Best way to transport an injured dog - Page 1

Just a question.  How would you transport an injured or very sick dog that couldn't get into your vehicle on it's own? I'm female and in my mid 50's and my girl Lucy weighs 85 lbs.  I'm no weakling but some circumstances could be quite difficult if a large dog was hurt, scared, and struggling... I wouldn't want to panic not knowing how to handle something like that. Anyone had an experience like that or know of someone that did?  How was it handled?

thanks,

Pam

I would muzzle the dog before touching it. Even your own dog might bite you if it is in severe pain, for example, a broken bone. I carry bandages in my car, so I would use a piece of roller gauze looped around the nose and tied in back of the head. A woman's dress sash, scarf, or belt would do in a pinch too.

If my dog weighed 85 lbs., I would hope there was a strong man nearby to help me. If the dog had an obvious fracture, I would try to splint  and immobolize it before moving it. If it were bleeding, I'd bandage the wound tightly to help stop the flow. You know the drill most likely:   exactly the sort of thing you learn in human first aid.

I would want to have someone else drive if possible so I could stay with the dog and keep it calm.  To move the dog, I'd get a blanket, or a board. something the dog could lie flat on, and have one person take each end. I woudn't move it off the makeshift stretcher, either. The less you move an animal with fractures, the better. Just slide it into your vehicle. Put the seats flat if possible so it can stretch out.

What I have done in the past is go to an Army Surlus store ( I dont know if they still have those) and buy an old army stretcher, (another place you can try to get one is the ambulance service) I used wide webbing that is used for rewebbing outside chairs and velcro to secure the dog. I was able to drag a heavy dog on it like a travois and pull it into the backseat going all the way thru the other door. I do have to say tho, I had given the dog a sedative. The vet had given me a few along with dosage directions to be able to rescue roadside victims and get them to the vet. Just an idea, I am sure others have better ideas.

sunsilver & shandra

thanks,  I probably worry too much, but I'd rather be prepared for anything.  I've already got a muzzle, now i'm on a mission to find a military surplus store.  thanks again

pam

The stretcher is a great idea!