Texas LGD Association

info@texaslgdassoc.org

LGD First Aid and Field Injury Protocol

Wounds, Snakebite, Heat Stress, and Abscesses

Livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) work in remote, high-risk environments where immediate veterinary care is not always available. A clear, practical first-aid protocol allows producers to stabilize injuries early, reduce complications, and protect both dog welfare and working longevity.

The Texas LGD Association recommends that every LGD operation maintain a basic field kit, written protocols, and a working relationship with a veterinarian familiar with working dogs.

Important: Field first aid is not a substitute for veterinary care. When in doubt or when injuries are severe, seek professional help immediately.

Field First Aid Kit (Minimum Contents)

Keep kits accessible in vehicles, barns, or central handling areas.

Core supplies

Contact numbers for your veterinarian and emergency clinic. The items listed below are all helpful things to have handy in a first aid kit for your LGDs.  A large tool bag will keep all the items in one place, making it easy to carry them into the field.  A good-quality cordless clipper with various guards and clipper oil is also handy to have.

  • Emergency Phone Numbers (regular vet, emergency vet clinic, poison control, etc.) laminated
  • Laminated photos of poisonous snakes in your area.
  • Write in the Rain small spiral tablet & pen
  • 3” or 4” Gauze rolls
  • 4” x 4” non-Adhering cotton pads
  • 2” Waterproof Tape rolls
  • 3” Vet Wrap rolls
  • Cotton Balls or pads
  • Tick removal tool
  • Antiseptic solution (chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine, properly diluted)
  • Foil Emergency Blanket
  • General Antibiotic Ointment with fly repellent (Tri Care from Farnam)
  • Swat Fly Ointment
  • Antiseptic Wipes
  • Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment (eye infections)
  • Eye Wash (to clean dirt out of your dog’s eyes)
  • Hydrogen Peroxide (used to induce vomiting, only when authorized by your vet)
  • Vetericyn VF Plus Spray
  • NFZ Puffer/ointment
  • Orajel (to help remove porcupine quills)
  • Hemostat Forceps (straight and curved)
  • Ear Miticide
  • Sterile Saline Solution 500ml
  • Rehydrate Electrolyte Tablet
  • Bottles of water
  • Petroleum Jelly (to lubricate the thermometer)
  • Rectal Thermometer (dog’s normal temperature should be 100°F – 103°F)
  • Scissors (with blunt ends)
  • Small pliers (to remove quills)
  • Syringe 60ml (to flush any wounds with saline solution)
  • Syringe 20ml with 16g x 1 needle to evacuate excess fluids in abscess.
  • Syringes – 3ml with 22g x ¾ needle for vaccinations
  • Tweezers – good quality with a fine chisel point
  • Instant Ice Pack
  • Disposable Gloves (non-latex)
  • Muzzle – adjustable size (in case they bite)
  • Bite resistant gauntlets
  • Chain Leash 6ft (so they don’t chew through it)
  • Extra Collar 20”
  • HD Shedding Comb/Brush
  • Slicker Brush – Self Cleaning
  • Soft Brush for face and ears
  • Grooming Scissors Kit
  • HD Canine Nail Clippers
  • Dog Treats/Canned Wet Food
  • Cordless clippers with a car charger
  • Fly repellent in spay bottle
  • Flea & Tick Medication
  1. Wounds and Lacerations

Common Causes

  • Barbed wire and fencing
  • Wildlife encounters
  • Livestock-related injuries
  • Cuts and punctures from terrain or debris

Immediate Field Response

  1. Restrain safely if necessary; avoid bites from painful dogs.
  2. Control bleeding with direct pressure using clean gauze.
  3. Clip hair around the wound to visualize the extent.
  4. Flush thoroughly with clean water or saline to remove debris.
  5. Disinfect gently (do not scrub deep tissue).
  6. Cover with a non-stick dressing if the location allows.

