Building a Dog First Aid Kit
Keep a kit at home and in your car. Include gauze pads, self-adhesive bandage wrap, hydrogen peroxide (for induced vomiting only under vet direction), digital thermometer, tweezers, saline eye wash, styptic powder for nail bleeds, and your vet's emergency phone number. Replace expired items annually.
Handling Bleeding
Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. Maintain steady pressure for at least 5 minutes without peeking. If blood soaks through, add more layers on top without removing the first one. For arterial bleeding (bright red, spurting), apply firm pressure and get to an emergency vet immediately.
Choking Response
If your dog is coughing forcefully, let them try to clear it themselves. If they cannot breathe, open the mouth and sweep for visible objects with your finger. For small dogs, hold them upside down by the hind legs. For large dogs, perform a modified Heimlich by placing your fists below the rib cage and giving quick upward thrusts.
Heatstroke First Aid
Move your dog to shade immediately. Apply cool (not cold) water to the neck, armpits, and groin. Offer small amounts of cool water to drink. Do not use ice or ice-cold water, as this can cause blood vessels to constrict and trap heat internally. Transport to a vet even if your dog seems to improve.
