One of the scariest aspects of Labrador health is when they seriously injure themselves. There are several simple ways your dogs might harm themselves, from getting hit by a car to tearing a ligament in their leg. While keeping your pet safe is always on the forefront of your mind when it comes to pet care, sometimes accidents happen. If something should happen to your Labrador that can’t be avoided, there are a few steps you should take in treating it.
Firstly, do not panic! You can prevent further injury to your pet if you act fast. Think logically and try not to let you emotions cloud your judgment. A clear head is the best line of defense when fighting for Labrador health. Any major injury to your 
Labrador is going to necessitate an emergency visit to the vet’s office…Making sure you keep your wits about you will help ensure safe passage for both you and your pet.
Check your pet’s airway. Listen for breathing sounds and watch the chest move up and down. If you hear blockage, use a finger to clear the air passageways and help your pet to breathe.
If there was a loss of blood, check to see if your pet is in shock. A dog in shock needs to get medical help immediately, as it can worsen rapidly. If your Labrador exhibits the signs of shock (rapid heartbeat, pale or blue gums, weakness or lethargy) try to prevent the loss of any more blood and get it to a vet fast.
To control hemorrhaging, apply direct pressure by putting your finger or hand over the bleeding wound. Find a pad or towel, anything clean you can use to apply pressure. If your Labrador is bleeding where it’s possible to apply a tourniquet, wrap a piece of cloth just above the wound but do not leave it on for more than 30 minutes.
If your dog has a broken or fractured leg, you can immobilize the limb; try wrapping a section of newspaper or a magazine around the limb to support it. This will reduce the damage on the way to the vet’s office.
The best treatment for severe burns is cooling with water and keeping the dog warm with blankets or towels. To keep the risk of infection down, dress the wounds with sterile pads and prevent too much movement in the area of the wound.
As always, a veterinarian is best qualified to care for your injured pet. Set your Labrador up for safe travel and get to the vet’s office as quickly as possible.
