Emergencies and first aid in dogs

Sometimes, when your dog becomes ill or suffers from an injury, it can lead to an emergency. In an emergency situation, it’s important to get your dog to your vet as safely and quickly as possible, as it could save their life.

Dealing with emergencies

When dealing with an emergency, it’s important to always ensure the safety of yourself and others, by keeping calm and assessing the situation before acting. If you become injured yourself, you will not be able to help your dog.

When dealing with an emergency with your dog, you should:

• approach your dog quietly and slowly, avoiding any sudden movements – an injured dog is likely to be frightened and in pain. Even if they're usually friendly, they may try to protect themselves by biting or scratching.
• contact your vet as soon as possible – they will be able to provide advice on what to do and how to get help
• call your vet before turning up – there may be no vet on-site during the weekends or in the evenings, and you may be referred to an emergency veterinary practice

If you find an injured dog that is not yours, you should still call for help but let the vet know that you are not the owner.

 Is it an emergency?

Sometimes it's difficult to know if emergency attention is needed. If in doubt, it's better to call your vet for advice, as they will be able to let you know how quickly your dog needs an appointment.

Signs which may suggest an emergency include:

• weakness, struggling to get up, or having difficulty with balance
• repeated vomiting (particularly if they are young or elderly)
• large or deep wounds
• burns and scalds
• heavy bleeding
• being unable to use one or more legs
• a broken leg
• a suddenly swollen or bloated belly
• a painful or closed eye
• severe pain or discomfort
• being unable to pass urine
• difficulty giving birth
• having eaten something poisonous
• difficulty breathing or breathing with an open mouth
• collapse
• having suffered trauma (such as a road accident)

If it is not an emergency, there are things you can do to care for your sick dog while you wait for a vet appointment.

What to do during common emergencies

There are many illnesses and injuries that can lead to an emergency for your dog.

Basic resuscitation

Resuscitation (CPR) is performed if a dog is not breathing, and their heart has stopped. Sadly, CPR in pets is rarely successful, even when performed in a hospital, so it is not recommended to attempt it at home.

If your dog has collapsed, do not delay taking your dog to the vets. Getting your dog to the vet immediately gives them the best chance of recovery, as your vet will know the best way to help them.

Road accidents

If you find a dog involved in a road accident, contact a vet, even if they appear to be unhurt – there may be internal injuries that are not immediately obvious. If your dog shows signs of pain, breathing difficulty or is unable to walk normally, they may need urgent veterinary care.

If your dog has been hit by a car, they may:

• be breathing heavy, fast or struggling to breathe
• be limping
• be weak
• have wounds
• have collapsed

It’s important to prevent road accidents. Read our advice on protecting your dog near the road.

Bleeding

Most wounds will bleed a small amount, but if there is continuous heavy bleeding from a wound, you should contact your vet as soon as possible.

Your vet may ask you to apply a bandage or pressure to the wound. This is a temporary measure to reduce bleeding while you take your dog to the practice.

Broken leg

Limping or being unable to put any weight on a leg may suggest your dog has a broken bone. Their leg may also be noticeably swollen.

If you suspect your dog has broken their leg:

• handle them gently and take them to your vet as soon as possible
• try to support your dog so they do not have to put weight on the leg
• avoid touching their leg, as this will be extremely painful
• do not try to apply a bandage or splint without your vet’s advice

Burns and scalds

Burns can happen when your dog touches a hot surface, such as a hob, while scalds can be caused by contact with hot water. If the sun has been out, burns can also occur if your dog walks on hot pavements or touches metal surfaces (such as railings).

A burn or scald may look small at first, but they will continue to worsen and blister after the injury. They are extremely painful, so you need to contact your vet as soon as possible if your dog has a burn or scald.

First aid for burns and scalds

If your dog will allow you to, put the burnt area under cool (not cold) running water for at least five minutes. If your dog struggles, has a severe burn or seems to be in extreme pain, do not delay taking them to the vet by trying to cool the area. If you're running the water over their whole body, take care to not let your dog get too cold.

If you think the area may get dirty while waiting for treatment, you can apply a gauze pad soaked in saline, or loosely wrapped cling film over the burn. Do not apply ointments or creams unless advised by your vet.

Poisoning

If you suspect your dog has been poisoned, call your vet for advice. If you suspect a medication or household product is the cause, keep the packaging to show to your vet. If you think the poison could be a plant, try to identify it or take a photograph – this information can be really helpful to your vet.

Never try to make your dog vomit at home without veterinary advice.

Coat contamination

If a toxic substance, such as paint, antifreeze or tar, has got onto your dog’s coat or paws, they may swallow it when grooming themselves. This can be highly poisonous.

