Dog First Aid Checklist

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Dog First Aid Checklist

Emergency Contacts

Vet's Name/Clinic:

Vet's Phone:

Animal Poison Control:

Assess the Situation

• Stay calm and ensure your safety first
• Assess your dog’s condition (conscious, breathing, bleeding, etc.)
• Remove any immediate dangers from the area
• Call your veterinarian or emergency clinic for advice

Wounds & Bleeding

• Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding
• Keep the wound elevated if possible
• Do NOT use a tourniquet unless instructed by a vet
• Clean the wound with saline or clean water
• Cover with sterile gauze and bandage securely (not too tight)

Burns

• Flush affected area with cool (not cold) water for several minutes
• Do NOT apply ice, butter, or ointments
• Cover with a non-stick, sterile dressing
• Seek veterinary attention as soon as possible

Choking

• If your dog is coughing, let them try to clear the object themselves
• If not breathing, open mouth and try to remove visible objects carefully
• If object can't be removed, perform Heimlich maneuver for dogs
  For small dogs: Lay on back and apply firm pressure just below rib cage.
  For large dogs: Stand behind and apply quick, firm upward thrusts behind the rib cage.
• Seek veterinary care immediately after incident

Broken Bones & Sprains

• Minimize movement; keep your dog as still/calm as possible
• Do NOT attempt to set the bone or push back exposed bone
• If necessary, splint limb with a sturdy object (only if instructed)
• Transport to vet using a board or blanket as a stretcher

Shock

• Symptoms: pale gums, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, weakness
• Keep your dog warm and quiet
• Elevate hindquarters slightly if no injuries to head/spine
• Seek emergency veterinary care immediately

Poisoning

• Call your vet or animal poison control hotline immediately
• Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional
• Provide details: substance, amount, time ingested, symptoms
• Bring packaging or sample to vet if possible

CPR for Dogs

• Check for breathing and pulse
• If not breathing, close mouth and breathe into nose (mouth-to-snout), watching for chest rise
• For no heartbeat, begin chest compressions (100-120 per minute)
• Alternate 30 compressions with 2 rescue breaths
• Continue until vet care is available or your dog recovers

Emergency Pet First Aid Kit

• Gauze pads and rolls, non-stick bandages
• Adhesive tape (pet-safe)
• Antiseptic wipes or solution (pet-safe)
• Digital thermometer (rectal)
• Tweezers and blunt scissors
• Instant cold pack, small flashlight
• Disposable gloves, towels, blanket
• Hydrogen peroxide (only if advised by vet)
• List of emergency contacts and medical records

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