is breathing hard with his mouth wide open.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Decide it is only a leg problem, ice the knee and watch for a few days
2. Suspect a luxated knee or ligament injury and rest him, and since the heat also has him panting hard, cool him in a cool place and see a vet today
3. Let him play in water to take his mind off the pain and watch once he can move
4. Pull and stretch the leg, massage it until the pain subsides, then resume the walk

AnswerB. Suspect a luxated knee or ligament injury and rest him, and since the heat also has him panting hard, cool him in a cool place and see a vet today

ExplanationWhen an overweight dog whose skipping gait was ignored suddenly stops bearing weight, progression of a luxating patella or a cranial cruciate ligament rupture is suspected. Do not force handling, rest him and see a vet today. At the same time, a brachycephalic Pug panting hard with his mouth open after a midsummer walk may be in early heatstroke, so moving him to a cool place and cooling his body is also a priority. Icing and waiting days lets a ligament injury worsen. Playing in water moves the joint and damages it. Pulling and massaging the leg spreads the injury, and resuming the walk worsens both the heatstroke and the knee.

IssuesObesity raised both the strain on the knees and the heatstroke risk. The earlier skipping gait was ignored, compounded by the misjudgment of walking on asphalt at midday in midsummer. The heat sensitivity of a brachycephalic breed was also underestimated.

ImprovementWork out a weight-loss plan with the vet and cut treats to reach a healthy weight. In summer, walk in the early morning or evening and cancel if the ground feels hot to your hand. Lay mats on hardwood floors and see a vet as soon as a skipping gait appears. Keep a cooling mat and ice packs ready, and cool him at once if he is panting hard.

A 1-year-old Chihuahua (1.8 kg). A visitor picked her up while standing; she struggled and fell about 1 m onto the hardwood floor. After a yelp, she is walking on three legs without putting her right front paw down. The paw looks bent at a slightly odd angle, and she growls when anyone tries to touch it.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Straighten the bent leg by hand and wrap it in a bandage to immobilize it
2. Since she can walk, decide it is not a fracture and watch until tomorrow
3. Place her in a towel-lined box so the leg stays still and see a vet the same day
4. Give treats to distract her from the pain and have her walk to check she is recovering

AnswerC. Place her in a towel-lined box so the leg stays still and see a vet the same day

ExplanationSmall dogs have fine bones, and front-leg fractures are very common even from a fall of about 1 m. Not bearing weight, an odd angle and growling when touched are classic signs of a fracture: place her in a towel-lined box or carrier so the leg does not dangle and see a vet the same day. An untrained person trying to reset a broken bone damages nerves and blood vessels and can cause shock from pain. Walking on three legs does not rule out a fracture, and leaving it lets the bone shift, making surgery more complex. Making her walk worsens the fracture.

IssuesA visitor was allowed to pick her up while standing. The basic rule that small dogs are held only while seated had not been explained to the visitor. The owner underestimated how easily this body type fractures.

ImprovementEnforce the rule with family and visitors: hold her only while seated, and set her down if she struggles. When visitors come, put her in her safe spot or crate and do not force her to be held. Install ramps at sofas and beds. Keep a box and towel for transport after a fall and know your regular vet's hours.

A 3-year-old Toy Poodle (3 kg). At the dog park on a day off, in a moment when the owner looked away, a large dog bit her back and shook her. All that is visible is two small wounds on her back; she is trembling but can walk. Bleeding was light and the wounds dried quickly. Someone told the owner it is nothing serious, and the owner is unsure.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Since the wounds are small, apply antiseptic and see a vet if they are swollen tomorrow
2. Since she can walk, go home, rest her and watch until evening
3. Suck the wounds out with your mouth, put on an adhesive bandage and go home
4. Since even small wounds may hide organ damage, rinse under running water, apply pressure and see a vet immediately

AnswerD. Since even small wounds may hide organ damage, rinse under running water, apply pressure and see a vet immediately

ExplanationA large dog's fangs penetrate deep: even when the skin holes are small, there are often muscle tears, rib fractures, and lung or organ damage underneath. Being shaken makes it even more dangerous, and dogs that can still walk have gone into shock hours later. Rinse under running water, apply pressure to control bleeding and see a vet immediately for X-rays or ultrasound to check inside. Applying antiseptic and waiting until tomorrow lets infection and internal bleeding progress. Going home to watch is just as dangerous. Sucking the wound with your mouth risks zoonoses such as pasteurellosis, and adhesive bandages are unsuitable for dog wounds.

IssuesThe owner did not use the small-dog area and looked away in a space shared with large dogs. The owner did not know that the appearance of a bite wound does not match the severity of internal damage, and nearly went along with what bystanders said.

ImprovementAlways use the small-dog area at dog parks and never look away. When near other dogs, keep your distance rather than picking her up. Make it a rule that any bite means a vet visit, however small the wound. Get the other owner's contact details and vaccination status. Carry gauze and a clean towel for first aid.

A 4-year-old Miniature Schnauzer (6 kg). On an evening walk he stepped on a glass shard on the sidewalk and his left front paw pad started bleeding. Blood dripped along the road and had not stopped during the 5-minute walk home. He keeps trying to lick the paw, and there is a cut about 1 cm long in the pad. The owner is standing at the tap with the first-aid kit.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Rinse under running water, press with clean gauze for at least 5 minutes, and see a vet immediately if it does not stop
2. Press flour into the wound as a substitute styptic and wait for the blood to clot
3. Let him lick it to heal naturally and see a vet if it swells tomorrow
4. Tie a rubber band tightly around the ankle to stop the blood and leave it overnight

AnswerA. Rinse under running water, press with clean gauze for at least 5 minutes, and see a vet immediately if it does not stop

ExplanationPaw pads are richly supplied with blood and bleed persistently, and in a 6 kg dog even a small blood loss has a big effect on the whole body. Rinse away debris and dirt under running water and press with clean gauze for at least 5 minutes. Keep the wound above the heart; if bleeding does not stop, see a vet immediately to check for remaining glass and have it sutured. Flour leaves foreign matter in the wound and causes infection. Licking introduces bacteria and widens the wound. A rubber band cuts off circulation and can kill the tissue; never leave one on overnight.

IssuesThe owner was not watching for hazards on the ground during the walk. He did not know the basic steps for pressure to stop bleeding and nearly resorted to folk remedies and a dangerous tourniquet. He was not carrying a first-aid kit on walks.

ImprovementWalk in daylight and avoid areas with glass or debris. Keep gauze, bandages and dog booties in the walk bag. Have the whole family learn the steps for stopping bleeding (5 minutes or more, above the heart). Check the paw pads after every walk and treat any wound early.

A 2-year-old Pomeranian. On a winter night the owner knocked over hot tea on the table and it splashed onto the back of the dog sitting at their feet. He screamed and ran off, his coat wet. Parting the fur reveals a palm-sized area of reddened skin. He is in pain and will not let anyone touch his back.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Press ice directly onto the area to cool it hard and hold it until the pain subsides
2. Apply human burn ointment or aloe, cover with a bandage and see a vet tomorrow morning
3. Cool the area under running or cool water for at least 10 minutes and see a vet the same day
4. Since the fur is wet, blow-dry it with warm air to dry the skin and watch and wait

AnswerC. Cool the area under running or cool water for at least 10 minutes and see a vet the same day

ExplanationWith a burn, heat keeps traveling deeper into the skin, so first cool it under running or cool water for at least 10 minutes to stop it progressing. Under a coat, the burn is often wider than it looks, and a palm-sized area is large relative to a small dog's body surface, so see a vet the same day. Ice applied directly causes frostbite and lowers a small dog's body temperature. Human medicines and aloe irritate, and a bandage traps heat and makes it worse. Warm air from a dryer advances the burn and damages the skin further.

IssuesThe dog was left at the foot of a table holding hot drinks. The owner had not considered that small dogs cling to your feet and sit right where spilled liquid lands. The first-aid steps for burns were also vague.

ImprovementMove the dog into a crate or behind a gate when handling hot drinks or pots. Do not put drinks at the edge of the table. Remember the rule for burns: cool under running water for at least 10 minutes, no ice and no self-prescribed medicines. In winter, also watch heater and kotatsu cords and prevent low-temperature burns.

