Our dogs are more than just pets—they're family members. This makes it all the more important to be able to act calmly and thoughtfully in an emergency situation. In this guide, you'll learn everything about first aid for dogs: from typical emergencies and initial measures to the right equipment. This way, you'll be well prepared in an emergency.
Why first aid for dogs is so important
Dogs are curious, active, and not always cautious – just like small children. Whether on a walk, playing, or in everyday life: an emergency can happen faster than you think. The time it takes to get to the vet can mean the difference between life and death. First aid can:
- Relieve pain
- Prevent worse consequences
- Give the veterinarian important time
How to recognize an emergency in your dog
An emergency isn't always obvious. Look out for the following signs:
- Apathy or unconsciousness
- Shortness of breath or heavy panting
- Bleeding
- Cramps or paralysis
- Vomiting and diarrhea – especially with blood
- Signs of poisoning (trembling, excessive salivation, weakness)
- Persistent pain or severe whining
If you're unsure whether it's an emergency, it's better to take your pet to the vet early than late. For example, in the case of gastric torsion , every minute counts.
Typical emergency situations and how you can help
Heavy bleeding
- What to do? Cover the wound with a sterile compress and apply a pressure bandage.
- Important: Stay calm, calm the dog, get to the vet quickly.
Heat stroke
- Recognizable by: heavy panting, staggering, vomiting, unconsciousness.
- Measures: Take the dog immediately to a cool place, cool the body with wet (not ice-cold!) towels, offer water (do not force it!).
poisoning
- Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, excessive salivation, pupil changes.
- Don’t do: Do not induce vomiting!
- Immediate help: Secure the poisonous substance (e.g. packaging), contact a veterinarian or poison control center immediately.
Insect bite (e.g. in the mouth)
- Danger: Shortness of breath due to swelling.
- First aid: Cool with a damp cloth, allow the animal to lick ice cubes if necessary. If breathing is difficult, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Bite injuries
- What to do? Clean the wound (if possible), cover it with a sterile compress, and stop the bleeding. Even small wounds can become infected – always consult a veterinarian!
bone fracture
- Attention: No manipulation or splinting!
- Measures: Keep the dog calm, if necessary place it on a blanket or stretcher, transport it to the veterinarian as shock-free as possible.
Important knowledge about first aid for dogs
How to measure your dog's vital signs
-
Pulse: Inside the thigh (femoral artery).
- Small dogs and puppies: 100–160 beats/minute
- Medium-sized dogs: approx. 80–120 beats/minute
- Large dogs: 60–100 beats/minute
-
Breathing: breaths per minute at rest (one breath = inhalation and exhalation).
- Small dogs: 15–30 breaths/minute
- Large dogs: 10–20 breaths/minute
Body temperature (for all sizes): 37.5–39 °C
Tip: Measure the values regularly when you are healthy to have comparison values.
What should be included in a dog’s first aid kit?
A well-equipped first aid kit for your dog should contain the following:
- Sterile compresses, gauze bandages, dressing material
- Disinfectant (alcohol-free)
- Tick tweezers
- tweezers
- Disposable gloves
- Fever thermometer
- Scissors
- Muzzle/muzzle loop (for personal protection)
- Emergency numbers (veterinarian, animal clinic, poison control center)
- possibly charcoal tablets according to veterinary recommendation
Learn first aid for dogs: Courses for dog owners
If you really want to be prepared, you can take a first aid course for dogs . These are often offered by veterinarians, dog training schools, or rescue services. There, you'll learn practical skills such as:
- to treat wounds
- Resuscitation techniques
- Assess emergency situations
- To act correctly, without panicking
When should you go to the vet immediately?
As a general rule, as soon as you notice that your dog is behaving abnormally or is in severe pain, veterinary help is needed. This also applies to:
- shortness of breath
- Circulatory failure
- Seizures
- unconsciousness
- poisoning
The sooner you act, the better your chances of a full recovery.
Conclusion: Save lives with first aid for dogs
First aid for dogs can save lives in an emergency – your calmness, attentiveness, and knowledge make all the difference. With a well-stocked emergency kit, knowledge of typical dangers, and regular practice, you'll be well prepared should the worst happen. Because your dog relies on you – through good times and bad.
Tip for the future: Save important emergency numbers in your cell phone, have a first aid kit handy, and refresh your knowledge regularly.
Ideally, you'll be spared any emergencies and your dog will stay healthy for a long time. To support your four-legged friend's health holistically, natural care and supplement products are a good choice – for greater well-being in everyday life and a strong immune system.
