First Aid for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

You don’t want anything bad to happen to your dog, but unfortunately, emergencies are a part of life. Therefore, it’s important to be prepared with a fully stocked first aid kit and detailed emergency plan. That will help you stay calm in the event of an emergency and provide the best dog first aid care. Find medical emergency tips and advice below for how best to handle unexpected first aid emergencies with your dog.

How To Prepare for a First Aid Emergency

According to Dr. Ann Marie Zollo, DVM, DACVECC, a specialist in emergency and critical care and senior veterinarian at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, preparation is key when it comes to pet emergencies. Along with a complete first aid kit, she recommends dog owners also have an up-to-date copy of their dog’s medical records and know the location and contact information for their nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic. This is especially important when you’re traveling with your dog, as she says dogs in unfamiliar environments or off their normal routine are more prone to injuries and illnesses.

You also need to ensure your dog has multiple forms of identification. That’s because your dog could panic and run off during an emergency. Proper identification increases the chance of being reunited. Unless your dog is in their crate, they should be wearing a collar with an ID tag that includes your contact information. Your dog should also be microchipped in case their collar or tag fall off. Just be sure to keep your personal details up to date with the organization you register the chip with.

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Dr. Zollo also suggests dog owners should learn basic first aid procedures such as:

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which is chest compressions with or without artificial respiration
• How to safely move an injured dog
• How to muzzle a dog
• Where to place a pressure bandage for bleeding
• How to treat choking with the Heimlich maneuver and rescue breathing.

The Red Cross offers an online basic dog and cat first aid course. You could also look for local in-person courses to teach you the necessary skills.

And finally, Dr. Zollo advises you can’t effectively assess your dog in a potential emergency if you don’t know what’s normal for them. Record your dog’s vital signs when they’re healthy and at rest. That includes their heart rate, respiratory rate and effort, and their temperature. Also take note of their typical gum color. Then, in the case of a potential emergency, you can refer to the values and see if anything is off.

What You Should Include in Your Dog First Aid Kit

A fully stocked first aid kit is invaluable in the case of a dog emergency. You might want to keep one in your home and one in your car. Check them regularly to make sure nothing has expired. And don’t forget a muzzle. Dr. Zollo says even docile, friendly dogs can snap when handled if they’re in severe pain. A muzzle will keep everyone safe and can be particularly useful when moving an injured dog. “That being said, owners should remember that any dog wearing a muzzle is not able to pant, and since panting is the main way dogs dissipate heat, muzzled dogs are predisposed to overheating. Therefore, the muzzle should only be left on while handling an injured dog and should be removed while the dog is resting.”

Some of the top essentials for a dog first aid kit include:

• Absorbent and non-absorbent gauze pads
• Adhesive tape and non-stick bandage wrap
• Blunt-ended scissors and nail clippers
• Tweezers
• Small electric clippers
• Disposable gloves
• Cotton balls or swabs
• Antibiotic first aid ointment
• Towels and/or blankets
• Flashlight
• Alcohol wipes and fresh 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Styptic powder
• Saline solution
• Instant cold pack
• Digital thermometer
• Oral syringe or turkey baster
• Muzzle and an Elizabethan collar or cone
• Extra leash for medium to large dogs and a carrier for small ones
• Emergency numbers for your vet, nearest emergency clinic, and poison control
• First aid reference guide with instructions

First Aid Tips for Dog Owners

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In Dr. Zollo’s experience, dogs often match their owner’s attitude and energy during an emergency. Therefore, she advises owners stay calm, speak in a soft and reassuring voice to their dog, and move slowly without abrupt movements. She also says it’s important to assess the scene before approaching your injured dog in case there are any threats to human safety such as downed power lines, fire, rushing water, chemical toxins, and so on. Once you have determined it’s okay to approach, move your dog to a safe area away from traffic, water, or other dangers.

When you’re moving an ill or injured dog, consider using a muzzle to prevent getting bitten. Then, gently shift the dog while minimizing any excessive movements. You can use a travel carrier to move a small dog (remove the top rather than forcing the dog through the door) or a stretcher or board for a larger dog. And Dr. Zollo instructs you should let an injured or ill dog lie in a position that is most comfortable for them. “They should never be forced to lie in a position that appears to cause them to become increasingly distressed. If tolerated, an ill or injured dog should be covered with a blanket to prevent hypothermia. This is particularly important in situations where a dog is wet or has experienced significant blood loss.”

