Hopefully your dog will never seriously hurt himself, but having high energy levels, he's bound to get into a few scrapes now and then, so it's useful to have knowledge of basic first aid.
First Aid Box
You should always keep a few basic items on hand for emergencies such as: cotton bandages; cotton wool or lint to clean wounds; mild pet-friendly antiseptic to wash wounds; and a pair of tweezers for removing stings or objects from the mouth.
Bones, Sticks and Balls
Bones, sticks and balls can get lodged in or across the roof of a dog's mouth. If this happens, you may notice your dog pawing at his mouth or struggling to close his jaws. You may be able to remove the object by hand or with tweezers, but if not you'll need to get your vet to do so using sedation. As always, prevention is better than a cure, so never let your dog play with small balls and avoid throwing sticks.
Burns
If your dog suffers a burn from hot water, oil, chemicals or ice, he'll need immediate attention. Minor burns can be treated at home - simply clean the affected area with a mild antiseptic and apply a soothing cream or gel such as aloe vera. Severe burns will need veterinary attention, so take your dog to the vet straight away.
Cuts and Wounds
Dogs may suffer from cuts or wounds particularly to their feet if they run on something sharp like broken glass. If this occurs, clean the affected area with a disinfectant and apply a bandage if necessary. Consult your vet if you cannot stop the bleeding or the wound is severe.
Dog bites
If your dog is unlucky enough to be bitten by another dog, it's always worth getting him checked over by the vet. Make a routine appointment if the bite or bites are minor, and ensure your pet is seen as an emergency if they're severe. This approach should be taken with all animal bites. You should immediately call your vet if your suspect your dog has been bitten by a wild or stray animal to rule out servious diseases such as rabies.
Ear problems
Your dog's ears should be a shiny, pale pink color inside and free from wax or discharge. They should not smell unpleasant. If you suspect an ear problem always consult a vet.
Eye problems
If your dog has any problems with his eyes such as a scratch or conjunctivitis you should consult your vet, and if you can, prevent him from rubbing his eye.
Fits
A fit can be recognized by sudden, uncontrolled spasmodic movements, often with chomping of the jaw and salivating. A fitting dog will usually fall onto its side and be unaware of its surroundings.
If your dog does have a fit, try not to restrain him. Instead, remove any furniture or hard objects around him that could cause an injury. Then, turn off all stimuli such as lights, radio, television, washing machine etc. and darken the room so he can recover quietly. You should ALWAYS consult your vet if your dog has a fit.
Tasty Tips
Fractured or pulled-off claws
These can be very painful and tend to become quickly infected. Bleeding is also often profuse. If possible, try to apply a bandage to the foot before taking your dog to the vet as antibiotics are often required and the claw may need to be clipped back under sedation or anesthetic.
Heatstroke
The best advice as far as heatstroke is concerned is that prevention is better than a cure. Ensure your dog doesn't stay out in the sun for too long on hot days and avoids the midday heat.
If he does get mild heatstroke, cool him down as best you can with wet towels or a fan, and ensure he drinks plenty of cool water and gets lots of rest. Serious heatstroke will require the attention of a vet.
Lameness
If your dog is in obvious pain and can't put any weight on his leg, you should take him to your vet immediately as he may have a fracture or worse.
In less severe cases, look for damaged nails and check the pad for thorns, embedded grit or cuts.
Poisoning
Some dogs are very inquisitive, and there's always the possibility your dog will get hold of something he shouldn't. Much like heatstroke, prevention is better than a cure and you need to dog-proof your home to ensure he can't access things that could be harmful to his health, such as slug pellets, bleach or chocolate. If you suspect your dog has digested something harmful, always take the packaging to your vet as this will help identify the problem and source an antidote. If the worst does happen, see your vet as an emergency.
Vehicular Accidents
If your dog has been involved in an accident with a vehicle, you should call your vet right away. Your dog may be in shock and could react unpredictably so approach him with caution. If possible, lift your dog onto a blanket then take him to the vet as quickly as you can. If he cannot be moved, you may have to ask your vet to come directly to the scene.
Stings and Insect Bites
If your dog has been stung and has severe swelling around his mouth, nose or throat that's causing breathing difficulties, you should get him to a vet immediately.
