Knowing dog first aid is essential for every dog owner, trainer, or fosterer. While you should always consult your vet with any health concerns or after an accident, having a basic understanding of first aid can make a crucial difference in an emergency by providing comfort and support to your dog until they can get proper medical attention.
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We create educational and informative content to share our 90-plus years’ worth of canine expertise. This content is periodically reviewed as we continue to embrace new knowledge and scientific insights to improve how we breed, raise, train, and partner our dogs.
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A well-prepared dog first aid kit can make a huge difference in emergencies or when treating minor injuries. Some essential items to include are:
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Understanding what’s normal behaviour for your dog means you’ll recognise any changes in behaviour or body language that might indicate they’re unwell or in pain. Dogs have individual personalities. Being familiar with their usual habits and behaviour helps you spot changes that might signal something isn't right. If you notice any significant changes in your dog's usual behaviour, you should act promptly and contact your vet. Catching any health problems early can make a real difference to their wellbeing and recovery.
Dogs are generally good at cleaning themselves. A change in their grooming behaviour, a decline in their general cleanliness upkeep, or excessive licking, especially when it is targeted to a specific place on the body, may suggest illness or an injury.
Being aware of any changes in your dog's health is a crucial part of responsible dog ownership. Dogs, like us, can face a range of common health issues that might affect their wellbeing. By recognising the signs and symptoms of these illnesses or injuries, you can make sure your dog keeps fit and well and gets the correct care and attention should something be amiss.
You might not always be aware of your dog getting stung or bitten by an insect, but if you notice your dog is excessively scratching or has hives or a rash, it may be a sign that they have been bitten.
Try to locate the bite or sting on their body. If possible, remove the stinger by brushing it out, if this is unsuccessful, try carefully using tweezers. Clean the area gently with cooled boiled water, and monitor the area closely for signs of infection. Apply a cold pack wrapped in a towel to the affected area to reduce swelling and soothe discomfort. Monitor your dog for any signs of allergic reactions, such as excessive swelling or difficulty breathing, and if you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately.
If your dog has a deep cut or is bleeding heavily, apply pressure to the wound using clean materials like towels or gauze pads and immediately take them to the vet. Avoid removing the pressure; even if blood seeps through, don't remove the material; just add more layers of cloth to maintain pressure.
You can treat your dog at home for minor cuts as long as the layer below the skin isn't exposed. If you're unsure, always seek advice from vet. Avoid bandaging wounds unless otherwise instructed by a vet, as improper bandaging can lead to complications if wrapped too tightly.
It's a good idea to regularly check between your dog’s paw pads for any stuck objects that might irritate or cause infection or pain. This is especially important in the summer months when grass seeds can become stuck in between the toes and migrate through the body. Occasionally, your dog may cut their pad by walking on a sharp object. If this happens, keep the cut clean and dry and see the vet as soon as possible if a flap is evident or the pad is bleeding.
Your dog may catch or tear their claws when running or playing, causing the nails to break or split. This can make the area tender as the tissue underneath is very sensitive. Your vet can advise if the nail needs cutting back, removing altogether, or bandaging while it heals.
During colder months, your dog’s paws can get irritated or grazed. Keep the fur around their pads well-trimmed, and after each winter walk, clean your dog's paws. Also, keep an eye out for cracked and dry paws, which can cause discomfort and pain.
In a medical emergency, promptly taking the following steps can significantly improve your dog's chances of a full and speedy recovery:
Being trained to provide first aid is a valuable skill but should not replace professional veterinary care. Your vet is the best person to assess your dog's health and provide appropriate treatment. You should always have your vet's phone number and local 24-hour emergency clinic contact information for emergencies.
For guide dog owners, your Dog Welfare Specialist, via Guide Line, can provide advice and guidance on the best course of action in non-urgent cases.
If your dog gets burnt, immediately apply cool water to the affected area, and call the vet for advice while you are cooling the burn. Keep running or flushing cool water over the burn for as long as possible (five minutes as a minimum but preferably longer) before taking to a vet.
Dogs are also susceptible to sunburn, particularly on areas of their skin with less fur. This can include the nose, ears, and areas on their tummy. It’s best to limit the time your dog spends in the sun and make sure they always have access to shady areas and water if they’re outside.
Limping or refusing to put weight on a limb are common signs of an injury like a sprain, strain, or break. If you suspect your dog has a sprain, strain, or break, try to keep your dog from moving until you have spoken to your vet, who can advise you what to do next.
If you must move your dog, support the affected area gently, avoiding force or bending and be aware that they may react to the pain negatively. If your dog is struggling to stand, then a towel used as a sling under their body can be useful for moving them safely.
Due to their size, tennis balls are one of the biggest choking hazards to dogs as they can get stuck in their mouths and block the airway. Sticks or bones are another common danger as they can break and get lodged across the roof of the mouth.
If your dog is choking, acting quickly but calmly is essential. Call anyone close by for assistance, and if you can see the object blocking their airway, carefully try to remove it from the side to avoid pushing it further down, being cautious to avoid getting bitten.
The best option is to get your dog to the vet as quickly as possible and alert them in advance so they can be prepared. Time is of the essence when it comes to choking, so swift action in getting professional help is essential.
If your dog experiences a seizure, create a calm environment by reducing lights, sounds, and anything that may stimulate them. Do not attempt to touch or reassure your dog with words during the seizure. If possible, time how long the seizure lasts - most seizures will last less than two minutes. Contact your vet immediately, who will provide you with further instructions over the phone.
Don't put your hands in your dog's mouth during a seizure to try and move the tongue. Your dog won't choke on their tongue, but you could get badly bitten.
After a seizure, your dog will be confused and disorientated. Don't pet your dog at this time, as even the calmest dogs may be confused or scared, which could cause them to bite. Give them space and leave them to come around from the seizure in their own time, monitoring from a safe distance. Please be aware that it's not unusual for dogs to empty their bladder and bowel during a seizure.
Dog bites resulting from a dog fight or attack are very distressing for you and your dog. As hard as it is, try to stay composed and never attempt to physically separate two dogs fighting. Once the incident is over, check for wounds. These can be challenging to spot beneath their coat, but there may also be bruising, making any puncture marks easier to see.
Carefully clean any wounds with cotton wool wetted with sterile salt-water and contact your vet to find out if a visit is required.