Once you’ve moved your dog to a safe location, you need to assess their condition. Check their breathing and airway and if they aren’t breathing, administer artificial respiration. It’s also important to check for a pulse. Feel for the femoral artery in the hind leg (on the inside at the top of the leg). If there isn’t a pulse, perform CPR. Note: CPR is only used when you can’t detect your dog’s heartbeat and the dog isn’t breathing. You also need to look for external bleeding or fractures, both of which require immediate attention.

Dr. Zollo also encourages dog owners to understand that while first aid can save your dog’s life, it’s not a substitute for veterinary evaluation and care. “Any time first aid is administered at home, it must be followed with a trip to the veterinarian to determine if ongoing care is needed. Also, many over-the-counter human medications are toxic to dogs, so they should never be administered to your pet unless under the direction of a veterinarian.”

How to Handle Common First Aid Situations

Here are a few of the most common first aid situations that you may be able to treat at home. Remember, if you’re unsure if your dog’s injury or illness is an emergency, always contact your veterinarian first.

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Exposure to Toxins

Items such as cleaning products, medication, poisonous food, antifreeze, toxic plants, and more can be classified as toxic to dogs. If you suspect your dog has eaten something hazardous, call poison control immediately. Dr. Zollo suggests having your dog’s current weight, any packaging for ingredients, and time since ingestion at the ready. Don’t make your dog vomit unless instructed by a veterinarian, as that can potentially cause further damage depending on what was ingested.

Minor Cuts, Scrapes, or Bruises

For cuts and scrapes, clean the wound and apply an antibiotic ointment with a cotton swab then cover with a bandage if the skin is broken. Change the dressing every day or if it becomes wet or damaged. Once the wound has scabbed over, you can remove the covering unless your dog is biting or scratching at the wound. If you see signs of infection like redness or swelling, consult your veterinarian. For bruises, apply an ice pack or cold compress to the injury for 10 minutes.

Insect Bites and Stings

If you believe your dog has been bitten or stung by an insect, first, use tweezers or the side of a credit card to pull or scrape out any stinger. Then, apply a paste of baking soda and water to ease the itch. Next, apply an ice pack to reduce the swelling. Talk to a vet about the use of an antihistamine like Benadryl and watch your dog carefully for signs of allergic reaction.

Seizures

In the event of a seizure, don’t try to restrain your dog, though you can gently hold and comfort them. Also, keep them away from areas that could lead to injury, like staircases or furniture. Don’t put your hands near your dog’s mouth. Time the seizure and once it’s stopped, immediately take your dog to the vet.

Heatstroke

Signs of heatstroke include panting and drooling, vomiting, loss of coordination, and skin that feels hot to the touch. Move your dog out of direct sunlight and into a cool environment. Do not immerse your dog in cold water. Instead, wet their body with cool or lukewarm (not cold) water or wrap a cold water-soaked towel over the head and neck and immediately take them to the vet.

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External Bleeding

The most important way to control bleeding is to place direct pressure on the bleeding wound. According to Dr. Zollo, the correct technique involves pressing a thick gauze pad over the wound and applying pressure until a clot forms. You’ll need to wait at least three minutes before checking for a clot. Once a clot forms, don’t disturb it. If blood soaks through the first pad, simply add another on top. You can bind the compress using bandage material. You can also elevate a bleeding wound if it’s on a limb or the tail. Then seek immediate veterinary care.

Fractures

After a traumatic injury, consider muzzling your dog while you assess the situation as your dog may be in pain. If you suspect a fracture, Dr. Zollo advises not splinting the limb, as incorrect placement can cause further damage. Instead, immobilize your dog using a carrier or flat board and transport them to the vet right away.

Choking

If your dog is conscious, Dr. Zollo recommends keeping them calm and taking them to a vet for immediate evaluation. However, if your dog is unconscious, look in their mouth to see if an object is visible. You can try to use your finger to sweep it out of the mouth, being careful not to push it further down. Then perform the Heimlich maneuver and begin rescue breathing if necessary.

Shock

Learn the signs of shock, such as rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, weak pulse, and pale gums. If you suspect your dog is in shock, keep them warm and quiet and don’t give them any water or food. Transport them to the veterinarian as soon as possible.