Dog first aid: emergency steps and first aid kit checklist

Summary

What should I do first in a dog emergency?

Make the scene safe

Check for traffic, electricity, fire, chemicals or other animals before approaching. Avoid putting yourself in danger.

Even a normally gentle dog may bite when frightened or injured. Approach calmly and avoid forcing an examination.

A muzzle may be appropriate in some situations, but seek veterinary guidance. Do not muzzle a dog that is struggling to breathe, vomiting, overheated or has a facial injury.

Call for veterinary help early

Tell the clinic what happened, whether your dog is responsive and breathing, and approximately when you can arrive.

Confirm which clinic is open and able to receive your dog. Use your phone’s speaker setting when you need your hands free.

Move an injured dog carefully

Limit unnecessary movement, especially after a vehicle accident or suspected spinal injury. Support the body and keep the head, neck and back aligned.

A small dog may be moved in a suitable carrier with the top removed. A larger dog may need help from another person and a firm support or makeshift stretcher.

Which signs need emergency veterinary attention?

Seek immediate help for:

• Difficulty breathing, choking or blue gums.
• Collapse, unresponsiveness or marked weakness.
• Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding.
• Serious trauma, including being hit by a vehicle.
• Suspected poisoning, snake bite or heatstroke.
• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to vomit, particularly with a swollen abdomen.
• Severe pain or a serious eye injury.

Some emergencies cause little visible damage. If you are unsure, call your vet rather than waiting for more obvious symptoms.

What should be in a dog first aid kit?

Ask your vet to help you choose supplies and show you how to use them.

Keep the kit clearly labelled and easy to reach. Check supplies regularly and replace anything used, damaged or expired.

Include your regular vet’s number, the nearest emergency hospital’s details, your dog’s medicines and relevant medical history.

Only include medicines or medicated products with instructions from your vet. Knowing how to use the contents is as important as having them available.

How do I help a dog with a bleeding wound?

Apply firm, steady pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth. Avoid repeatedly lifting it to check, which can disturb a forming clot.

For heavy bleeding, call your vet immediately while continuing pressure if safe. Do not delay transport to clean the wound.

Do not probe punctures, remove embedded objects or tightly wrap a limb without professional instructions.

For a minor superficial graze, your vet may recommend gentle rinsing with saline or clean water. Avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and other wound products unless advised.

Read our guide to wounds in dogs and cats for assessment, treatment and recovery advice.

What should I do after an animal bite?

Arrange prompt veterinary assessment for any bite that breaks the skin. The visible injury may underestimate deeper damage.

Keep your dog calm, control bleeding with direct pressure and avoid probing or clipping around a painful wound yourself.

See our guide to bite wounds in dogs and cats.

What if my dog may have a broken bone?

Keep your dog as still as possible and contact your vet.

Do not straighten the limb or push exposed bone back into place. Support your dog carefully during transport and avoid making them walk on the injured leg.

Do not attempt a splint unless your vet specifically directs you and explains how.

What should I do if my dog has been poisoned?

Contact your vet or the Australian Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 immediately.

Have the packaging or a photograph available, together with your dog’s weight, the possible amount involved and the time of exposure.

Do not induce vomiting or give food, drinks or home remedies unless instructed by a vet or the helpline.

Read more about poisoning in dogs and cats.

How do I help a dog with suspected heatstroke?

Stop activity and move your dog into shade or a cooler place.

Start cooling immediately with water from a cold tap, wetting the body while keeping water away from the nose and mouth. Use a fan or air conditioning to increase airflow.

Do not cover your dog with wet towels, which can trap heat. Offer water if they are alert and able to drink, but never force it.

Call your vet while cooling and arrange urgent transport in a cool vehicle. Continue cooling during the journey where practical and safe.

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What should I do if my dog is choking?

Signs can include distress, pawing at the mouth and difficulty moving air. Coughing and gagging can have other causes, so assess whether your dog can breathe.

Call an emergency vet immediately. Do not reach into a conscious dog’s mouth or perform blind finger sweeps.

For a conscious dog with a suspected airway blockage, current guidance recommends up to five firm back blows over the rear of the rib cage, beside the spine rather than directly on it, if safe.

If unsuccessful, follow the vet’s instructions for further manoeuvres. If your dog becomes unconscious and is not breathing normally, start CPR.

Veterinary assessment is needed even after the blockage clears.

When should I start CPR on a dog?

Start CPR if your dog is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Occasional gasps are not normal breathing. Do not delay compressions while trying to find a pulse.

Call for help and put the emergency vet on speaker.

When should I start CPR on a dog?

Start CPR if your dog is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Occasional gasps are not normal breathing. Do not delay compressions while trying to find a pulse.

