I didn't get to pick all my answers because I was limited to four choices. The one I left off that I would have ticked was "talked to my vet" because I'm more likely to discuss these things with my vet on a case-by-case basis. After an injury I either call for advice on whether we need to go in on emergency or could wait til the morning, or I ask for a critique of how I handled it so I might do better the next time around.
I have two vet books, one on first aid (that came with my Red Cross Pet First Aid class), and one on veterinary conditions in general. "The Dog Owner's Veterinary Manual" by Carlson et al. I use the Carlson book not to diagnose, but to get greater understanding of what a diagnosis means. Once I have a good background from a reliable source, I go on the Internet in search of additional information. By starting with some basic knowledge I'm armed to figure out which sites know what they are talking about and which do not.
An interesting note on our Pet First Aid class: because Cole was there anyway (as my service dog), the instructor asked, and I gave permission, for them to use him to practice checking the pulse. I had him do a paws-up on the edge of the table and lifted his hind end up, then told him to "relax" (lie flat on his side), so they could feel for his heart beat and femoral pulse. They couldn't believe he laid absolutely still for it all. Yes, he was specifically trained to do that in his first pet obedience class, as an exercise to make it easier to get him treatment at the vet's in an emergency. I think it's a good exercise for all dogs, pet or service dog.