If you think your dog has a toxic substance on their coat:

• contact your vet as soon as possible – even if you think you have managed to remove all of the substance. Your dog may still need treatment, especially if they have swallowed any of it.
• try to wash off the substance at home but only use water and a shampoo suitable for dogs. You can also use an Elizabethan collar to stop them licking the substance.

Fits (seizures)

Seeing your dog having a fit can be frightening, but it's important to stay calm. Most fits are only a few minutes long, but immediate veterinary advice and care is needed if a fit continues for more than five minutes, or if your dog has a cluster of fits close together (within 24 hours).

If your dog is having a fit, you should:

• turn off the lights, TV and radio
• try to ensure your pet does not injure themselves by padding the area with cushions and towels, but do not be tempted to pick them up or restrain them – this may prolong the fit and you may be badly bitten by them. Similarly, avoid putting anything in their mouth, or trying to move their tongue to avoid it being swallowed.
• remember that after the seizure, your dog may be disorientated, wobbly and not their usual self for a while
• if possible, record how long the fit lasts and try to film part of it to show to your vet 

Fights

Dog fights can be very frightening and can lead to injuries. If your dog is bitten by another dog, it’s important to get them checked by your vet, as bites often become infected and sometimes develop into abscesses.

After the fight, you might see wounds, punctures and swellings. In extreme cases, dog fights can lead to internal injuries or broken bones. Sometimes you will not see any obvious wounds but may see other symptoms such as limping, lack of appetite or lethargy. If left untreated, wounds can give off a bad smell or ooze.

If you spot any signs of injury or your dog seems unwell after a fight, always contact your vet.

Eye injuries

If you notice your dog has eye discharge, eye redness or is holding an eye closed, it's important to contact your vet. Eye problems can worsen very quickly if left untreated.

If you think your dog has an eye injury, do not allow your them to rub their affected eye with their paws – if necessary, use an Elizabethan collar.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition in dogs, which is caused when their body temperature gets dangerously high. Some dogs, such as brachycephalic (flat face) breeds or overweight dogs, are at higher risk of heat stroke than others.

Heatstroke can happen during exercising, on hot days or when a dog is trapped in a hot area, such as a car or conservatory. Signs of heatstroke include:

• panting
• dribbling  
• weakness

Severe heatstroke may lead to collapse and death.

First aid for heatstroke

Heatstroke can be fatal very quickly. If your dog is showing these signs, especially on a hot day or after exercising, you should:

• move your dog to a cool, shady spot
• pour cool water over their fur
• provide a fan

Contact your vet immediately and continue cooling them as you travel.

Read more about heatstroke in dogs.

Stings

If your dog has been stung, you may notice them nibbling or pawing at the affected area or see swelling of the face or paws. If you can see a sting, you can brush or scrape it sideways to remove it.

If your dog has been stung in the mouth, the swelling may interfere with breathing. There are also some dogs that may experience an allergic reaction to a sting. If this is the case, they may start vomiting, have difficulty breathing or have pale gums.  

If you suspect your dog is having an allergic reaction or has difficulty breathing, contact your vet immediately.

More advice on dogs and bee stings.

Swollen tummy

A sudden swollen stomach can be very serious, especially if your dog is a deep chested breed such as a boxer or mastiff.

There can be several causes of a swollen tummy, but it could mean that there is a life-threatening twist in the stomach. You may also see gulping, dribbling of saliva and attempts to vomit.

If your dog has a swollen stomach, contact your vet immediately – do not delay. Getting help quickly can increase your dog’s chances of survival.

Choking

Dogs can choke on large items, such as balls or toys, if they get lodged at the back of their throat. If your dog is choking, contact your vet for help. They may recommend you try to remove the object from the throat or neck. However, this can be dangerous with objects such as sticks.  

If your dog has been choking and is now collapsed or unconscious, you can try to remove the object from their mouth:  

1. You will need to find someone to help you in case your dog wakes up suddenly
2. One person will need to hold your dog’s mouth open
3. The other should reach inside, or use a blunt object, to remove the blockage

You need to make sure you’re confident before trying this – if things go wrong, you risk pushing the object further into the airway. Be very careful not to get bitten. If your dog is reacting or you’re not sure what to do, stop and contact your vet for advice.

What to include in your dog’s first aid kit

Injuries or accidents can happen any time, whether you’re at home or out and about, so it’s sensible to have a first aid kit ready for your dog in case they need it.

Your dog’s first aid kit should include:

• some non-adhesive absorbent dressings (5cm x 5cm) and conforming/open-weave bandages (2.5cm width) to cover open wounds
• sterile water (e.g. wound or eye wash) and cotton pads to clean cuts
• a box of sterile absorbent gauze
• blunt ended scissors, preferably curved
• a thick towel
• an Elizabethan collar
• a pen and paper
• your vet’s details (written on paper as well as saved in your phone)