Call for help and put the emergency vet on speaker. RECOVER first-aid guidelines

Basic CPR steps

1. Place your dog on their side on a firm surface.
2. Position your hands appropriately. For most medium and large dogs with a rounded chest, compress over its widest part. Deep, narrow-chested dogs need compressions over the heart. Small dogs need a suitably adapted hand technique.
3. Give 30 compressions at 100–120 per minute. Compress approximately one-third to one-half of the chest’s width, allowing full recoil.
4. Give two mouth-to-nose breaths. Keep the head and neck aligned, close the mouth and seal your mouth over the nose. Give only enough air to see the chest rise.
5. Repeat, keeping interruptions brief. Continue until your dog shows clear signs of life, veterinary staff take over or you cannot continue.

If rescue breaths would put you at risk, perform chest compressions only.

Arrange veterinary transport with another person where possible. Continue CPR during transport only when this can be done safely.

What first aid should I give for burns?

For a thermal burn away from the face, apply cool running water for at least 20 minutes where safe, while obtaining veterinary advice. Avoid chilling the rest of the body.

Facial burns and chemical exposures need immediate, specific instructions. Do not apply ice, creams or home remedies.

What if my dog receives an electric shock?

Do not touch your dog until the electricity has been safely switched off.

Once safe, check responsiveness and breathing and contact an emergency vet. All dogs exposed to an electric shock need veterinary assessment because injuries can be internal or delayed.

What should I do during a seizure?

Clear nearby hazards, reduce noise and light, and time the episode. Do not restrain your dog or put anything in their mouth.

Call your vet immediately if the seizure lasts longer than two minutes or another occurs within 24 hours. Contact your vet after any first seizure, even if your dog appears to recover.

What should I do after a suspected snake bite?

Keep your dog calm and as still as possible, carry them if safe, and arrange immediate veterinary care.

Do not wash, cut or suck the bite site, apply a tourniquet, or attempt to catch the snake. Follow your vet’s instructions about any pressure-immobilisation bandage; its suitability depends on the bite location and circumstances.

How can I prepare before an emergency?

Ask your vet about practical first-aid training, including safe handling, bleeding control and canine CPR.

Save emergency contact details on your phone and keep a written copy with your first aid kit.

Keep essential supplies ready, learn practical skills and know where to get veterinary help. In an emergency, protect yourself, call early and follow instructions suited to your dog’s condition.

Sources:

“RECOVER Guidelines: First Aid for Dogs and Cats. Clinical Guidelines”, Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, published August 2026. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/vec.70138. Accessed 22 October 2026.

“2024 RECOVER Guidelines: Updated treatment recommendations for CPR in dogs and cats”, Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, published June 2024. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/vec.13391. Accessed 22 October 2026.

“First Aid Kit for a Pet”, Merck Veterinary Manual, updated December 2025. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/special-pet-topics/emergencies/first-aid-kit-for-a-pet. Accessed 22 October 2026.

“First Aid and Transport of Small Animals”, Merck Veterinary Manual, updated December 2025. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/emergency-medicine-and-critical-care/emergency-medicine-introduction/first-aid-and-transport-of-small-animals. Accessed 22 October 2026.

“Pet First Aid: The Basics”, Zoetis Petcare. https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/pet-first-aid. Accessed 22 October 2026.

“First aid for bleeding”, PDSA. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/medications/first-aid-for-bleeding. Accessed 22 October 2026.

“Wound care dos and don’ts”, VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/resources/conditions-dog/emergency/wound-care-dos-and-don-ts. Accessed 22 October 2026.

“Emergency Instructions”, Animal Poisons Helpline. https://www.animalpoisons.com.au/emergency-instructions/. Accessed 22 October 2026.

“First aid for heatstroke”, PDSA, updated September 2023. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/other-veterinary-advice/first-aid-for-heatstroke. Accessed 22 October 2026.

“First Aid For Your Dog”, RSPCA. https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/health/firstaid. Accessed 22 October 2026.

“First aid for an electric shock in pets”, PDSA, published March 2020. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/other-veterinary-advice/first-aid-for-an-electric-shock-in-pets. Accessed 22 October 2026.

“What to do if your pet has a seizure”, PDSA, published February 2023. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/other-veterinary-advice/first-aid-for-fitsseizures-in-pets. Accessed 22 October 2026.

“CPR Course for Pet Owners and Pet Professionals”, RECOVER Initiative. https://recoverinitiative.org/pet-owners-and-pet-professionals/cpr-course-for-pet-owners-and-pet-professionals/. Accessed 22 October 2026.

“Discover our Nose-to-Tail Cover”, Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance. https://bowwowinsurance.com.au/cover-options/. Accessed 22 October 2026.

“Emergencies in Dogs”, VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/common-emergencies-in-dogs. Accessed 22 October 2026.