April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month. Being prepared in case of an emergency will give you comfort knowing you are ready for anything that comes your way.
Depending on your needs you may want to make a simple dog first-aid kit, or a full dog survival/emergency preparedness kit.
We’ve collected the first aid tips from several veterinarians to help you with the most common dog injuries.
TIP: Keep your first-aid kit somewhere in your home that can easily grab and go. In an emergency you are likely to be rushed and maybe even panicked, the last thing you need is to be searching for your dog’s first-aid kit when he is injured.
This post does contains affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will receive a small commission, but it won’t cost you a penny more). Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
A DIY first-aid kit for when your dog gets injured at home or while traveling is great to have for those just-in-case scenarios. Hopefully, you will never need to use it, but with a dog first-aid kit, you will be ready and will help you stay calm during the moment of panic.
I have created an Amazon dog first-aid and survival kit shopping list to help you find everything in one easy place.
Honestly, most of these items should be in your human first-aid kit, so why not build one for you and your dog at the same time!
I found this book, The First-Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats that would be a great thing to have on hand. It is a comprehensive A-to-Z guide to more than 150 injuries and conditions.
Natural disasters can hit when we least expect them, so be ready by making a dog emergency preparedness/survival kit and ease your anxiety.
BE YOUR DOG'S SUPERHERO
Rescue Dogs 101's
Natural Remedies Reference Guide
Here are just a few natural remedy ideas you'll find inside:
If you live in an area known for hurricanes or tornadoes, then having an emergency kit for your dog is part of being a good parent. Once a year check your kit to make sure there are no expired items.
A good dog survival kit should include all the items in your first-aid kit, PLUS:
This post does contains affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will receive a small commission, but it won’t cost you a penny more). Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
If you prefer to buy a complete dog first-aid kit, then this is the best one I found on the market. It seems to be the most thorough with just about everything you need in case of an emergency.
I found that purchasing everything separately can get expensive because you have to buy full boxes of things. Buying a pre-made first-aid kit could save you money. Then if necessary, you can buy the few dog items that aren’t included. You can also consider buying a human first-aid kit and adding your dogs’ items to that.
TOP PICK – BEST BUY
ARCA PET Cat & Dog First–Aid Kit
This dog first-aid kit is small enough to carry when traveling, hiking, or camping and includes 100 pieces, and is manufactured in FDA-approved facilities.
I wish the kit had a tube of antibiotic ointment instead of one small packet. And I wouldn’t use the collar, as its not reliable. Instead I opted to put in a cheap slip lead.
This kit includes: 10 alcohol pads, 10 sting relief pads, 1 antibiotic ointment, 5 antiseptic cleansing wipes, 5 tongue depresses, 10 safety pins, 3 dressings, 2 non-woven tapes, 1 sterile gauze swab, 1 pre-cut and shaped moleskin (14 pieces), 1 triangle bandage, 1 pair of scissors, 1 pet feeder, 20 adhesive bandages, 1 instant cold pack, 1 tweezer, 1 pair examination gloves, 6 PBT bandages, 1 self-adhesive bandage, 2 silicon tourniquets, 1 emergency collar, 1 tick remover, 1 digital thermometer, 1 emergency blanket, and 1 mini pouch.
There are hundreds of first-aid kit options. Depending on what your needs are you may find a different kit better for your situation.
I reached out to several veterinarians to get their advice on how to handle the most common injuries and scenarios you may find your dog in.
IMPORTANT: If your dog is severely injured you should contact your vet right away. You can also use an online service such as Ask-a-Vet.
Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, MRCVS suggests, “always call the emergency vet at the earliest opportunity – they’ll be able to give you personalized advice over the phone. If possible, get someone else to call and drive you to the vets whilst you continue first aid. Remember that dogs in pain can lash out unexpectedly, and even the most placid dog can be a risk”
According to PetMD, “The primary rule with burns of any kind is never put ointment, creams, butter, or margarine on them — it does not help.”
For minor burns from fire, hot objects, liquids, or electrical burns, PetMD recommends running cold water over the burn as quickly as possible. Apply a cold compress and then contact your vet.
For chemical burns, flush the area with cold water for 20 minutes, a mild shampoo or baking soda can be used.
Always contact your vet for help after a burn. Remember, a phone call is free and they can give you personalized instructions on how to best treat your dog.
It is easy for your dog to injure a paw pad, be cut by a stick or other sharp object while playing or hiking.
Here are 5 tips from Dr. Jamie Richardson, BVetMed
My biggest fear… my dogs being attacked by another dog or a wild animal in our backyard woods. If your dog has been bitten, clean the area with an antiseptic wound wash and call your vet. These can become infected and become much worse if left untreated.
Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, MRCVS shared her thoughts on how to handle a dog that has bite wounds:
If your dog has been bitten, whether, by another dog or another animal, the first thing to do is get them away safely. Do not get between two animals fighting – it’s far safer to throw water over them or force a board between them.
Once your pet is safe, you should exchange details with the other owner, if there is one, just like you would for a car accident.
Next, check your dog over. Be aware they’re likely to be uncomfortable and may lash out. If their wounds are on their neck or face, chest, or are bleeding badly, you’ll need to take them straight to the nearest emergency vet.