When to Call a Veterinarian

  • Deep puncture wounds
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Visible muscle, tendon, or bone
  • Wounds caused by bites (high infection risk)
  • Lacerations over joints or on feet/pads
  • Any wound with swelling, heat, or discharge developing after 24–48 hours

Do not close wounds in the field unless directed by a veterinarian. Trapping contamination increases infection risk.

  1. Abscesses

What Abscesses Look Like

  • Localized swelling
  • Heat and pain
  • Limping or reluctance to move
  • Fever or lethargy in advanced cases
  • Sudden rupture with foul-smelling discharge

Abscesses are common in working dogs due to puncture wounds that seal over.

Field Management

  • Do not lance abscesses without veterinary guidance.
  • If ruptured, flush gently with clean water or saline.
  • Keep the area clean and open to drain.
  • Monitor temperature and appetite.

Veterinary Care Is Needed When

  • Abscess is large, painful, or near joints
  • Dog is lethargic or feverish
  • Swelling worsens or recurs
  • Multiple abscesses appear

Antibiotics and proper drainage are often required.

  1. Snakebite

High-Risk Areas

  • Face, muzzle, and neck
  • Limbs
  • Chest and abdomen (less common but serious)

Immediate Actions

  1. Keep the dog calm and still; movement speeds venom spread.
  2. Do NOT cut, suck, ice, or apply tourniquets.
  3. Remove collars or constricting items if swelling is expected.
  4. Transport immediately to a veterinary clinic.

Signs of Envenomation

  • Rapid swelling
  • Pain at the bite site
  • Weakness or collapse
  • Excessive drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Bleeding abnormalities (depending on species)

Important Notes

  • Antivenom is most effective when given early.
  • Even dogs that appear stable can decline hours later.
  • Any suspected snakebite should be treated as an emergency.
  1. Heat Stress and Heat Stroke

Heat-related illness is a documented cause of LGD injury and death, particularly in young dogs, newly placed dogs, and during extreme weather.

Early Warning Signs

  • Heavy panting
  • Thick saliva
  • Restlessness or weakness
  • Seeking shade excessively
  • Reluctance to move

Emergency Signs

  • Collapse
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Disorientation
  • Seizures
  • Unconsciousness

Immediate Cooling Protocol

  1. Move to shade immediately.
  2. Apply cool (not ice-cold) water only to the belly, groin, and paws.
  3. Provide small amounts of cool water if conscious.
  4. Use airflow (fan or vehicle AC).
  5. Transport to the veterinarian ASAP.

Stop active cooling once body temperature approaches normal to avoid hypothermia.

Prevention Measures

  • Multiple shade locations
  • Constant access to clean water
  • Avoid handling or transporting during peak heat
  • Close monitoring of adolescents and newly placed dogs
  1. Foot, Pad, and Limb Injuries

Common Problems

  • Pad tears or cracks
  • Thorns and foreign bodies
  • Sprains or strains

Field Care

  • Rinse debris thoroughly
  • Inspect between toes
  • Apply antiseptic
  • Light bandaging if needed (remove daily to check)
  • Restrict activity temporarily

Persistent limping warrants veterinary evaluation.

Monitoring After Any Injury

After field treatment:

  • Check the dog at least twice daily
  • Monitor appetite, movement, and attitude
  • Take note of swelling, heat, discharge, or odor
  • Record injury date and observations

Early changes often signal complications.

When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care

  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Snakebite or suspected envenomation
  • Heat stroke symptoms
  • Deep wounds or bite injuries
  • Severe lameness or collapse
  • Signs of systemic illness (fever, lethargy, vomiting)

Delaying care increases the risk of permanent damage or loss.

Protocol Review and Preparedness

Producers should:

  • Review first aid protocols annually
  • Replace expired supplies
  • Train family members or employees
  • Establish emergency transport plans
  • Maintain a relationship with a veterinarian experienced in working dogs

Key Takeaway

LGDs face real-world hazards. Preparedness saves lives. Prompt, calm field response—followed by timely veterinary care can mean the difference between a temporary setback and permanent loss of a working dog.