Pet First Aid Basics Every Dog Parent Should Know

Emergencies happen — and when they involve your dog, every second counts. Knowing a few basic first aid skills can make the difference between stabilizing your pup and waiting helplessly for help to arrive.

Build a Pet First Aid Kit: 

Keep these essentials at home and in the car

• Gauze and non-stick bandages
• Adhesive tape and vet wrap
• Digital thermometer (pet-specific)
• Hydrogen peroxide (for poison control use only under vet direction)
• Tweezers and blunt-tip scissors
• Saline solution for flushing eyes or wounds

Common Scenarios & What to Do

• Cuts or bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze. Wrap snugly but not too tight.
• Choking: If safe, try to clear the object. For large dogs, you may need to perform a modified Heimlich maneuver.
• Heatstroke: Move the dog to shade, apply cool (not icy) water to paws and belly, and seek immediate veterinary care.
• Poison ingestion: Call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline before inducing vomiting.

Final Thoughts

Pet first aid doesn’t replace professional veterinary care — but it buys you critical time until you can get help. At Pet Care Plus, your dog’s safety is always our first priority, and we encourage every pet parent to brush up on first aid basics. It’s one of the best ways to keep your furry family member safe.