Dog First Aid

It’s every pet parent’s worst nightmare to find their dog not breathing or seriously injured. Though we hope we never have to use it, possessing basic dog first aid knowledge can be the key to saving your fur buddy’s life in the event of an emergency. There are many excellent resources out there for hands-on training. You can ask your veterinarian or local pet shop if they offer classes or can direct you to local training sessions. In the meantime, we’ve gathered some of our favorite training videos and preparedness resources.

*Always consult your veterinarian for advice before treating or moving your pet. The following information is intended for general knowledge and is not necessarily recommended by veterinarian professionals in all cases.

First Aid Kit

You probably have several important items in your medicine cabinet already, but there are a few things your pet might need that you may not have thought of keeping on hand. Check out the ASPCA’s list for creating your own dog first aid kit.

Cuts

Bandaging Paws

Treating Cuts and Bruises

Poison

Even the most well-behaved dogs get into things they shouldn’t sometimes. But what do you do if you suspect or know they’ve ingested something harmful? This website walks you through the signs of poisoning and the steps necessary for dealing with different types of exposure properly.

Respiratory Distress

There are many hands-on and online classes for dog CPR. One of our favorite resources is First Aid for Life by Emma Hammett. The First Aid for Life website offers a variety of courses and training resources. You can also find many of their videos on YouTube.

CPR Basics

Treating Shock

How to Help a Choking Dog

Collisions

In the event of your dog being hit by a vehicle, you should consider keeping a muzzle and blanket or towel in your car. The following article and video shows you exactly how to handle your dog in this situation to prevent further injuries to them, you, and those around you.