A 5-year-old Maltese. While running around on the carpet, an overgrown front nail caught and broke off at the base. Blood is seeping from the base of the nail and she keeps lifting the paw and trying to lick it. On closer look, the dewclaw has grown long and curled inward, and the other nails are long too.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Pull the broken nail out from the base, disinfect it and let it heal naturally
2. Press with gauze to stop the bleeding, protect it from licking, and see a vet today or tomorrow
3. Once the bleeding stops there is no problem, so let her carry on playing
4. Pour plenty of human antiseptic on it, wrap it in an adhesive bandage and leave it for a week

AnswerB. Press with gauze to stop the bleeding, protect it from licking, and see a vet today or tomorrow

ExplanationThe base of the nail contains blood vessels and nerves, so a break at the base bleeds and hurts badly, and infection can spread to the bone of the toe. Press with gauze to stop the bleeding, prevent licking with an Elizabethan collar or similar, and see a vet today or tomorrow to have the broken nail treated and disinfected. An untrained person pulling out the nail causes severe pain and heavy bleeding. Even if bleeding stops, a split nail left behind becomes a source of infection. Overusing human antiseptic damages tissue, and a bandage left on for a week traps moisture and leads to pus.

IssuesNail trimming was neglected until the dewclaw curled. Long nails also cause slipping and lead to luxating patella. The basic care schedule of trimming every 2–3 weeks was not kept.

ImprovementTrim nails every 2–3 weeks and always check the dewclaws. If it is hard to do yourself, have a groomer or the vet trim them regularly. Keep pet styptic powder and gauze on hand so you can deal with bleeding during trimming too. Loop-pile carpet also catches nails, so reconsider the flooring.

A 7-year-old Miniature Dachshund (8 kg). At night he jumped off the sofa (45 cm high) where the owner was sitting and screamed the moment he landed; since then he drags his right hind leg. He flinches when his lower back is touched. When the owner tries to pick him up, he hunches his back and trembles. After 5 minutes he still has not tried to stand.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Decide it is only a bruised leg, pick him up and stroke him to calm him down
2. Suspect a disc herniation or fracture, place him in a crate keeping the spine level and see a vet immediately
3. Leave him free on the floor until he can walk and watch until morning
4. Give a human painkiller for the pain and rest him until tomorrow

AnswerB. Suspect a disc herniation or fracture, place him in a crate keeping the spine level and see a vet immediately

ExplanationIn a long-bodied Dachshund, a scream after jumping off the sofa, a hind-leg abnormality, lower-back pain and a hunched posture suggest acute intervertebral disc disease or a pelvic or femoral fracture. Both worsen with movement, so support chest and hips level with both hands, place him in a crate and see a vet immediately. Hind legs suddenly not working is a see-the-vet-now criterion. Holding and stroking him lets the spine sag and spreads the spinal cord injury. Left free on the floor he will move and worsen, and waiting until morning lets paralysis become permanent. Human painkillers are harmful to dogs and mask symptoms.

IssuesA Dachshund, a breed prone to disc disease, was allowed on and off the sofa. No ramp was installed and the danger of jumping off was underestimated. He was also a little over his ideal weight, straining the spine.

ImprovementInstall ramps or steps at sofas and beds and do not let him jump off. Cover hardwood floors with non-slip mats. Manage his weight strictly. Have the whole family learn to lift with chest and hips supported level. Have the emergency animal hospital's number and a transport crate ready.

A 4-year-old Papillon. On a walk she suddenly got into a scuffle with a small dog passing by, and when they were separated the tip of her left ear was torn about 2 cm and bleeding. Each time she shakes her ear, blood sprays, even onto nearby walls. She is agitated, restless and keeps shaking her head. It is evening and the regular vet is still open.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Sandwich the wound in clean gauze, press it and secure the ear against the head, and see a vet the same day
2. Since blood is spraying, run home and wash the dog in the bath to rinse the blood off
3. Ears heal easily, so glue the tear together with superglue
4. Give treats to calm her down and continue the walk until the bleeding stops

AnswerA. Sandwich the wound in clean gauze, press it and secure the ear against the head, and see a vet the same day

ExplanationEars are thin and richly supplied with blood, so even a small tear bleeds a lot, and every head shake reopens it, making it hard to stop. Sandwich the tear in clean gauze from both sides, lay the ear flat against the head and secure it with a bandage or bandana to apply pressure. In a small dog even a little blood loss matters, so see a vet the same day for suturing and infection prevention. Running home excites her into more head shaking, and washing in the bath keeps the blood from clotting so bleeding continues. Superglue damages tissue and becomes a source of infection. Continuing the walk means the bleeding does not stop and the wound gets dirty.

IssuesThe owner did not keep distance from the passing dog and allowed contact. Bite incidents happen between small dogs too. The owner carried no first-aid supplies on the walk and did not know that ear bleeding is hard to stop.

ImprovementWhen passing other dogs, keep the leash short and do not approach without the other owner's permission. Keep gauze, bandages and a stretchy bandana in the walk bag for pressure dressings on ears and legs. Get the other owner's contact details and vaccination status. Know your regular vet's same-day hours.

A 10-year-old Yorkshire Terrier (2.8 kg). Trying to come down from the second floor, he tumbled partway down the stairs (12 steps). He got up but holds his left front leg up, there is a little blood at the corner of his mouth, and a lower canine tooth is chipped. His breathing is fast; after trembling for a while, he is lying quietly on the owner's lap.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Since he is quiet, assume he has settled down and let him sleep until morning
2. Decide the blood is from the chipped tooth and have only the tooth looked at by a dentist later
3. Consider head trauma and fractures, place him in a box without moving him, keep him warm and see a vet right now
4. Press firmly all over his body to check for pain and decide based on his reaction

AnswerC. Consider head trauma and fractures, place him in a box without moving him, keep him warm and see a vet right now

ExplanationTumbling down stairs is, like any fall, a leading cause of fractures, head injuries and organ damage in small dogs. Holding a front leg up, bleeding from the mouth, a chipped tooth and fast breathing point to multiple injuries, and quietness may be shock. Place him in a towel-lined box without moving him, keep him warm and see a vet right now. Leaving him until morning lets internal bleeding or brain swelling progress. Assuming it is only the tooth misses a leg fracture or skull injury. Pressing hard all over worsens fracture sites and deepens shock through pain.

IssuesAn older dog could use the stairs freely and no gate was installed. The quiet state after the fall was nearly mistaken for recovery rather than shock. The need for transport preparation and warmth was also not recognized.

ImprovementInstall pet gates at the top and bottom of the stairs and let older dogs live on the ground floor only. Make it a rule that after any fall he sees a vet even if he can walk. Keep a transport box, towel and blanket near the front door. Learn his normal gum color and breathing rate to judge signs of shock.

A 6-year-old Toy Poodle. She has not been to the groomer for 3 months and has felted mats under her armpits and behind her ears. On a summer morning she keeps biting at her armpit; lifting the mat reveals red, raw skin, a weeping wound and a foul smell. Small white worm-like things are moving in it.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Cut the mat off with scissors together with the skin, pour antiseptic on the wound and watch and wait
2. Shampoo at home to wash the mat out, dry her and go to the groomer next week
3. Do not force the mat off, protect the area, suspect dermatitis and parasites and see a vet the same day
4. Apply human insect repellent and ointment and wait for the worms to go away

AnswerC. Do not force the mat off, protect the area, suspect dermatitis and parasites and see a vet the same day

ExplanationUnder a mat, moisture builds up, bacteria multiply and dermatitis spreads into open wounds. White worms moving in a wound in summer are most likely fly larvae (maggots); left alone they eat into the tissue and the dog's whole condition deteriorates. Forcing the mat off tears the skin, so protect the area and see a vet the same day for clipping, cleaning and removal. Cutting mats with scissors very often cuts the skin. Shampooing tightens the mat and worsens the wound. Human repellent and ointment are harmful to dogs and do not resolve the infestation.

IssuesA Poodle needs daily brushing and monthly grooming, yet she was neglected for 3 months. There was no habit of checking the skin under mats, and summer heat and humidity let dermatitis and infestation progress rapidly.

ImprovementBrush a Poodle daily and book grooming once a month as a routine. Check mat-prone areas such as armpits, behind the ears and inner thighs once a week. Keep humidity at 40–60% in summer so she does not get sweaty. See a vet early if you notice red skin, odor or biting at an area.

A 3-year-old Chihuahua. She was tied on a long leash to play in the yard, and the leash became wrapped many times around her right hind leg and was left that way for about 20 minutes. By the time anyone noticed, the paw was swollen and purple; she drags the leg, and when touched she is in pain and tries to bite. The leash has left deep marks.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Carefully remove the tangled leash, keep her warm with nothing constricting the leg, and see a vet immediately
2. Soak the leg in cold water to reduce the swelling and watch once the color returns
3. Massage the leg hard to get blood flowing and make her run to check she can move
4. The swelling will go down on its own, so leave it until evening

AnswerA. Carefully remove the tangled leash, keep her warm with nothing constricting the leg, and see a vet immediately

ExplanationWhen a leash is wrapped tight and blood flow is cut off for 20 minutes or more, congestion progresses to tissue death. First carefully undo the constriction, wrap her in a towel with nothing squeezing the leg, keep her warm and see a vet immediately. After blood flow returns, tissue damage, skin necrosis and fractures must be assessed. Cold water constricts the vessels, hinders recovery of blood flow and chills a small dog. Hard massage and running further damage injured tissue and vessels. Left alone, necrosis progresses and the leg may be lost.

