First aid for dogs buys time — it does not replace the vet. Knowing what to do in the first minutes of choking, bleeding, heatstroke or poisoning can save a life while you get help. This guide covers the core emergencies, how to build a dog first aid kit, and how to tell a true emergency from a wait-and-see. Keep these numbers handy: your vet, your nearest emergency clinic, and ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435.
Core emergencies — what to do
- BleedingApply firm, steady pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. Don’t keep lifting to check. If blood soaks through, add more on top and keep pressing. For a limb, raise it gently. Get to a vet for anything more than a minor graze.
- ChokingIf the dog can breathe/cough, stay calm and go to the vet. If it can’t and you clearly see the object, remove it carefully without pushing it deeper; otherwise try firm inward-and-upward pressure just behind the rib cage, then seek care immediately.
- HeatstrokeMove to shade at once, offer small sips of cool water, and cool with cool (not ice-cold) water over the body, especially belly and paws. This is a true emergency — call the vet and go. See safe-walking tips in our walking guide.
- Suspected poisoningRemove access, note what and how much was eaten and when, and call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435). Do not induce vomiting unless told to. See toxic foods and the chocolate calculator.
- Shock or collapseKeep the dog warm, quiet and still, head level with the body, and transport gently and immediately to a vet.
- SeizuresDon’t restrain or put anything in the mouth. Clear hazards away, dim noise and light, time the seizure, and contact your vet — urgently if it lasts over a few minutes or repeats.
Building a dog first aid kit
Keep a kit at home and a smaller version for the car or trips. Include: gauze pads and rolls, non-stick bandages and self-adhesive wrap, adhesive tape, blunt-tipped scissors and tweezers, a digital thermometer, disposable gloves, saline solution, antiseptic wipes, a tick remover, a clean towel, and a soft muzzle or bandage strip. Add a card with your vet’s number, the nearest emergency clinic, the ASPCA poison-control number, and a copy of your dog’s medical records and medications. Check expiry dates a couple of times a year.
Know your dog’s normal — and when to go
Being able to check basics calmly makes a real difference. Learn your dog’s normal vital signs — temperature around 101–102.5°F (38.3–39.2°C), pink gums with quick capillary refill, breathing 10–35 per minute at rest. Go to a vet immediately for breathing difficulty, heavy or non-stop bleeding, suspected poisoning, repeated vomiting or collapse, seizures, a swollen hard belly with retching (possible bloat), inability to urinate, heatstroke, major trauma or severe pain. When unsure, call — asking is always better than waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be in a dog first aid kit?
A good kit includes: gauze pads and rolls, non-stick bandages and self-adhesive wrap, adhesive tape, blunt-tipped scissors, tweezers, a digital thermometer, disposable gloves, saline solution, antiseptic wipes, a tick remover, a clean towel or blanket, a muzzle or strip of bandage (a frightened, hurt dog may bite), your vet's and the nearest emergency clinic's numbers, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control number (888-426-4435). Keep your dog's medical records handy too.
What do I do if my dog is choking?
If your dog can still breathe, cough or make noise, keep it calm and get to a vet, as coughing may clear the object. If it cannot breathe, open the mouth and look - if you can clearly see the object and remove it without pushing it further, do so. If not, a Heimlich-style technique (sharp inward and upward pressure just below the rib cage) may help, then seek immediate veterinary care. Always have a choking episode checked by a vet.
How do I know if it's a real dog emergency?
Treat as an emergency and go to a vet immediately for: difficulty breathing, severe or continuous bleeding, suspected poisoning, repeated vomiting or collapse, seizures, a swollen hard belly with retching (possible bloat), inability to urinate, suspected heatstroke, major trauma, or severe pain. When in doubt, call your vet or emergency clinic - it is always better to ask than to wait.
Can I give my dog human medicine in an emergency?
No - never give human medications without explicit veterinary direction. Many common human drugs, including ibuprofen, paracetamol/acetaminophen and aspirin, are toxic to dogs and can be fatal even in small doses. The same goes for many supplements. In any suspected poisoning or pain emergency, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center rather than medicating at home.
Sources
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) — pet owner resources (basic first aid for your pet)
- ASPCA — pet care and Animal Poison Control guidance (Animal Poison Control)
- American Kennel Club (AKC) — expert advice on dog health and care (dog first aid kit)
Last updated 21 June 2026.
