First aid
Dog care
First aid for pets – by the American Association of Animal Hospitals
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is intended to supplement, not replace, the expertise and professional judgement of your pet’s vet. You may need to consult with your vet about the applicability of any opinion or recommendation regarding your pet’s care, concerns, symptoms, or medical condition.
When your pet has an emergency, being prepared is essential. Before it happens, make sure you know how your vet handles emergencies or where to go in case of one.
For example, some vets always have someone on call, while others use special emergency hospitals for cases outside of opening hours. You can also be prepared for emergencies by putting together a first aid kit for pets.
We cannot stress enough that you SHOULD NOT go online during an emergency with your pet or when they are seriously ill. In an emergency, first aid is not a substitute for veterinary treatment. However, before taking your pet to the vet, knowing some basic first aid can be helpful. Always seek veterinary care after attempting first aid.
Bite wounds
Treatment/Action
Approach the pet carefully to avoid being bitten. Muzzle the animal. Check the wound for contamination or debris. If there is significant debris, clean the wound with plenty of saline solution or balanced electrolyte solution. If these are not available, use tap water.
Bandage large open wounds to keep them clean. Apply pressure to wounds that are bleeding profusely.
Do not use tourniquets. Wear gloves whenever possible. Bite wounds often become infected and require professional attention. Call your vet.
Bleeding
Treatment/Action
Apply firm, direct pressure to the bleeding area until it stops. Maintain pressure for at least 10 minutes continuously.
Avoid bandages that obstruct circulation. Call your vet immediately.
Breathing stops
Treatment/Action
Check for obstruction (see Choking).
If the animal is not breathing, place it on a firm surface with its left side up.
If there is a heartbeat but no breathing, close the mouth and breathe into the nose until the chest expands. Repeat 12–15 times per minute.
If there is no pulse, perform chest compressions simultaneously.
Perform chest compressions:
– 80–120/min in larger animals
– 100–150/min in smaller animals
Alternate compressions with rescue breathing.
Note: Even in trained veterinary hands, resuscitation has a very low success rate. Contact your vet immediately.
Burns (chemical, electrical, or heat)
Symptoms
Burnt hair, blisters, swelling, redness of the skin
Treatment/Action
Rinse the burn immediately with cold running water. Apply a cold compress 15–20 minutes (wrapped, never directly).
If dry chemicals are on the skin, brush them off first.
Call your vet immediately.
Choking
Symptoms
Difficulty breathing, pawing at mouth, blue lips/tongue
Treatment/Action
Protect yourself—the pet may panic.
If it can still breathe, keep it calm and go to a vet urgently.
If safe, remove visible obstructions with pliers or tweezers without pushing them deeper.
If lodged or if the pet collapses, apply firm rapid pressure on both sides of the ribcage or strike the ribcage on the side 3–4 times.
Call your vet immediately.
Diarrhoea
Treatment/Action
Withhold food 12–24 hours, but not water.
Home remedies can worsen the problem.
Call your vet.
Fractures
Symptoms
Pain, inability to use limb, limb at an odd angle
Treatment/Action
Muzzle the pet. Control bleeding if possible. Watch for shock.
DO NOT attempt to set the fracture.
Transport the pet with the limb supported.
Go to the vet immediately.
Heatstroke
Symptoms
Rapid breathing, vomiting, high temperature, collapse
Treatment/Action
Cool with cold water, hose, or cold damp towels.
Do not overcool; stop at 40°C.
Call a vet immediately.
Poisoning
Symptoms
Vomiting, convulsions, diarrhoea, salivation, weakness, depression, pain
Treatment/Action
Record what and how much was ingested.
Do not induce vomiting.
Contact your vet or poison control immediately.
Seizures
Symptoms
Salivation, loss of bladder/bowel control, muscle spasms, loss of consciousness
Treatment/Action
Move the pet away from danger.
Do not restrain.
Time the seizure (usually 2–3 min).
Afterwards keep the pet calm.
Call your vet immediately.
Shock
Symptoms
Irregular breathing, dilated pupils
Treatment/Action
Keep the pet warm, calm, gently restrained, with lower body elevated.
Call your vet immediately.
Vomiting
Treatment/Action
Withhold food for 12 to 24 hours. Give ice cubes for two hours after vomiting stops, then gradually increase the amount of water and food over 24 hours. Call your vet.
If you need to muzzle your pet
Use a soft cloth strip, string, tie, or nylon stocking.
Wrap it around the nose, under the chin, and tie it behind the ears. Be careful when handling weak or injured pets. Even normally docile pets will bite when in pain. Allow the pet to pant after handling by loosening or removing the muzzle. Do not use a muzzle if the pet is vomiting. Cats and small pets may be difficult to muzzle. A towel around the head will help control small pets.
If your pet cannot walk
A door, a board, a blanket or a rug can be used as a stretcher to transport injured or weak animals.