IssuesShe was left on a long leash in the yard without supervision. Small dogs' thin legs tangle easily in leashes and cords, and the injury worsens fast. Twenty minutes unnoticed is a plain lapse in supervision; her cries and abnormal movement were missed.

ImprovementFence the yard for play and stop leaving her tied on a long leash. If tying is necessary, keep it brief and do not look away. Choose a short, non-retractable leash that tangles less. Know how to handle a dog in severe pain that tries to bite (wrap in a towel) and keep a transport box ready.

A 2-year-old Toy Poodle (3 kg). At midday on a day off, a 6-year-old child playing in the living room ran over and stepped on the torso of the dog at their feet. She screamed loudly, fled to a corner and is trembling. After a while she started walking, but her breathing is shallow and fast and she resists having her belly touched. There seems to be a little blood in her urine.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Since she can walk, decide it is just a bruise, scold the child and leave it at that
2. Gently massage her belly to ease the pain and let her sleep
3. Suspect organ damage or internal bleeding, rest her, watch her breathing and see a vet the same day
4. Offer food to check her appetite and decide there is no problem if she eats

AnswerC. Suspect organ damage or internal bleeding, rest her, watch her breathing and see a vet the same day

ExplanationBeing stepped on is the most common household accident for small dogs, and even if she walks after screaming, organ damage, internal bleeding or rib fractures may be hidden. Shallow fast breathing, resisting belly contact and blood in the urine are signs of injury to the bladder, liver or spleen: rest her, watch breathing and gait, and see a vet the same day for ultrasound or X-rays. Dismissing it because she can walk can end in shock from abdominal bleeding hours later. Massaging the belly increases bleeding from damaged organs. Feeding her raises the anesthesia risk if surgery is needed.

IssuesChildren were allowed to run indoors, with no precautions for the dog's habit of clinging to feet. After a trampling, owners tend to assume walking means fine, and the signs of organ damage were unknown.

ImprovementTeach children not to run indoors and to check where the dog is before walking. Protect the dog in a crate or pen at times when many people are moving about. After a trampling, watch breathing rate, gum color and urine color for several hours, and go to the vet immediately if anything is abnormal. Know your regular vet's same-day hours.

A 4-year-old Chihuahua (2 kg). On a windy day, an open sliding door slammed shut and caught the dog from chest to belly as she tried to pass through. After a scream she lies on her side, breathing fast and shallow. Her gums look pale and she responds only weakly when called. There is a little foam at her mouth.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Pick her up and press hard on her chest to steady her breathing, then wait for her to settle
2. Give her water to calm her and watch her on the floor until she can move
3. Film her condition and ask on social media what to do
4. Extend her neck to keep the airway open, place her in a towel-lined box, keep her warm and see a vet immediately

AnswerD. Extend her neck to keep the airway open, place her in a towel-lined box, keep her warm and see a vet immediately

ExplanationA small dog crushed across chest and belly, lying on her side with fast shallow breathing, pale gums, reduced response and foam at the mouth is in shock from lung injury (pneumothorax, lung contusion) or organ damage. Extend her neck and pull the tongue forward to keep the airway open, place her gently in a towel-lined box, keep her warm and see a vet immediately, even at night. Internal bleeding in a 2 kg dog becomes fatal in minutes. Pressing on the chest worsens rib fractures and lung injury. Giving water causes aspiration. Video and social media waste time; in this state every minute of delay can cost her life.

IssuesSmall dogs easily get caught in door and sliding-door gaps, yet no door stoppers or gap covers were installed. Leaving the door open on a windy day was the direct cause. The owner did not know how to recognize shock or open the airway.

ImprovementInstall stoppers on all doors and sliding doors, and on windy days fix doors in place or keep them shut. Watch out for recliner and sofa gaps too. Keep a transport box, towel and blanket by the front door. Share the airway steps and the gum-color check for shock with the family, and post the emergency animal hospital's number.

A 1-year-old Miniature Dachshund. In the evening, when the owner opened the front door to accept a delivery, he slipped between their feet and dashed outside. As the owner ran after him calling his name, he ran even faster, heading toward an intersection 100 m away. His collar has no ID tag and his microchip is not registered.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Chase him at full speed, catch him and scold him so he never does it again
2. Stop chasing, crouch down, call his name in a cheerful voice, show a treat and wait for him to come back
3. Chase him while shouting at him to warn him of the danger
4. Cut him off by bicycle to block the road and startle him back toward home

AnswerB. Stop chasing, crouch down, call his name in a cheerful voice, show a treat and wait for him to come back

ExplanationA chased dog keeps running out of play or fear, raising the risk of dashing into the intersection. Stop chasing, crouch low, call his name cheerfully and show a treat; small dogs strongly dependent on their owner tend to come back. When he returns, never scold him, only praise. Catching and scolding teaches him that coming back means punishment, so next time he runs farther. Shouting also drives him away through fear. Cutting him off and startling him can panic him into the road. If he cannot be caught, contact the police box, the public health center and animal hospitals, and post on social media.

IssuesThere was no gate at the front door and no escape precautions when answering the door. He had no ID tag, license tag or microchip, so there was no way to prove his identity if he got away. Chasing and scolding, which backfires, also came from a lack of knowledge.

ImprovementInstall a pet gate at the front door, and before answering the door put him in his crate or close the living-room door. Attach the license tag and an ID tag to his collar and register the microchip. Practice recall daily and always praise him for coming. Keep the numbers of the local public health center, police box and animal hospitals handy.

A 5-month-old Toy Poodle. On a winter night, by the time the owner noticed him chewing the kotatsu heater's extension cord, he had yelped and collapsed, with the corner of his mouth burned white. The cord is still plugged into the outlet. He got up after a few seconds but is drooling, breathing fast and coughing.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Immediately pick him up to pull him away from the cord and rinse his mouth with water
2. Since he got up, decide he is fine, apply ointment to the mouth burn and put him to bed
3. First unplug the cord to cut the power, then keep him warm, watch his breathing and see a vet immediately
4. Thump his back to stop the cough and give him water to calm him down

AnswerC. First unplug the cord to cut the power, then keep him warm, watch his breathing and see a vet immediately

ExplanationIn an electric shock accident, touching a dog that is still in contact with a live cord shocks the rescuer too, so first unplug the cord or trip the breaker to cut the power. Mouth burns are deeper than they look, and electric shock can cause pulmonary edema and breathing difficulty hours later, so even if he gets up, keep him warm, watch his breathing and see a vet immediately. Picking him up while the current is live risks a second shock. Ointment and bed means missing the pulmonary edema. Thumping the back and giving water worsen breathing, and water on a burned mouth causes pain and aspiration.

IssuesA teething puppy chews everything, yet he was left with exposed cords. The owner had not considered that kotatsu and heater cords multiply in winter and raise the shock risk. The owner did not know about delayed pulmonary edema after electric shock.

ImprovementPut covers or cord boxes on all cords, and unplug or cap unused outlets. When the puppy is home alone, keep him in a cord-free room or a pen. Give puzzle toys that are safe to chew to satisfy the urge. Share the shock procedure with the family: cut the power before touching, then see a vet immediately.

An 8-year-old Chihuahua. In the evening, the moment the owner raised the recliner, the dog who had crawled underneath got a hind leg caught in the gap of the backrest. The owner immediately lowered the chair and freed her, but she holds her left hind leg up and trembles, and the ankle is beginning to swell. She cries when touched but walks slowly on three legs.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Rotate the ankle to check movement; if it moves, call it a sprain and apply a medicated patch
2. Since she can walk, feel reassured and watch for a few days until the swelling goes down
3. Pull on the leg to check the position of the bones and leave it if she does not react in pain
4. Since a fracture or dislocation is possible, keep the leg still, place her in a box and see a vet the same day

AnswerD. Since a fracture or dislocation is possible, keep the leg still, place her in a box and see a vet the same day

ExplanationGetting caught in the moving parts of recliners and sofas is a common accident for small dogs, and their thin legs fracture or dislocate just from being pinched. Holding the leg up and trembling, swelling and crying when touched are classic signs of a fracture: place her in a towel-lined box so the leg does not dangle and get an X-ray the same day. Rotating the ankle shifts a broken bone and damages nerves and vessels. Human medicated patches contain ingredients harmful to dogs and cause poisoning if licked. Walking on three legs does not rule out a fracture, and waiting days lets the bone shift, making surgery more complex. Pulling on the leg is just as dangerous.

