Dog First Aid: Essential Skills Every Owner Should Know
Knowing basic first aid can stabilise your dog in an emergency while getting to the vet.
First Aid Kit Essentials
- Sterile saline for wound cleaning
- Non-stick wound dressings
- Conforming and cohesive bandage
- Digital thermometer
- Tick remover
- Muzzle — even gentle dogs bite when in pain
Normal Vital Signs
- Temperature: 38-39.2 degrees C
- Heart rate: 60-120 bpm
- Respiratory rate: 15-30 breaths per minute
When to Go to Emergency Vet
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
- Severe breathing difficulty
- Suspected poisoning
- Seizure lasting more than 5 minutes
- Suspected bloat
What NOT to Do
Never give human pain medication — paracetamol and ibuprofen are toxic to dogs. Do not induce vomiting without vet advice.
Key takeaways
- Assemble a dedicated first aid kit with sterile saline, non-stick dressings, bandages, thermometer, tick remover, and a muzzle for safety during treatment
- Know your dog's normal vital signs (temperature 38-39.2°C, heart rate 60-120 bpm, breathing 15-30 breaths per minute) so you can spot abnormalities quickly
- Never give human medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen to dogs, and avoid inducing vomiting without explicit veterinary guidance
- Seek emergency vet care immediately for collapse, severe breathing difficulty, suspected poisoning, seizures lasting over 5 minutes, or suspected bloat
Frequently asked questions
What should I keep in a dog first aid kit?
Your kit should include sterile saline for cleaning wounds, non-stick wound dressings, conforming and cohesive bandages, a digital thermometer, a tick remover, and a muzzle (since even friendly dogs may bite when in pain or distressed). Store these items in an easily accessible place at home and consider keeping a portable version in your car.
How do I take my dog's temperature and pulse?
Use a digital thermometer inserted gently into the rectum for an accurate reading—normal dog temperature is 38-39.2°C. To check heart rate, place your fingers on the inside of the hind leg where you'll feel the femoral artery, then count beats for 15 seconds and multiply by four; a normal resting rate is 60-120 bpm.
What counts as a dog emergency requiring immediate vet care?
Seek emergency veterinary care if your dog collapses, loses consciousness, has severe difficulty breathing, shows signs of poisoning, experiences a seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes, or displays symptoms of bloat (restlessness, distended abdomen, unsuccessful vomiting attempts). These conditions require professional intervention as quickly as possible.
Can I give my dog human pain relief medication?
No—human pain medications like paracetamol and ibuprofen are toxic to dogs and should never be given. Always consult your vet before administering any medication, and only use treatments specifically prescribed or approved for dogs.