Basic First Aid for Dogs & Cats

Accidents and sudden illnesses happen. Knowing basic first aid can buy precious time and sometimes make the difference in saving your pet’s life. This guide focuses on the most common emergencies pet parents in India face, with clear, safe actions you can take at home while preparing to rush to a veterinarian.

Build a Pet First Aid Kit

Keep these items ready:

• Digital thermometer (rectal use for pets)
• Pet-safe antiseptic wipes/solution (betadine diluted)
• Sterile gauze pads, bandages, adhesive tape
• Elastic bandage (self-adherent)
• Tweezers, blunt scissors
• Muzzle (for safety — panicked dogs may bite)
• Saline solution (eye/ear wash)
• Activated charcoal (for poisoning — vet guidance only)
• Pet-safe hydrogen peroxide (3%) — only if advised by vet to induce vomiting
• Leash, carrier, blanket
• Your vet’s and emergency clinic numbers

Emergency First Aid – Step-by-Step

1. Bleeding (Cuts, Lacerations, Nail Quick)

Immediate action:

1. Apply direct pressure with clean gauze or cloth for 5–10 minutes.
2. Elevate limb if possible.
3. If bleeding continues, apply pressure bandage.
4. Do NOT use tourniquet unless life-threatening arterial bleed (bright red spurting) — consult vet immediately.

Seek vet if: wound >1 cm, deep, on face/paws, or bleeding doesn’t stop.

2. Choking / Foreign Object in Throat

Signs: Pawing at mouth, gagging, difficulty breathing, blue gums.

1. Do NOT blindly reach into mouth — risk of bite or pushing object deeper.
2. For small dogs/cats: Hold upside down (support head/neck), gently shake.
3. For larger dogs: Heimlich-like maneuver — arms around belly, firm upward thrusts.
4. If object visible and safe to remove (e.g., bone stuck on teeth), use tweezers carefully.

Emergency vet immediately — even if removed, swelling or damage may occur.

3. Heatstroke

Signs: Heavy panting, drooling, red gums, collapse, vomiting, seizures.

1. Move to cool, shaded area with good airflow.
2. Wet body with room-temperature water (focus on groin, paws, neck).
3. Use fan/AC — do NOT use ice/cold water (causes shock).
4. Offer small amounts of cool water if conscious.
5. Monitor rectal temperature — stop cooling at 39.5°C.

Emergency vet immediately — even if pet seems better, organ damage can occur later.

4. Poisoning / Toxin Ingestion

Common Indian toxins: Chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions/garlic, rat poison, lilies (cats), insecticides, human medicines.

1. Call vet or animal poison helpline immediately.
2. Bring product/container/packaging to vet.
3. Note time of ingestion and amount.

5. Seizures

During seizure:

1. Do NOT put hands in mouth.
2. Move objects away to prevent injury.
3. Time the seizure — most last 1–2 minutes.
4. Dim lights, reduce noise.
5. After seizure: Keep pet calm, quiet, dark room; offer water once alert.

Emergency vet if: First seizure, lasts >5 min, clusters, or pet doesn’t recover fully.

6. Hit by Car / Trauma

Do:

1. Approach calmly — muzzle if needed (pain can cause biting).
2. Minimize movement — use blanket as stretcher.
3. Control bleeding with direct pressure.
4. Keep warm, quiet.

Emergency vet immediately — even if pet seems “fine,” internal injuries are common.

General First Aid Rules

• Stay calm — your pet senses panic.
• Protect yourself — use muzzle on dogs if in pain.
• Never give human medications without vet guidance (many are toxic).
• Transport safely — secure in carrier or on flat surface.
• Call ahead to vet clinic — many have emergency protocols.

Conclusion

Basic first aid is about stabilizing your pet until professional help arrives. Having a kit ready, knowing the signs of emergency, and acting quickly can save your dog or cat’s life. Always follow up with your veterinarian — even if the pet seems recovered, many conditions have delayed complications.

Important Disclaimer:
This content is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
In any emergency, contact your registered veterinarian or nearest animal emergency clinic immediately. Do not delay professional care.