IssuesThe owner was unaware of her habit of getting under the recliner and into moving parts, and had no routine of checking where she was before moving it. The owner did not know that pinching accidents in small dogs happen with furniture other than doors.

ImprovementMake it a family rule to check where the dog is before moving a recliner or sofa bed. Block the gaps in moving parts with cushions or fit a cover so she cannot get in. Put her in the crate when furniture is being moved. Keep a transport box and towel ready and know your regular vet's same-day hours.

A 3-year-old Miniature Dachshund. Playing off leash on a summer riverbank, he slipped from the shallows and was swept about 20 m downstream before the owner pulled him out. Right after, he coughed and brought up water, but then went limp with fast breathing and a cold body. A little pink foam is coming from his mouth.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Hold him upside down and shake him to get all the water out of his lungs, then dry him and watch
2. Since he brought up the water, consider him recovered, dry him in the sun and keep playing
3. Towel him dry and keep him warm, keep the airway open with his head slightly lowered, and see a vet immediately
4. Give him cold water to flush out his insides and drive home once he settles

AnswerC. Towel him dry and keep him warm, keep the airway open with his head slightly lowered, and see a vet immediately

ExplanationIn near-drowning, water in the lungs causes pulmonary edema, and a dog that seems to recover after rescue can go into respiratory failure hours later. Pink foam is a sign of pulmonary edema: towel him dry, keep him warm, keep the airway open with his head slightly lowered and neck extended, and see a vet immediately. Holding a small dog upside down and shaking him injures the neck and spine, does not clear the lungs and causes aspiration of stomach contents. Treating him as recovered because he brought up water and continuing to play misses delayed pulmonary edema. Cold water worsens hypothermia and risks aspiration.

IssuesA long-bodied, short-legged Dachshund is a poor swimmer, yet he was off leash at a river with no life jacket. The danger of the current was underestimated and the owner did not know about delayed pulmonary edema after near-drowning. The need to keep him warm was also not recognized.

ImprovementAlways use a life jacket near water and keep him on the leash. Small dogs lose body heat quickly in water, so dry and warm them immediately after getting wet. Make it a rule that after near-drowning he sees a vet even if he looks recovered. Before a trip, look up local animal hospitals and the emergency animal hospital.

A 5-year-old Pomeranian. During a drive she was loose on the back seat, and under hard braking she fell head-first into the gap in front of the seat. After a scream she tries to climb back onto the seat but staggers and will not put her right front paw down. She shakes her head and one pupil looks larger than the other. She vomited once.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Suspect head trauma and a fracture, place her in a carrier without moving her and drive straight to the nearest animal hospital
2. Since she wants to get back on the seat, pick her up, put her on your lap and drive on to the destination
3. Decide the vomiting is car sickness, open the windows, take a break and continue driving
4. Stretch the leg to check the bones and drive home as planned if she does not react in pain

AnswerA. Suspect head trauma and a fracture, place her in a carrier without moving her and drive straight to the nearest animal hospital

ExplanationA fall under hard braking is a classic cause of fractures and head injuries in small dogs. Staggering, unequal pupil size and vomiting are important signs of concussion or intracranial bleeding, and not bearing weight suggests a fracture. Place her in a carrier without moving her, drive straight to the nearest animal hospital and describe what happened. Driving on with her on your lap risks worsening in another incident and makes it impossible to monitor the head injury. Writing off the vomiting as car sickness misses the intracranial problem. Stretching the leg to check worsens a fracture.

IssuesThe dog was loose and unrestrained in the car. The danger of her being thrown under hard braking or in a crash was underestimated, and no carrier or seatbelt harness was used. The owner also did not know the signs of head trauma (unequal pupils, vomiting).

ImprovementIn the car, always put her in a crate secured to the seat, or use a car harness clipped to the seatbelt. Position the crate where it will not move under hard braking. Look up animal hospitals along the route before a long trip. Remember that after a fall, staggering, unequal pupils or vomiting means an immediate vet visit.

A 6-month-old Chihuahua (1.2 kg). On a spring morning in the park, walking on a fully extended retractable leash, she was dive-bombed and pecked on the head by a crow nesting nearby. She is bleeding from the top of her head and running around in a panic. The blood only soaks into the fur, but there is also a wound above her eye.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. The wounds are small, so disinfect them after getting home and watch if there is no swelling
2. Throw stones to drive the crow off and let the dog loose to escape to safety meanwhile
3. Stroke the dog on a park bench to calm her and sit and wait until the bleeding stops
4. Pick her up at once and leave the spot, press the wounds with gauze and see a vet the same day

AnswerD. Pick her up at once and leave the spot, press the wounds with gauze and see a vet the same day

ExplanationToy breeds and puppies can be attacked by crows and birds of prey, and crows become aggressive near the nest in breeding season. First pick her up and leave the crow's territory, then press the wounds with gauze to stop the bleeding. Beak wounds are deep, and a wound near the eye risks corneal damage and infection, so see a vet the same day. Leaving it until you get home lets the wounds fester and the eye wound worsen. Throwing stones and letting the dog loose risks her running off or being attacked again. Sitting on a bench keeps you inside the crow's territory and invites a second attack.

IssuesA 1.2 kg puppy was walked far from the owner on an extended retractable leash, in a spring park with a crow's nest nearby and without close watching. The owner did not know that small dogs are targets for wild birds or that crows are dangerous in breeding season.

ImprovementDo not use retractable leashes with toy breeds or puppies; keep them close on a short leash. From spring to early summer avoid places with crow nests, and watch them even in the yard. Keep gauze and a clean towel in the walk bag. Make it a rule that any wound near the eye means a same-day vet visit.

A 3-year-old Miniature Dachshund (5 kg). At midday, in the 5 minutes the owner stepped away, he apparently ate 4–5 grapes with skins that had been left on the table; bits of skin are scattered on the floor. He is lively, walking normally and has not vomited. The owner is unsure, thinking it was only a small amount.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Since he is lively, watch and wait and see a vet if vomiting or diarrhea appears
2. Confirm the amount and time eaten and contact and visit an animal hospital right away even without symptoms
3. Make him lick salt to induce vomiting and consider it fine if he vomits
4. Give him lots of water to dilute it and feel reassured if skins appear in tomorrow's stool

AnswerB. Confirm the amount and time eaten and contact and visit an animal hospital right away even without symptoms

ExplanationGrapes and raisins cause acute kidney failure in dogs, and the toxic dose varies so widely between individuals that even a small amount can trigger it. A small dog's size means a dangerous dose is reached relatively easily. Symptoms appear hours to days later, so a vet visit right after ingestion, even while he is lively, is most effective: induced vomiting and IV fluids can protect the kidneys. By the time symptoms appear, kidney damage is already under way. Salt causes salt poisoning, and whatever was absorbed remains after vomiting. Diluting with water has no effect, and even if skins appear in the stool the toxin has already been absorbed.

IssuesA dangerous food was left on a table within the dog's reach and he was left unwatched. The owner did not know that grapes are toxic to dogs or that small dogs reach a toxic dose with little. The owner nearly judged by liveliness without understanding how symptoms develop.

ImprovementNever leave grapes, raisins, onions, chocolate or xylitol anywhere the dog can reach. Put him in a pen or crate during meals and cooking. Make it a rule to call right away after any toxic food, even without symptoms, and post the numbers of your regular vet and the emergency animal hospital where they are easy to see.

A 2-year-old Toy Poodle (2.8 kg). At 9 p.m. she chewed open a bottle of xylitol gum that had fallen out of a bag and apparently ate about 10 pieces. Thirty minutes later she began to stagger, then went limp and started trembling. Her gums look pale and she falls when she tries to stand. The regular vet is closed at this hour.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Give hydrogen peroxide to make her vomit the gum and watch until morning once she does
2. Assume sleep will fix it, warm her with a blanket and go to the regular vet in the morning
3. Suspect hypoglycemia, rub sugar water on her gums, keep her warm, call the emergency animal hospital and transport her immediately
4. Give milk to protect the stomach and look up what to do online while watching her

AnswerC. Suspect hypoglycemia, rub sugar water on her gums, keep her warm, call the emergency animal hospital and transport her immediately

ExplanationXylitol triggers a sharp insulin release in dogs, causing severe hypoglycemia within 30 minutes to an hour, followed by liver failure. Ten pieces for a 2.8 kg dog is an extremely dangerous amount. Staggering, trembling and collapse are signs of hypoglycemia: rub sugar water on the gums (do not make her drink), keep her warm, call the emergency animal hospital and transport her immediately. Hydrogen peroxide damages the esophagus and stomach, causes aspiration in a dog with reduced consciousness, and has little effect since the xylitol is already absorbed. Waiting until morning leads to brain damage or death from hypoglycemia. Milk does nothing and searching online wastes time.

