Dog First Aid Guide: What Owners Need to Know

Contact the vet as soon as you notice something is wrong with your dog. In some cases, urgent care is needed while waiting for professional help. Owners can step in during those moments, knowing what to do and how to administer dog first aid can save your pet’s life.

Our guide is designed to help you understand how to do dog first aid in different scenarios and when to do it. Take a read below. 

We recommend speaking to your vet for advice before performing any of the first aid to. With any first aid, there is a risk of injury or harm to your pet if it is performed incorrectly, so you should always seek veterinary guidance.

Choking dog first aid

It's important to know the signs of choking in dogs, as there's a risk at any time. Here's our guide to dog first aid for choking.

Signs of choking in dogs include:

• 1. Finding it hard to breathe
• 2. Emitting a choking sound when breathing
• 3. Pawing at their mouth frequently
• 4. Blue lips and/or tongue

It's crucial not to confuse coughing with choking, as performing first aid for choking when your dog is only coughing could be harmful. Choking is typically sudden and distressing, and if your dog's lips or tongue are turning blue, it usually indicates choking. If you're unsure and your dog is still conscious, focus on getting to your vet as quickly as possible.

How to perform first aid when your dog is choking

To address a choking incident in your dog, follow these steps:

1. Look in your dog’s mouth to identify the blockage.

2. Remove the blockage only if it's safe to do so without risking being bitten or pushing the object further down the throat.

• Typically, if your dog is choking, the object may be too deep to easily remove through the mouth, and reaching in might result in being bitten due to panic.
• For large objects like a ball, attempt to dislodge it externally.

3. If safe, lie your dog on their back (you may need assistance).

• Place your thumbs on either side of the base of the throat, just behind the jaw.
• Apply firm pressure from behind the object, pushing it down (towards your dog’s back) and forwards (towards their nose).

4. If you can’t remove the object:

• Contact your vet and head to their clinic.
• Lie your dog on their side.
• With an open palm, strike their rib cage firmly 3-4 times.
• Repeat the process until the object is dislodged or until you reach the vet.

5. If reaching a vet quickly is impossible, and your dog is unconscious or in severe distress with blue gums and tongue, consider a modified Heimlich manoeuvre. However, consult your vet before attempting this, as it can be harmful if performed incorrectly.

• For small dogs, pick them up, hold their back to your front, and use your fist to gently but firmly thrust up into the soft spot just beneath their ribs.
• For large dogs, lay them down and attempt the manoeuvre using the heel of your hand.

6. After clearing the obstruction yourself, seek urgent veterinary attention to assess your dog for any potential damage.

First aid for when your dog’s not breathing

If you notice your dog becoming very lethargic, struggling with their breathing or not breathing at all, you should call your vet immediately. They will talk you through any necessary first aid and prepare to see your pet as an emergency.

Dog first aid when you can’t find your pet’s heartbeat

If your dog is unconscious and doesn’t have a heartbeat, you must call your vet immediately. Performing dog first aid in the meantime may help, but is unlikely to be successful without rapid veterinary attention. Your vet will advise you on how to perform first aid, but initiating CPR without veterinary advice could cause harm to your pet.

Your dog might have eaten something toxic to them which could cause poisoning. Many toxins for dogs are everyday items, like chocolate. Call your vet immediately if you suspect poisoning.

What are the signs of poisoning in dogs?

• Diarrhoea
• Out-of-character behaviour
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting in dogs
• Pale gums
• Seizures or collapsing
• Lethargy

How to perform first aid if your dog is poisoned

1. 1. Contact your vet straight away and be on your way to see them.
2. 2. See if you can see any leftovers of the substance in your dog’s mouth. If it’s safe to do so without being bitten, remove it.
3. 3. Take the substance or the packet to the vet with you so they can assess the best course of action. It’s also good to know how much your dog has ingested.

4. Dog first aid for a cut paw

5. Running around outside can easily cause a cut paw or torn claws. Dogs’ paws get in contact with bacteria as they touch the ground, so it’s important to treat the cut quickly to avoid it getting infected. Here is how to treat a dog’s cut paw.

6. How to treat a dog’s cut paw

   1. Assess the cut – is it deep or a minor cut? If it’s deep, take your dog to a vet immediately.
   2. If you can, rinse the cut with plain water or ideally dilute salt water to remove any obvious dirt.
   3. Apply firm pressure with a piece of bandage material, cotton wool or clean fabric. Keep this one for at least 5 minutes to stop the bleeding, or until you reach the vet if the bleeding continues.
   4. See your vet as soon as possible. It’s best to get a vet to fully assess the paw. Cuts to pads and torn nails can be painful and prone to infection, and there could be foreign material like a thorn trapped inside. They will be able to thoroughly assess your dog and recommend a treatment plan.

   5. Dog first aid for a fracture or broken bone

      If your dog is having difficulty moving or is even limping, it’s a possible that they have a fractured or broken bone. If the bone is broken, you might see the skin is broken. You’ll need to contact your vet immediately if you suspect a fractured bone.

      
      How to treat a broken dog bone or fracture

      1. If the skin is broken and there is a visible wound, prevent your dog licking the area and try to keep it as clean as possible while you get to the vets. If necessary, use a clean piece of cloth or bandage to very loosely cover the area.
      2. Do not add a splint as this could cause harm.
      3. Do not give painkillers unless advised to by your vet as many of these are unsafe for dogs.

      We hope this article was helpful. Though these situations are worrying for both you and your pooch, knowing how to perform dog first aid and seeing your vet promptly can save their lives.

      
      Next, see our other daily dog care guides on home remedies for dogs, but keep in mind that you should always call the vet first before trying any solutions at home.

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