If the sting or bite isn't causing any serious problems, you can alleviate your dog's discomfort by applying a cold compress to the affected area.
Hopefully your dog will never seriously hurt himself, but it never hurts to be prepared just in case. Much like with a child, it is always a good idea to keep a first aid kit at home to help clean and bandage wounds when necessary. If injured, try to keep your dog calm by talking to him in a soothing tone letting him know he'll be okay.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight & Joint Support Hearty Vegetables and Tuna Stew Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Entrée Variety Pack Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Barley Dog Food
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken & Rice Entrée Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Small & Mini Chicken & Vegetables Entrée Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to support mobility and muscle mass for older dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Savory Stew with Beef & Zucchini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the superior nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight with Joint Support Large Breed Dog Food
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew Dog Food
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew Can Variety Pack Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Salmon, Whole Oats, and Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Large Breed Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome. Delicious food in a large bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small Paws 7+ dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Hearty Vegetable & Chicken Stew dog food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Beef Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Beef recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Related articles
What Your Dog is Trying to Tell You
Words may be important for humans to communicate, but canines communicate by dog body language and sounds. Learn how to figure out your pup's signals.
Cherry Eye in Dogs: Which Breeds Get It, Causes & Treatment Options
Learn about cherry eye in dogs, including causes, breeds that are predisposed to developing the condition, treatement options & prevention tips.
How Long Are Dogs Pregnant?
Learn about the pregnancy cycle in dogs, including how long they are usually pregnant and details about each trimester.
Dog Carrier Bags: What You Need to Know
Discover helpful tips for choosing the right dog carrier bag or purse for your tiny pup, including safety features to look for & when a dog purse is ideal.
Adopting Two Dogs at Once: Key Considerations
You've always wanted a pet, and you're wondering if you should adopt one or two dogs. Learn more about what you need to consider before deciding.
Addison's Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Learn about Addison's disease, or Hypoadrenocorticism, in dogs, including a wide range of symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.
Why Do Dogs Need to Pee on Everything?
Are you curious why your dog feels the need to pee on everything? Learn what dog marking is, why dogs do it, and what you can do to reduce this behavior.
Weight Loss & Your Dog: Helping to Manage an Ideal Weight
Learn the causes of weight gain in dogs, whether your dog is overweight or obese, and what you can do to help him lose those extra pounds.
Recognizing Common Signs of Aging in Your Dog
Aging is a part of life, and it is no different in dogs. Learn to detect the signs of aging in your dog, so you can be prepared to help ease the transition.
Is Your Dog a Carnivore or an Omnivore?
Learn about the different classifications between carnivores and omnivores to decide which order dogs fall under.
Ataxia in Dogs: Types, Symptoms & Treatment
Learn about the medical condition ataxia in dogs, including common signs like incoordination, as well as types of the condition and how its treated.
Plastic or Soft Dog Cone? Choosing the Best Elizabethan Collar
Learn all about dog cone collars: Why your pup may need one, choosing the best type, how long they're usually worn and tips to help dogs manage their cone.
Strokes in Dogs: Signs, Risk Factors & What You Should Do
Strokes in Dogs: Signs, Risk Factors & What You Should Do
Reasons Why Your Dog is Losing Tail Hair
Why is my dog losing hair on their tail? Some common reasons why dogs lose hair on their tails and, more importantly, what to do about it.
Make a Homemade Dog Bed Your Pup Will Love
Learn how to make an inexpensive homemade dog bed your pup will love, using low-cost materials and items you may have around the house!
Why Are Dogs Scared of Vacuums?
Discover why your dog is afraid of the vacuum cleaner, how you can help them get used to it and overcome their fear.
Grooming Suggestions for Keeping Your Dog's Coat Healthy
Your dog's coat and skin are a big part of your dog's overall health. Ensure you keep your dog's coat healthy, by following these simple tips.
Dog Enclosures: How to Keep Your Dog in a Safe Area
Are you looking for a way to keep your dog safe? There are many options for dog enclosures, and it's important to know what to look for.
My Dog Ate Raw Chicken: What Should I Do?
My Dog Ate Raw Chicken: What Should I Do?
Five Great Ways to Keep Your Puppy Healthy
Get helpful tips on how to keep your puppy healthy, including oral and ear care, puppy stress prevention, and more.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.