IssuesA xylitol product was left in a bag on the floor within the dog's reach. The owner did not know that xylitol is fatal to small dogs even in small amounts or how fast it acts. The emergency animal hospital's number had not been looked up in advance.

ImprovementStore xylitol gum, candy and toothpaste in drawers or closets out of the dog's reach, and do not leave bags on the floor. Keep corn syrup or sugar on hand for hypoglycemia. Post the emergency animal hospital's number and travel time on the refrigerator. Make it a habit to call immediately after any accidental ingestion, even without symptoms.

A 1-year-old Maltese (2.5 kg). Two days ago the owner saw her swallow a hair tie in the bathroom but left it since she seemed fine. Since this morning she has vomited 3 times and brings up anything she eats. She has not passed stool, her belly feels hard and she flinches when it is touched. She is limp and will not even drink water.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Suspect an intestinal obstruction, give nothing by mouth, and see a vet immediately, reporting when and what she swallowed
2. Give a human laxative to move her bowels and wait for the hair tie to come out
3. Give lots of water and salt to make her vomit the hair tie
4. Massage her belly to push the hair tie further along the gut and check tomorrow's stool

AnswerA. Suspect an intestinal obstruction, give nothing by mouth, and see a vet immediately, reporting when and what she swallowed

ExplanationSwallowing small items such as hair ties, buttons and earrings is common in small dogs, and when they lodge in the narrow intestine they cause an obstruction. Repeated vomiting, no stool, a hard painful belly and lethargy are classic signs: see a vet immediately, before the gut dies or perforates, for X-rays or ultrasound to decide whether surgical removal is needed. Report exactly when and what she swallowed. Laxatives stimulate the blocked gut and raise the risk of perforation. Salt causes salt poisoning and a lodged object cannot be vomited up. Massaging the belly injures the gut and worsens the blockage.

IssuesThe biggest problem was seeing her swallow it and leaving it for two days because she seemed fine. The owner underestimated how easily small dogs get obstructions from small objects and had not fixed the habit of leaving small items around the bathroom.

ImprovementIf you see her swallow something, do not try to make her vomit; see a vet the same day even without symptoms. Keep hair ties, buttons, earrings, pills and fruit pits in lidded containers and close bathroom and bedroom doors. Avoid toys with plastic eyes or buttons. Make it a rule that vomiting twice or more means a same-day visit.

A 9-year-old Shih Tzu (6 kg). The owner's grandmother dropped several tablets (blood pressure medicine and a human painkiller) on the floor while taking her medication, and when they were picked up, 1–2 were missing. The dog had been near where they fell, working his mouth. So far he shows no symptoms.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Decide one tablet or so will have no effect and watch until tomorrow
2. Decide it is safe because it is human medicine and just give him extra water
3. Do not induce vomiting; contact and visit an animal hospital right away, bringing the packaging that shows the drug names and doses
4. Dilute the medicine with milk and food and wait for it to pass in the stool

AnswerC. Do not induce vomiting; contact and visit an animal hospital right away, bringing the packaging that shows the drug names and doses

ExplanationHuman painkillers and blood pressure drugs reach a toxic dose in dogs with very little; in a 6 kg small dog a single tablet can cause kidney failure, stomach perforation or a drop in blood pressure. Symptoms appear hours later, so contact an animal hospital right away even without symptoms and go in with the packaging showing the drug names, ingredients and doses. Caught early, induced vomiting or activated charcoal can prevent absorption. Even one tablet has a major effect, and waiting until tomorrow loses the chance to treat. Human medicine is not safe for dogs, and water does not prevent poisoning. Milk and food can speed absorption, and organs are damaged while you wait for it to pass.

IssuesThe dog was in the room where an elderly person handles medication, and the count of dropped tablets was not checked carefully. The family did not know that human medicines are highly toxic to dogs or that small dogs reach a toxic dose especially easily.

ImprovementHandle medication in a room without the dog or up high, and take it at the table. If any is dropped, always count the tablets and move the dog to another room before picking them up. Tell the whole family about the danger of human medicines. Bring the packaging or leaflet if a dog ingests any. Post the animal hospital and emergency hospital numbers on the medicine box.

A 4-year-old Papillon (4 kg). On an evening walk she ate a few blue-green pellets lying at the edge of a flower bed. Twenty minutes later she began drooling heavily, trembling and staggering, and could no longer walk. Her legs are stiff and she has repeated short seizures. A bag of slug bait was sitting by the flower bed.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Put a finger in her mouth to hold the tongue and hug her tightly to stop the seizure
2. Film her while carrying her home and consult the regular vet tomorrow morning
3. Give lots of water to dilute the poison and thump her back until she vomits
4. Do not touch her during the seizure, clear hazards around her, photograph the bait bag and transport her to the emergency animal hospital immediately

AnswerD. Do not touch her during the seizure, clear hazards around her, photograph the bait bag and transport her to the emergency animal hospital immediately

ExplanationSlug bait (metaldehyde) is strongly neurotoxic to dogs; drooling, trembling and seizures progress rapidly, and in a 4 kg small dog a small amount is fatal. During a seizure, do not put your hand in her mouth or hug her; clear objects she could hit her head on, photograph the bait bag so the ingredient can be confirmed, and transport her to the emergency animal hospital immediately. A finger in her mouth gets bitten and she can aspirate. Waiting until morning means death from hyperthermia and multi-organ failure. Giving water during a seizure causes aspiration, and thumping the back does not remove the poison.

IssuesThe owner could not stop her scavenging on the walk. Small dogs readily pick up pellets from the ground, and the owner was not alert to pesticides and bait around flower beds and fields. The owner did not know how to handle a seizure or where the emergency animal hospital was.

ImprovementWalk on a short leash watching the ground, especially around flower beds, fields and parking lots. Train a leave-it cue and consider a muzzle. For seizures, remember: do not touch, make the surroundings safe, time it. Save the emergency animal hospital's number and travel time in your phone.

An 8-year-old Pug (9 kg). On an August afternoon, lightning caused a power outage and the air conditioner stopped. When the owner came home 2 hours later the room was 34°C; the dog was panting violently with his mouth wide open and stringy drool hanging from it. His gums are bright red, and he staggers toward the water bowl but cannot drink.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Submerge his whole body in ice water to drop his temperature fast and take him out when he shivers
2. Move him somewhere cool, pour room-temperature water over him and fan him to cool him, and call an animal hospital and transport him
3. Give him a full bowl of cold water, dry him with a fan and watch and wait
4. Wait by the front door until the air conditioner comes back on, then cool him

AnswerB. Move him somewhere cool, pour room-temperature water over him and fan him to cool him, and call an animal hospital and transport him

ExplanationA brachycephalic Pug in a 34°C room with violent open-mouth panting, stringy drool, bright red gums and staggering has heatstroke, a life-threatening state. Move him somewhere cool, pour room-temperature water over his body and fan him, hold ice packs wrapped in a towel against the inner thighs and neck, and call an animal hospital and transport him. Keep cooling him during the trip. Ice water constricts the blood vessels so heat cannot escape and causes shock. A large amount of water at once causes vomiting and aspiration. Waiting for the power wastes time; heatstroke worsens by the minute.

IssuesThe owner had not considered a power outage in midsummer and had no heat precautions other than the air conditioner. The high heatstroke risk of a brachycephalic breed was underestimated, and there was no way to monitor room temperature while away. The owner did not know the first steps for heatstroke.

ImprovementIn summer, combine a cooling mat, frozen water bottles and blackout curtains so the dog can get through a few hours of outage. Use a smartphone-connected thermometer to check room temperature from outside. Ask family or a sitter for long absences. Prepare a heatstroke kit (ice packs, towels, spray bottle) and know the emergency numbers.

A 4-month-old Chihuahua (1 kg). Late on a January night, heavy snow caused a power outage and the heating stopped. The room temperature has fallen to 8°C; the puppy is curled up in her pen shivering violently, and her ears and paws are cold. She responds when called but moves sluggishly. She ate dinner, but her next meal was scheduled for the morning.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Stick disposable heat packs directly on her body, wrap her tightly in a blanket and let her sleep until morning
2. Boil water, press a hot water bottle directly against her and keep it there until she stops shivering
3. Wrap her in a blanket and warm her with your own body heat, place a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel beside her, and give a little sugar to prevent hypoglycemia too
4. Do nothing so she gets used to the cold and consider it fine once the shivering stops

AnswerC. Wrap her in a blanket and warm her with your own body heat, place a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel beside her, and give a little sugar to prevent hypoglycemia too

ExplanationA 1 kg puppy regulates her temperature poorly, and at 8°C hypothermia and hypoglycemia (from the energy burned by the cold) occur together. Wrap her in a blanket and warm her with your body heat, wrap any hot water bottle in a towel so it does not touch her directly, and give a little food or corn syrup to prevent hypoglycemia. If her response dulls or she becomes cold and limp, see a vet immediately. Heat packs or a hot bottle applied directly cause low-temperature burns, which she cannot feel with numbed skin. Shivering stopping is not proof of warming; it can mean hypothermia has advanced to the point where she lacks the strength to shiver.

