:quality(75))
:quality(75))
We spoke to first-aider Melanie Whitten from the Canine First Aid Company to find out what to do for your dog in a health emergency.
We've captured some of Melanie's tips on dog first aid to help you learn and recognise the signs and effects of heatstroke, shock and poisoning. We'll also explain how you can give your dog the best chance of making it until veterinary help is available.
If you have pet insurance with us, remember you have unlimited online access to UK-registered vets so that you can get fast, expert advice if your pet looks unwell or has an injury.
:quality(75))
What is the role of canine first-aid?
:quality(75))
Melanie explains that the purpose of animal first-aid is to:
Preserve life
Prevent the situation from worsening
Promote recovery
"There is a long list of things that a human can do to save a dog’s life – a canine first aid course is vital to be able to deal with such a situation.
"With a canine first aid course completed – you stand a much better chance of saving your dog's life," said Melanie.
How to approach a canine medical emergency
Seeing your beloved pet distressed can be frightening. Here's Melanie's advice on how to keep calm and assess the situation.
"If an owner finds themselves in a medical emergency situation and needs to administer dog first aid, we use the acronym START. You as a human need to think about a chain of survival: early recognition, early call (vets), early CPR or intervention and then get to the vets."
S – Stop and stay calm. Your dog will feel your emotions so try not to panic.
T – Think before you act. Don’t jump in without thinking about the dangers and the medical situation you may be dealing with. If you have a seemingly unconscious dog, you may need to conduct a primary survey (more on this below). If you have a dog that is in pain and injured, you may need to make a makeshift muzzle to keep yourself safe.
A – Assess the scene and situation. Are there humans around who can help? Is it a bleed, a seizure, drowning, a bite, poisons, anaphylaxis, choke, heatstroke and/or so much more?
R – Remove any dangers, eg other humans, dogs, cars, children etc.
T – Telephone for help. Maybe a family member to support you in moving the dog, maybe police if it is a road traffic accident and certainly your vet to be giving you further advice and also to be prepared for your arrival."
Primary survey – if the dog appears lifeless
Here's Melanie's guide on how to conduct a primary survey to work out what you need to do next.
Response – Check the dog for a response by shouting in its ear and tapping a foot or other area that you feel your dog may respond to. Remember, think of your own safety first.
Airway – Elongate the airway by gently pulling the head and neck up – check the airway to make sure nothing is obstructing it. Pull the tongue out of the way gently. It will be wet and difficult to hold, so use your sleeve or similar. The tongue can compromise breathing, which is a critical step in dog first aid.
Breathing – place your cheek near the mouth of the dog and see if you can feel its breath on your cheek. Place your hand on the muzzle area in case the dog comes around. It may be frightened and bite you. Look, listen and feel for a pulse and count for 10 seconds.
Circulation – place three fingers inside the hind leg within the groin area and see if you can find a pulse. A secondary check should include placing your hand on the heart area located behind the left leg front elbow, as you pull it back slightly.
Send – Seek help.
How to perform CPR on a dog
:quality(75))
CPR is an important part of first aid for dogs, but it deserves more depth - read more in our CPR guide to learn more.
How to recognise a heatstroke and what to do
Common signs of heatstroke in dogs include:
Lethargy
Lack of coordination
Panting
Drooling
Racing heart
What to do to help:
Remove your dog from the heat and take it somewhere cool and in the shade shade
Give it cool or tepid water
You can soak a towel in cool water and drape it over its body
Call a vet or consult a dog first aid guide for immediate care while waiting for professional help.
Signs your dog's in shock and what to do
:quality(75))
Shock is a dangerous condition for your dog. When this happens your dog's body isn't circulating enough blood to all tissues and this can lead to organ damage. It has a rapid onset and needs immediate medical attention. Knowing some basic pet first aid can be crucial during such emergencies.
Common signs of shock in dogs can be:
Hyperventilating
Low blood pressure
Weak pulse
Collapse
Pale skin or gums
Severe weakness
Confusion
Vomiting or trying to vomit
A dog can go into shock due to:
Blood loss
Hypothermia
An internal injury
Excessive dehydration due to vomiting or diarrhoea
Shock can also be caused by blood poisoning, blood thinners and increased stomach pressure, among other things.
Blood transfusions can help dogs who have lost a lot of blood. Learn more about canine blood donation and how you can get involved.
What to do to help:
Seek immediate veterinary help
Minimise their movement to preserve energy
Wrap them in a blanket to retain body heat
Wrap their paws using bandages or other available material
Reassure them
Signs your dog's been poisoned and how to help
:quality(75))
Many foods and household items can be harmful if ingested. Puppies are particularly at risk of poisoning due to mouthing and swallowing almost anything.
One common example is chocolate; however, grapes, raisins, ibuprofen, household cleaning chemicals, food and drinks that contain artificial sweeteners such as xylitol and mouldy foods can also poison your dog. Out and about, your dog might come across poisonous mushrooms or plants on walks. Knowing basic dog first aid can be helpful in these situations.
Common signs of poisoning can be:
Convulsions
Kidney failure
Abnormal heart rate
What you can do to help:
Get in touch with a veterinary professional or call the Pet Poison Helpline
Try to remember what was consumed by your dog and how much was consumed
If possible preserve the packaging to show to a vet
The Pet Poison Helpline recommends that you do not feed things like milk, peanut butter or vegetable oils even though these substances are often mentioned on the internet as home remedies for poisoning.
Dog first-aid courses
A pet first-aid course can give you extra confidence in knowing what to do if your dog needs help in an emergency.
"All dog owners, be it those who have had dogs for years or new owners – should attend a canine first aid course. Our dogs deserve the same duty of care as their human counterparts. A huge difference can be made in saving a dog’s life if the owner has the skills to recognise, describe to a vet and treat a medical emergency with their dog while awaiting vet intervention.
"It's not just a case of what to do – it is also a case of what not to do," said Melanie Whitten.
For smaller procedures, like cuts and scrapes, we have our how to treat cuts and scrapes guide.
Packing a pet first aid kit
Our pet first-aid kit guide can teach you how to make an affordable, ready-to-go first-aid kit for cats and dogs.
How dog insurance helps
Dog insurance can help you and your dog prepare for the unexpected.
With a vet fee limit of up to £15,000, 24/7 access to professional advice through FirstVet and a host of ManyPets Perks, we're sure it'll help you and your dog live a healthier, happier life.
:quality(75))
:quality(75))
:quality(75))
:quality(75))
:quality(75))
:quality(75))
:quality(75))