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 7+ Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level & luxurious coat in Small & Mini dogs. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight & Joint Support Hearty Vegetables and Tuna Stew Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Small Bites with Chicken Meal & Barley Dog Food
18% lower calories vs. Science Diet Adult
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Bites
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious small bite size
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
null Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Hearty Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew Dog Food
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
For the faster metabolism of Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken, Whole Oats & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+. Delicious food in a small bite size
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 Weight Chicken & Vegetable Entrée 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
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports healthy joints, immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Dog Food
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Hearty Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew Dog Food
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée
Chicken & barley entree with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Rice Stew
Chicken & Rice Stew with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
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
Related articles
A Spider Bit Your Dog: Identifying the Bite & What You Should Do
Learn helpful tips if your dog is bitten by a spider, including which spiders are most harmful, how to identify the bite, and what to do after spotting it.
Do Dogs Have Best Friends?
Learn whether or not dogs truly have best friends, including information on their loyalty to humans and behavioral tendencies to support the idea.
Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
Learn whether cheese is a snack that's safe for your dog, including specific types of cheese, ingredients to watch for and how much is ideal.
Help! My Dog Won't Go Outside When It's Raining
Discover reasons why dogs might be afraid to go outside in the rain, including issues with relieving themselves while it's raining, and how you can help.
How to Celebrate Your Dog's Birthday in Style
Thinking about hosting a dog birthday party? Read on to discover how to celebrate your dog's birthday with festivities that'll be the talk of the dog park.
Why Do Dogs Hate Baths? (& Tips for Bathing a Scared Dog)
Learn why some dogs hate baths so much, as well as the importance of bathing and tips for comforting a scared dog when it's time to take a bath.
Common Dog Behaviors Explained & the Meaning Behind Their Moods
Learn what types of dog behavior mean for your best buddy's health and well-being. Once you notice his signals and moods, you'll know how to help him.
Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?
Learn why your dog might be eating his own stool or the poo of other animals. Find out what you can do to try and change this behavior in your dog.
How Proper Dog Oral Care Leads to Healthy Dog Teeth
Are you paying enough attention to dog oral care? Learn some great ways to keep your dog's teeth & gums healthy, including a guide for brushing his teeth.
My Dog Ate Soap: What Should I Do?
Discover what to do if your dog ate soap, including the warning signs to look out for and when to bring them to the veterinarian.
Why Do Dogs Howl?
Learn some possible reasons for your dog's howling, which breeds are most active howlers, and some training tips for getting them to stop.
Pets, Marijuana & THC: What You Need To Know
If your dog ate marijuana, don't panic. Learn how weed and THC can affect dogs, what the signs are, and when you should be concerned.
Tips for Helping Your Dog's ACL Surgery Recovery
Learn how you can help your dog recover from ACL surgery, including tips for their activity, medications and nutrition.
Hill's Puppy Food: Quality Ingredients for Health & Nutrition
Learn about Hill's puppy food and the nutritional benefit & high quality ingredients that it contains for your pup.
Managing Your Dogs Congestive Heart Failure
Learn to recognize the signs of congestive heart failure in dogs so you can give your dog the best chance of a longer, healthier life.
Leaving a Dog in the Car: Hot & Cold Temperature Concerns
Learn why cars can be a very dangerous place to leave your dog, including how quickly temperatures can get too hot or cold & alternatives to leaving them.
Helping Your Dog Cope With Thunder & Anxiety
Find out how to help your dog get over his fear of thunder by learning what to do and not do during thunderstorms.
The Ins and Outs of Dog Whistles: What You Need to Know
Thinking of using a dog whistle with your furry friend? Learn the different types of whistles, if they are safe for your dog, and training considerations.
Are Tomatoes Bad for Dogs? What You Need to Know
Learn whether dogs can safely eat tomatoes, including what to do if a dog eats different types of foods with tomatoes and if there is a medical concern.
Tips for Traveling with Your Dog in the Car
Taking your pup on a road trip? Learn the safest means of traveling with dogs in a car.
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.