IssuesNo backup heating was prepared for a winter power outage. The owner had a shallow understanding of how extremely cold-sensitive a toy-breed puppy is and how hypothermia and hypoglycemia occur together. Knowledge of how to use hot water bottles and heat packs was also lacking.

ImprovementIn winter, provide blankets, a dome bed and dog clothing, and keep a hot water bottle and towel-wrappable warmers for outages. Keep the room from dropping below 20°C and place a thermometer at the dog's height. Keep to 3–4 meals a day in puppyhood and give a little before bed on cold nights. Keep corn syrup on hand.

A 6-year-old Miniature Dachshund. At night, an earthquake of intensity 5-upper struck, and right after the shaking he panicked and squeezed into the gap between a toppled bookcase and the wall. With aftershocks continuing, he will not come out when called and is trembling and growling. The owner wants to prepare to evacuate but fears being bitten if he is pulled out by force. Broken glass is scattered on the floor.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Reach in, grab his collar, drag him out, and carry him straight outside to evacuate
2. Assume he will escape on his own, leave him and head to the shelter first
3. Wait several hours until he calms down and think about evacuating once the aftershocks subside
4. Call his name in a low voice, place a treat and his crate in front of the gap, wait for him to enter on his own, then close the door and evacuate

AnswerD. Call his name in a low voice, place a treat and his crate in front of the gap, wait for him to enter on his own, then close the door and evacuate

ExplanationA dog panicked by an earthquake may bite out of fear, and forcing him out of a narrow gap gets the owner bitten and can fracture or dislocate the dog. Calm him with a low voice, place a treat and his usual crate to coax him in on his own, then close the door and evacuate together with him in it. Crate evacuation is needed at the shelter anyway. Grabbing the collar and dragging risks bites and tracheal collapse. Leaving him behind means a high risk of injury from furniture toppling in aftershocks or from glass, and of escape. Waiting hours loses the window to evacuate, and he may cut his paws on the glass.

IssuesEvacuation with the dog had not been planned for an earthquake, and crate training and treat-luring were not practiced day to day. Furniture was not secured, creating gaps to hide in and the danger of falling objects.

ImprovementUse the crate daily as a safe place and practice entering on cue. Secure furniture and apply shatter-proof film to glass. Keep an evacuation bag (5 days of food, water, medication, pee pads, photos, license details) by the front door. Check your municipality's rules for evacuating with pets and share with the family how pets are housed at the shelter.

A 4-year-old Toy Poodle. Evacuated with the owner to a shelter during a typhoon; in the pet area, cages of large dogs and cats are lined up side by side. The dog barks nonstop, will not drink and has started having diarrhea. The owner did not bring the vaccination certificate. The large dog in the next cage is coughing hard, and its owner says it is just a cold.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Ask the shelter staff to rearrange the cages away from the coughing dog, drape a cloth over the cage to calm her, and give water and food in small amounts
2. Let her out of the cage to play freely with the other dogs to relieve stress
3. The diarrhea is from the change of environment, so leave it and withhold water until she settles
4. Give a small dose of human sleeping pills to stop the barking and put her to sleep

AnswerA. Ask the shelter staff to rearrange the cages away from the coughing dog, drape a cloth over the cage to calm her, and give water and food in small amounts

ExplanationIn shelters, infections such as kennel cough spread easily between animals, and being next to a coughing dog is a high infection risk. Ask the staff to separate the cages, and drape a cloth to cut visual stimulation, which reduces barking and stress. A small dog becomes dehydrated and hypoglycemic after half a day of diarrhea without water, so give water and food in small frequent amounts, and if diarrhea continues consult the shelter vet or the animal rescue headquarters. Letting her play with other dogs risks infection and bites. Withholding water worsens dehydration. Human sleeping pills are harmful to dogs and can be fatal.

IssuesThe evacuation bag lacked the vaccination certificate, her usual food and a cloth for covering the cage; the owner had not anticipated infection risk at the shelter or how fast a small dog dehydrates. Crate training was also insufficient, so the stress was severe.

ImprovementPack the evacuation bag with a copy of the vaccination certificate, 5 days of food, water, a folding bowl, a cover cloth, pee pads and regular medication. Get the combination vaccine and rabies vaccination every year. Practice resting quietly in the crate every day. Check your municipality's shelter pet rules and the animal rescue headquarters' number in advance.

A 5-year-old Maltese. Since the rainy season began, indoor humidity has stayed above 80% for days. His bed is damp and smelly; he keeps licking his armpits and between his toes, and the skin there is red and greasy. The tear stains around his eyes have spread into brown patches and his ears give off a sour smell. The room is 25°C with the windows shut.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Apply human anti-itch cream to the red areas, put socks on him to stop licking and leave it
2. Dehumidify to keep humidity at 40–60%, wash and dry the bedding, and have the skin and ears seen within a few days
3. Shampoo him daily to dry out the skin and dry him thoroughly with hot air from a dryer
4. It will clear up naturally once the rainy season ends, so wait until summer

AnswerB. Dehumidify to keep humidity at 40–60%, wash and dry the bedding, and have the skin and ears seen within a few days

ExplanationThe right humidity for small dogs is 40–60%; high humidity worsens Malassezia and other dermatitis, ear infections and tear stains. Lower the humidity with a dehumidifier or the air conditioner's dry mode, wash damp bedding and dry it completely, and have the red skin and smelly ears treated within a few days before infection advances. Human anti-itch cream contains steroids and other ingredients unsuitable for dogs, and socks trap moisture and make it worse. Daily shampooing strips the oils and breaks down the skin barrier, and hot air damages the skin. Waiting for the rainy season to end lets the dermatitis become chronic and the ear infection reach the eardrum.

IssuesNo hygrometer was in place and indoor humidity was not being managed. Damp bedding was left as it was, and there was no habit of checking the skin and ears for abnormal signs. The owner did not know that high humidity causes skin disease and tear stains.

ImprovementPut a thermo-hygrometer in the dog's living space and keep humidity at 40–60% and temperature at 22–26°C. Use a dehumidifier in the rainy season, and wash bedding weekly and dry it completely. Wipe tear stains daily with lukewarm water and check the ears weekly for odor and dirt. See a vet early for redness in the armpits, between the toes or in the ears.

While playing tug with a 2-year-old Toy Poodle, the owner got a light bite on a finger. The wound was small and the bleeding stopped quickly, so the owner just rinsed it briefly with water and left it. The next day the finger is red, swollen, hot and throbbing. The owner habitually gives treats mouth-to-mouth.

What is the most appropriate action for the owner?

1. Decide the dog has a biting problem, send her to obedience classes, then disinfect the wound
2. Since the wound is small, put on a store-bought adhesive bandage and watch until the swelling goes down
3. Suspect infection from the dog's oral bacteria (such as pasteurellosis) and see a doctor the same day
4. Let the dog lick the swollen finger to promote natural healing and wait until next week

AnswerC. Suspect infection from the dog's oral bacteria (such as pasteurellosis) and see a doctor the same day

ExplanationPasteurella bacteria normally live in a dog's mouth, and even a small bite can infect a person, causing red swelling, heat and severe pain within hours to a day. Left untreated it can progress to osteomyelitis or sepsis, so once the finger is swollen and hot, see a doctor the same day for antibiotic treatment. Right after a bite, rinse under running water for 10 minutes and see a doctor promptly if the wound is deep. Dog training is a separate matter; treating the infection comes first. An adhesive bandage and waiting lets the infection advance. Letting the dog lick it introduces more bacteria, and the habit of mouth-to-mouth feeding is itself a pasteurellosis risk.

IssuesThe bite was not washed properly, and the small wound was dismissed without seeing a doctor. The habit of mouth-to-mouth treats showed low awareness of zoonoses. The style of tug play that gets hands bitten also needs rethinking.

ImprovementAfter a bite, rinse under running water for 10 minutes and see a doctor the same day if swelling or heat develops. Stop mouth-to-mouth feeding and kissing, and wash hands after touching the dog. Play tug with a longer rope to keep hands away from the mouth. Teach a drop-it cue and brush the dog's teeth to keep the mouth healthy.