If they are bleeding, you should treat them by applying pressure, but your goal is to get them to the vet as soon as possible.
Wounds on the trunk or legs that don’t break the skin are less concerning but should still be checked as soon as possible. With all that fur it can be easy to miss a deeper wound, so you should trust your vet to decide if they’re safe to go home or not.
Where the animal isn’t another dog, the risk of severe injuries is thankfully lower, although you should be cautious about the risk of rabies from wildlife and venomous snakes or spiders.
Damage to the eyes is common with cat-on-dog fights, so you should get your dog checked if they are showing any signs of pain such as squinting or discharge, even if you can’t see anything wrong.
Veterinarian, Dr. Corinne Wigfall, says torn nails are a common occurrence. They can be fully or partially torn.
A completely torn nail will bleed and can be very painful. To stop the bleeding, you can apply a small amount of styptic powder, cornstarch or place a light bandage before heading to the veterinarian for a full check-up and most importantly some pain relief.
A partially torn nail can be hard to identify and you may notice your pet limping before you see the split nail. Split nails are common in dogs who have overgrown nails so keeping your pet’s nails short is a key part of prevention.
If the nail has split below the quick or sensitive part of the nail, you can trim away the split nail with a pair of nail trimmers. Be careful when trimming nails as it’s very easy to accidentally cut into the sensitive part of the nail and make your pet bleed. This is also painful and reduces trust between you and your pet. Take very small amounts off at a time to avoid accidental damage. Asking a trained professional to teach you how to trim nails is time well spent.
If the split goes all the way to the base of the nail (where the fur begins) you need to seek veterinary help.
Recommended reading: Dog dewclaw removal – to remove or not remove?
Here are 3 tips from Dr. Jamie Richardson, BVetMed
Nails that are broken or cut too short can seem to bleed a lot, but don’t panic, as it’s usually not as bad as it seems.
Heatstroke can happen to the healthiest dogs. Make sure to avoid the hot sun on extreme weather days. Make sure your dog has plenty of water and shade.
If your dog is showing excessive panting, drooling, red gums, vomiting, diarrhea, uncoordinated movement, or even loss of consciousness, move him into a cool room, give him water and call your vet right away.
Here are several tips from Dr. Jamie Richardson, BVetMed
If your pet is mildly overheated (temperature between 102.5°F – 105°F, panting heavily, seems unwilling to exercise/play):
If you think your pet could be suffering from heatstroke (temperature above 105°F, hyperventilating, dry red gums, thick salivation, rapid pulse, confused and weak):
If your dog won’t put weight on one or more legs, inspect his paws for any injuries. Then move upward on the leg, touching to see if he has any sensitivities.
Dr. Jamie Richardson, BVetMed tells us limping/lameness can be caused by a number of reasons, and it’s always best to get it checked out by a vet as soon as possible.
If you know or suspect that the lameness is due to an injury or there’s a potential for broken bones, you should try to secure the limb to restrict movement and prevent your pet from bearing weight on it until they’ve been assessed by the vet:
If you know your dog has ingested something poisonous, call your vet right away. You can also contact the Pet Poison Helpline. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/
Here are 3 tips from Dr. Jamie Richardson, BVetMed
Many years ago I had a dog that was allergic to bee stings. The poor puppy’s face swelled up like a beach ball.
Dr. Jamie Richardson, BVetMed gave us these tips:
If you know or suspect your dog has been stung by a bee, the most important thing to do is to monitor them for any concerning signs, including signs of an allergic reaction and/or an airway blockage (frequent coughing, gagging, wheezing, or excessively drooling).
Symptoms typically occur within 30-60 minutes after the sting, however in rare situations they can occur hours afterward, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your pet all day.
If you notice any concerning signs, if they were stung on the mouth or muzzle, if they were stung multiple times, or if they’ve ever had a bad reaction to a string previously, you should take them to the vet ASAP.
If your pet received a single sting somewhere on the body other than their mouth or muzzle and is not displaying any concerning signs, it’s often safe to monitor and care for their symptoms at home:
It’s a fact, dogs like to chew and put things in their mouth. Make sure to take away any bones or toys that are small enough to swallow. If you have human children, make sure their toys are out of reach from your puppy.
Recommended reading: Puppy Proofing Checklist
Here are 4 tips from Dr. Jamie Richardson, BVetMed if your dog is choking:
Choking is thankfully fairly rare in pets, but it can happen on occasion.
Make sure you bookmark this page or pin it to your Pinterest board. I pray you never need to use a first-aid kit for your dog but being prepared is the best way to avoid fear and panic in the moment of the emergency.
Conditioning your dog to being touched, held, poked and prodded is good practice for every dog owner. If a dog is comfortable having his paws touched, ears looked in, legs lifted, etc. it will make life much easier if and when an emergency does happen. Plus, your vet will thank you!
I’d love for you to share below in the comments if you have any additional tips.
Don’t forget to check out my Amazon dog first-aid and survival kit shopping list.
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Debi McKee is a mom of three kids, three dogs and the creator of Rescue Dogs 101... where she guides you in your journey of adopting and raising a rescue dog every step of the way. She also volunteers for a local dog rescue and Humane Society.