CDT Health, Safety & First Aid 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A dog in your training class begins showing signs of heatstroke. What is the FIRST action you should take?
- Administer cool (not cold) water to wet the dog's body (Correct answer)
- Give the dog ice water to drink immediately
- Cover the dog with a wet blanket to retain moisture
- Administer aspirin to reduce internal temperature
Correct answer: Administer cool (not cold) water to wet the dog's body
Applying cool (not cold) water to the dog's body helps lower core temperature gradually without causing shock from rapid cooling.
Question 2: Which of the following is a clinical sign that differentiates heat exhaustion from heatstroke in dogs?
- Elevated body temperature above 104°F with altered mentation (Correct answer)
- Panting and increased thirst only
- Mild lethargy without other symptoms
- Slightly elevated heart rate with normal gum color
Correct answer: Elevated body temperature above 104°F with altered mentation
Heatstroke is characterized by body temperature above 104°F combined with neurological signs such as confusion, collapse, or seizures.
Question 3: When evaluating a dog's hydration status in the field, which technique is most commonly used?
- Skin turgor test (tent test) on the scruff of the neck (Correct answer)
- Checking the color of the dog's urine
- Measuring the dog's body weight before and after exercise
- Feeling the temperature of the dog's paws
Correct answer: Skin turgor test (tent test) on the scruff of the neck
The skin turgor (tent) test assesses hydration by pinching the skin; slow return indicates dehydration.
Question 4: A dog sustains a deep laceration during an outdoor training session. After applying direct pressure, bleeding is partially controlled. What is the next recommended step before veterinary transport?
- Apply a pressure bandage to maintain compression during transport (Correct answer)
- Apply a tourniquet above the wound immediately
- Clean the wound thoroughly with hydrogen peroxide
- Leave the wound uncovered to allow air drying
Correct answer: Apply a pressure bandage to maintain compression during transport
A pressure bandage maintains consistent compression to control bleeding and protects the wound during transport to a veterinarian.
Question 5: Which of the following plants commonly found in US training environments is TOXIC to dogs if ingested?
- Sago palm (Correct answer)
- Rosemary
- Blueberry bushes
- Lavender
Correct answer: Sago palm
Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) is highly toxic to dogs and can cause liver failure even in small amounts.
Question 6: When performing canine CPR, what is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer?
- 30 compressions to 2 breaths (Correct answer)
- 15 compressions to 1 breath
- 5 compressions to 1 breath
- 60 compressions to 4 breaths
Correct answer: 30 compressions to 2 breaths
Current veterinary CPR guidelines (RECOVER) recommend a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio for single rescuers.
Question 7: A dog trainer notices a dog in class has pale or white gums. This finding most likely indicates:
- Shock, severe anemia, or internal bleeding (Correct answer)
- Normal variation in pigmentation
- Mild excitement or stress
- Dehydration only
Correct answer: Shock, severe anemia, or internal bleeding
Pale or white gums indicate poor perfusion to the mucous membranes, which is a sign of shock, severe blood loss, or anemia requiring immediate veterinary care.
CDT Health, Safety & First Aid 2
A dog in your training class begins showing signs of heatstroke.
What is the FIRST action you should take?