A 7-month-old Miniature Dachshund, adopted from a pet shop 2 months ago. Circular bald patches about 2 cm across have appeared on his face and front legs, with flaky skin. Around the same time, the 5-year-old child who always sleeps with him developed an itchy red ring-shaped rash on the arm. There is also an older dog in the home.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Take the dog to the vet for suspected ringworm, take the child to a dermatologist, separate him from the older dog and the bedding, and wash hands thoroughly after contact
2. Decide the hair loss is seasonal shedding, treat the child's rash as an insect bite with over-the-counter cream
3. Give the dog a full bath, apply human athlete's foot cream, and let the child keep sleeping with him
4. Move the puppy outdoors and keep him in the yard until he recovers so the older dog does not catch it

AnswerA. Take the dog to the vet for suspected ringworm, take the child to a dermatologist, separate him from the older dog and the bedding, and wash hands thoroughly after contact

ExplanationCircular hair loss with flaky skin is typical of dermatophytosis (ringworm, a fungal infection), a zoonosis that spreads to people who touch the infected dog's skin or fur, appearing as a ring-shaped rash. Take the dog to the vet within a few days for a culture and antifungal treatment, take the child to a dermatologist, isolate him from the older dog with separate bedding and brushes, wash hands after contact and clean bedding and carpets thoroughly. Seasonal shedding does not cause circular bald patches, and the child's ring rash is not an insect bite. Human athlete's foot cream is unsuitable for dogs, and continued co-sleeping spreads the infection. Keeping a cold-sensitive small dog outdoors is dangerous, and since the spores persist in the environment it is not adequate isolation either.

IssuesThe skin was not checked at a health exam right after adoption. The child and dog slept together with no awareness of the zoonosis risk. There was no plan for isolation or separate bedding in a multi-dog home.

ImprovementHave a new dog examined before any contact with the resident dog. See a vet for circular hair loss, flakes or itching, and stop the child co-sleeping until a diagnosis is made. Give each dog its own bedding and brush, and wash hands after contact. Vacuum and launder carpets and bedding to remove spores.

On a family trip in Southeast Asia, the 5-year-old child held out a hand to a street dog and was bitten on a finger. Bleeding is light and the child is crying but otherwise fine. The parent, a small-dog owner, has skipped their own dog's rabies vaccination for several years, reasoning that Japan is rabies-free. Three days of the trip remain.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. The wound is small, so disinfect it, put on an adhesive bandage and have it checked at a hospital in Japan after returning
2. Wash the wound with running water and soap for 15 minutes and see a local medical facility the same day to discuss post-exposure rabies vaccination
3. The dog looked healthy, so decide there is no rabies concern and continue the trip
4. Find and catch the dog, check whether it has symptoms, then decide about a hospital visit

AnswerB. Wash the wound with running water and soap for 15 minutes and see a local medical facility the same day to discuss post-exposure rabies vaccination

ExplanationRabies is a zoonosis that is almost 100% fatal once symptoms appear, and a dog bite in an endemic region such as Southeast Asia counts as exposure regardless of wound size. Wash the wound with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes and see a local medical facility the same day to start post-exposure vaccination (plus immunoglobulin if needed). The vaccine is most effective the sooner it is given; waiting 3 days until returning home is dangerous. A dog that looks healthy may still be shedding the virus. Going after a stray risks a second bite, and even if it could be observed, that is no reason to delay vaccination.

IssuesThe child was not stopped from touching a stray dog in an endemic region. The family's own dog's rabies vaccination had been neglected, reflecting low awareness of rabies across the family. Bite response abroad and local medical facilities had not been researched in advance.

ImprovementTeach children never to touch stray dogs or wild animals abroad. Before travel, check whether the destination is rabies-endemic and get pre-exposure vaccination if needed. Have your own dog vaccinated against rabies every year as required by law and keep the registration current. Note the contact details of medical facilities at the destination and of your travel insurance.

A 5-month-old Chihuahua. She sleeps in the owner's bed every night, and the family takes turns cleaning her toilet before bed. This morning several thin white worms were found moving in her stool. Her belly is distended and she has mild diarrhea. There is a 2-year-old toddler in the home who sometimes plays near the dog's toilet.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. The worms came out on their own, so decide there is no problem, throw away the stool and keep sleeping together as before
2. Give the dog an over-the-counter human dewormer and do nothing in particular about the toddler
3. Bag the stool and see a vet within a few days for deworming, manage contact with the toddler, clean up stool immediately and wash the bedding
4. Keep the dog in the yard and cut off all contact with the family

AnswerC. Bag the stool and see a vet within a few days for deworming, manage contact with the toddler, clean up stool immediately and wash the bedding

ExplanationWhite worms in the stool are most likely dog roundworm, a zoonosis whose eggs can reach a person's mouth from stool via hands or soil and, in toddlers, migrate to the organs or eyes. Bag the stool and see a vet within a few days for a fecal exam and the right dewormer. Clean up stool immediately after she passes it and wash hands, keep the toddler from playing near the toilet, and wash the bedding. Left alone, eggs accumulate in the environment and put the whole family at risk. A human dewormer is unsuitable for dogs and does nothing to manage the toddler's risk. Keeping a cold-sensitive small dog outdoors is dangerous and spreads eggs through the yard soil, making it worse.

IssuesNo regular deworming was done and parasite checks in puppyhood were inadequate. With the dog sleeping in the bed and the toddler playing near the toilet, the fecal route of infection was not recognized. The hand-washing habit after cleaning up stool was also vague.

ImprovementHave puppies' stool checked on arrival and every few weeks, and deworm regularly as the vet directs. Continue monthly internal parasite prevention along with heartworm prevention. Clean up stool immediately and always wash hands afterward. Keep the toddler away from the dog's toilet, and let the dog sleep in the bed only after deworming is complete.

A 7-year-old Chihuahua (2.5 kg) under treatment for heart disease. At night she was found lying under the sofa. She does not respond to her name or to an ear pinch, and no chest movement is visible. No pulse can be felt with a finger at the inner thigh. Her tongue is bluish purple and a little drool is coming from her mouth. The emergency animal hospital is 15 minutes away by car.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Lay her on her right side, hold her chest in one hand, compress at 100–120 per minute with 2 breaths into the nose every 30 compressions, and head to the emergency hospital while continuing
2. Shake her hard and keep shouting her name, waiting for a response
3. As with a person, place both hands on the center of the chest and press with your full weight, blowing hard into the mouth
4. Moving her is dangerous, so leave her lying there, call the emergency hospital and wait for instructions

AnswerA. Lay her on her right side, hold her chest in one hand, compress at 100–120 per minute with 2 breaths into the nose every 30 compressions, and head to the emergency hospital while continuing

ExplanationNo response, no breathing and no pulse means cardiac arrest: start CPR immediately. For a small dog, lay her on her right side, hold the chest in one hand and compress with thumb and fingers to one third of chest depth at 100–120 per minute. After 30 compressions, close the mouth and give 2 breaths into the nose, check the pulse every 2 minutes and continue until you reach the vet. If someone else is with you, keep compressing during transport. Shaking and waiting delivers no oxygen and brain damage progresses. Two-handed full-weight compressions as for a person crush the ribs and organs of a 2.5 kg dog. Waiting by the phone without acting loses the critical minutes after arrest.

IssuesAlthough a sudden crisis was foreseeable in a dog under treatment for heart disease, the CPR steps had never been practiced. No transport plan had been made for handling it alone at night. The judgment and actions for a crisis were not prepared in advance.

ImprovementLearn small-dog CPR from your vet (one hand around the chest, 100–120 per minute, 2 breaths into the nose every 30 compressions) and practice on a stuffed toy. For a dog with heart disease, record the resting breathing rate daily to catch warning signs. Keep the emergency animal hospital's number ready and arrange family or neighbors to help with transport.

A 3-year-old Toy Poodle (3 kg). She fell from a chair placed near the balcony railing about 1.5 m onto the concrete below. She lies motionless and responds only weakly when called. She is breathing, but fast, and her hind legs are not moving. There is a little blood at her mouth. The animal hospital is 20 minutes away by car.

What is the most appropriate way to transport her?

1. Hold her pressed against your chest and carry her on your lap in the passenger seat
2. Stand her up to check whether she can walk, and if she can, put her in a carrier
3. Slide her onto a rigid board or into a towel-lined box keeping the spine level, keep her warm and transport her
4. Moving her is dangerous, so leave her where she is and wait for the hospital to make a house call

AnswerC. Slide her onto a rigid board or into a towel-lined box keeping the spine level, keep her warm and transport her

ExplanationA dog that is motionless with non-moving hind legs after a fall from height may have a spinal or pelvic fracture or spinal cord injury. Lifting lets the spine sag and damages the cord, so slide her onto a rigid board or into a towel-lined box keeping the spine level, cover her with a blanket to keep warm and secure her, and transport immediately. If consciousness is reduced, extend the neck to keep the airway open. Holding her against your chest worsens spinal and rib injuries. Standing her up to check walking is the worst option, spreading the spinal cord damage. Waiting for a house call lets bleeding and cord compression progress, and most animal hospitals cannot make emergency house calls.

