Essential First Aid Tips for Dog Owners: Be Prepared When It Matters Most
, by Michelle Ingram
Our cats and dogs are naturally curious and playful. Whether they’re running in the garden, chewing on something they shouldn’t, or exploring their surroundings, accidents can happen. While we can’t keep our pets safe every second, having basic first aid knowledge is the next best thing.
We have linked to various websites where we have sourced information from. We recommend you read the information on these pages for full and accurate information. In any instance, we always recommend seeking the advice of a professional. This blog is only intended as general advice.
This guide will help you handle common emergencies calmly and confidently. When your pet needs you, being prepared can make all the difference.
1. Build a Pet-Specific First Aid Kit
A well-stocked pet first aid kit is essential. You can buy a pre-made kit or assemble your own with these must-have items:
- Gauze and non-stick bandages
- Alcohol-free antiseptic wipes
- Tweezers
- Tick Twister
- Blunt-tip scissors
- Digital flexible thermometer (normal dog temperature: 38-39°C, normal cat temperature: 38.1°C - 39.2°C)
- Hydrogen peroxide (for inducing vomiting, only if directed by a vet)
- Saline solution (for rinsing wounds or eyes)
- Muzzle (even the gentlest of cats and dogs may bite when in pain)
- Emergency contact info for your vet and 24/7 animal hospitals
Pro tip: Keep your kit in a waterproof container in an easily accessible location. Consider having one for home and one for the car.
2. Stop Bleeding Quickly
If your cat or dog has a cut or wound:
- Apply pressure - Use a clean cloth or gauze and press firmly for at least five minutes
- Stay calm - Cats and dogs sense your energy, so keep calm to reassure them
- Wrap it up - If bleeding continues, wrap the wound and head to the vet
For severe bleeding, a tourniquet can be used above the injury on the legs as a last resort until professional help arrives.
3. Handle Choking Emergencies
Cats and dogs often swallow things they shouldn’t. If your pet is choking:
- Check the mouth - Look for visible objects and remove them gently
- For Dogs - This advice is taken from the Purina Website
-
For small dogs, pick them up and hold their back to your front, before using your fist to gently but firmly thrust up and into the soft spot just beneath their ribs.
For large dogs, lie them down and attempt the manoeuvre using the heel of your hand. -
The cat Heimlich - This advice is taken from the Vets Now Website
- Lay your cat on their side.
- Hold your cat’s back against your stomach (head up, paws down), and, with one hand, find the soft hollow under the ribs (your closed fist should fit into this spot).
- Using the hand on your cat’s stomach, pull up and in two or three times, toward your own tummy, using a sharp thrusting motion.
- Check the mouth for foreign objects.
- If this doesn’t work and your cat loses their pulse, begin CPR (see below)
- Call the vet - Even if the blockage is cleared, follow up with your vet
4. Know When to Induce Vomiting (and When Not To)
If your dog ingests something toxic, such as chocolate or household cleaners, your vet may advise inducing vomiting.
- How: Only give what your vet instructs
- Never induce vomiting if your dog has ingested sharp objects, chemicals that burn, or corrosive substances
Always consult a vet before attempting this step.
5. Treat Burns Carefully
Burns can occur from hot surfaces, chemicals or even the sun.
- Cool the burn - Run cool (not icy) water over the area for 5-10 minutes
- Cover it up - Apply a clean, non-stick bandage
- Vet check - All burns should be assessed by a professional
6. Recognise Heatstroke Signs
Dogs don’t sweat like humans, so they are prone to heatstroke. Warning signs include excessive panting, drooling, weakness or vomiting.
What to do:
- Move your dog to a cool, shaded area
- Offer small amounts of water
- Wet their paws, belly and neck with cool (not ice-cold) water
- Get them to a vet immediately
7. Handle Broken Bones Carefully
If you suspect a fracture:
- Minimise movement - Keep your dog as still as possible
- Splint if you can - Gently immobilise the limb using a sturdy stick and gauze
- Vet immediately - Fractures always need professional treatment. Contact your vet immediately.
8. Know How to Perform CPR on a Dog
If your dog isn’t breathing but has a heartbeat:
- Lay them on their right side
- Clear the airway and gently pull the tongue forward
- Close their mouth and breathe into their nose until the chest rises (1 breath every 3-5 seconds)
If there’s no heartbeat:
- Lay your dog on their side
- Place your hands over the widest part of the chest
- Compress firmly (30 compressions followed by 2 breaths)
- Repeat until breathing or heartbeat resumes or you reach a vet
How to Perform CPR on a Cat - taken from the PDSA website
- Lie the cat down (on either side), on a firm, flat surface and place your hand around their heart.
· Wrap your strongest hand around their chest with your thumb on top and your fingers underneath.
· Keep your other hand behind their back to stop them sliding backwards when you’re giving CPR.
- Give 30 chest compressions.
· Squeeze your thumb and fingers together at the rate of two per second (the beat of the song ‘Staying Alive’ is about right)
· Aim to compress the chest by one-third to a half, and allow it to return to full size after each compression.
- Give two breaths.
· Squeeze your thumb and fingers together at the rate of two per second (the beat of the song ‘Staying Alive’ is about right)
· Aim to compress the chest by one-third to a half, and allow it to return to full size after each compression.
- Repeat 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths for 2 minutes, then check for a heartbeat.
· No heartbeat = continue CPR while continuing to make plans to transport them to a vet. If you have someone with you, swap when your arm starts to get tired. CPR can be very tiring.
· Heartbeat and breathing = take them to the vets immediately as an emergency.
9. Keep Calm and Call the Vet
In any emergency, staying calm is your most important tool. Contact your vet or a 24/7 animal hospital immediately. They can guide you through the next steps and provide life-saving care.
Being Prepared = Peace of Mind
No one wants accidents to happen, but knowing how to act in an emergency can save lives. Build your first-aid kit, learn the basics, and trust your instincts.