IssuesA chair was placed near the balcony railing, creating a setup where a small dog could climb and fall. The owner did not know how to transport after a fall and had no option other than picking her up. No transport equipment such as a rigid board or box was prepared.

ImprovementKeep the dog off the balcony, or keep anything climbable away from the railing and fence. Keep a rigid board, towel, box and blanket by the front door for transport. Share the rule with the family: if she is not moving, keep the spine level and do not pick her up. Know the numbers of your regular vet and the emergency animal hospital and the driving time.

A 4-year-old Pomeranian. At 10 p.m. he suddenly collapsed in the living room and began a whole-body seizure, legs stiff and jerking. He is foaming at the mouth and has lost bladder control. The family is shouting his name in alarm and a child is trying to pick him up. There is a glass table and chairs nearby.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Put a towel in his mouth so he does not bite his tongue and hold his body down to stop the seizure
2. Move hazards away, do not touch him, time the seizure, and once it stops keep him warm and call and visit the emergency animal hospital
3. Splash cold water on his face to bring him round and see a vet tomorrow morning once he settles
4. Film it and ask on social media about the cause, deciding what to do after the comments come in

AnswerB. Move hazards away, do not touch him, time the seizure, and once it stops keep him warm and call and visit the emergency animal hospital

ExplanationDuring a seizure the dog is unconscious; putting things in his mouth or holding him down gets you bitten and damages his teeth and jaw. Move the glass table and furniture away so he cannot hit his head, do not touch him, and note the start time and duration. Once it stops, keep him warm quietly and call and visit the emergency animal hospital. If it lasts 5 minutes or more or repeats, transport immediately. In small dogs hypoglycemia can be a cause, so rubbing sugar on the gums after it stops is also useful. Splashing water risks aspiration and the stimulus worsens things. Waiting on social media delays treatment. Video helps find the cause, but safety comes first.

IssuesThe family did not know the basic seizure response (do not touch, make the surroundings safe, time it) and could not stop the child from trying to pick him up. The layout of furniture such as the glass table, dangerous if a dog collapses, had not been reviewed.

ImprovementShare the seizure procedure with the whole family and teach children not to touch and to call an adult. Fit corner guards on the glass table. Keep a notepad to record the time, duration and behavior before and after a seizure. Post the emergency animal hospital's number and keep corn syrup on hand for hypoglycemia.

An 11-year-old Maltese on medication for mitral valve disease. At 1 a.m. he cannot lie down and is sitting up, breathing fast and shallow with his mouth open. His breathing rate is 60 per minute. His tongue has a purple tinge, and he coughed up pink foam. The regular vet opens at 9 a.m.; the emergency animal hospital is 40 minutes away by car.

What is the most appropriate decision?

1. Give double the usual dose of his prescribed medication and watch until the clinic opens in the morning
2. Forty minutes is far, so turn on the air conditioner to keep him cool and wait until morning for his breathing to settle
3. Suspect pulmonary edema, keep him calm and quiet in a carrier, call the emergency animal hospital and transport him immediately
4. He will be more comfortable lying down, so force him to lie down and warm him with a blanket

AnswerC. Suspect pulmonary edema, keep him calm and quiet in a carrier, call the emergency animal hospital and transport him immediately

ExplanationA dog with heart disease that cannot lie down, with a breathing rate of 60, a purple tongue and pink foam, is in respiratory distress from pulmonary edema, an emergency that can kill within hours. Waiting until morning is not an option: place him quietly in a carrier without exciting him, call the emergency animal hospital, describe his condition and make the 40-minute trip. Oxygen and diuretic treatment are needed. Doubling the prescribed dose causes low blood pressure and kidney damage and must never be done without the vet's instruction. Waiting in a cool room does not stop the edema progressing. Forcing him to lie down compresses the lungs and makes breathing harder, and warming adds to the strain.

IssuesDespite his being on heart medication, no criteria for a crisis visit (breathing rate, tongue color) or plan for nighttime transport had been set. The distance to the emergency hospital led to hesitation about going. Daily records of the resting breathing rate were also inadequate.

ImprovementFor a dog with heart disease, record the resting breathing rate daily and decide in advance that over 40 per minute means a vet visit even at night. Look up the emergency animal hospital's number, travel time and approximate cost, and share nighttime driving duty among the family. Confirm emergency procedures and how to handle the medication with your vet beforehand. Keep the carrier where it can always be grabbed.

A 2-year-old Miniature Dachshund (5 kg). In the evening the leash slipped from the owner's hand, he ran into the road and was hit by a car. He lies on the road, bleeding steadily from a hind leg, breathing fast and shallow. He moves his eyes when called but cannot stand. His gums look pale. Passersby are gathering and the driver is shaken. The nearest animal hospital is 10 minutes away by car.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Press hard on the bleeding site with a clean cloth while sliding him onto a board or towel keeping him level, keep him warm and transport immediately
2. Confirm the details of the accident with the driver and exchange contact information, then take the dog to the hospital
3. Give him water to calm him and carry him in a carrier once he can stand
4. Wait at the scene until the bleeding stops, then pick him up and walk home

AnswerA. Press hard on the bleeding site with a clean cloth while sliding him onto a board or towel keeping him level, keep him warm and transport immediately

ExplanationIn a traffic accident, shock from blood loss (pale gums, fast shallow breathing) occurs together with fractures and organ damage. A 5 kg dog is at risk from even a small blood loss, so press hard on the bleeding with a clean cloth while moving him onto a board or towel keeping the spine level, cover him with a blanket for warmth and transport immediately. Ask passersby to phone the hospital or drive. Leave dealing with the driver until after transport or to a companion; the dog's care comes first. Giving water risks aspiration, and waiting for him to stand invites death from blood loss. Waiting for the bleeding to stop and then carrying him home on foot is the worst response: no pressure on the wound and a worsening fracture.

IssuesThe leash was held in a way that let it slip, with lax leash control at the roadside. Small dogs dart out through the smallest gap or with little force. The owner did not know the priorities in an accident (stop the bleeding and transport first) or how to apply pressure. No first-aid supplies were carried on the walk.

ImprovementLoop the leash around your wrist and hold it doubled, keeping it short at the roadside. Keep gauze, a towel and bandages in the walk bag. Practice pressure to stop bleeding (5 minutes or more, firm, above the heart) and level transport with the family. Know where the animal hospitals are along your walking route and ask bystanders for help in an emergency.

A 3-month-old Toy Poodle (1.1 kg). In the morning she is lying limp in her pen and does not lift her head when her name is called. The owner is panicking, unable to tell whether she is alive or breathing. She had diarrhea last night and left her dinner. The room temperature is 18°C.

What is the most appropriate way to assess her condition?

1. Open her mouth and pull her tongue to see if she reacts, and thump her back until she makes a sound
2. Press your ear hard against her chest to listen for a heartbeat and conclude she is dead if you hear nothing
3. Splash cold water on her face to check for a reaction and decide she is fine if she moves
4. Pinch her ear to check response, count breaths by chest movement, check the pulse at the inner thigh, and if anything is abnormal rub sugar water on her gums, keep her warm and see a vet immediately

AnswerD. Pinch her ear to check response, count breaths by chest movement, check the pulse at the inner thigh, and if anything is abnormal rub sugar water on her gums, keep her warm and see a vet immediately

ExplanationChecking consciousness, breathing and pulse is the first step in life support. Check response to her name and an ear pinch, count breaths by the rise and fall of the chest (normal 20–30/min), and feel the pulse at the artery of the inner thigh (normal 90–140/min). A limp puppy with diarrhea and poor appetite in a cool 18°C room is strongly suspected of hypoglycemia and hypothermia: rub sugar water on her gums, keep her warm and see a vet immediately. Pulling the tongue or thumping the back causes aspiration or injury. Pressing an ear to the chest is hard for a layperson to interpret; if there is no pulse, start CPR rather than concluding she is dead. Cold water worsens hypothermia.

IssuesThe risk of hypoglycemia was not recognized when she had diarrhea and left her food, and she was left until morning. The room was too cold for a puppy and she was not kept warm enough. The owner did not know how to check consciousness, breathing and pulse and panicked.

ImprovementFeed puppies 3–4 times a day and act within a few hours if she does not eat or has diarrhea. Keep the room from dropping below 20°C and use a dome bed for warmth. Practice measuring breathing and pulse when she is well and note the normal values. Keep corn syrup and the emergency animal hospital's number on hand, and post written steps for emergencies.