Everybody knows that dogs are bundles of infinite joy. But they are also heaps of fearless energy and mischief…which can sometimes lead to accidents. This is why you’ll want to know everything about puppy first aid – it’s a great one to have in your puppy parenting toolkit. Lucky for you, our guide to canine first aid is here to help you out.
Before we begin with our guide to dog first aid, have you downloaded the Zigzag App? We don’t mean to brag – but if you haven’t already, you definitely have to. You’ll be provided with a full training program tailored to your puppy’s breed type and age. Essentially, it’s everything they’ll need until they reach adulthood. And even better…when you run into trouble, you’ll have access to a team of puppy experts that are available 24/7 for a call, text, or scream for help. Literally.
Professional First Aid Training For Puppies & Dogs
Just like first aid training courses for people, there are many organizations offering first aid training courses for dogs too. We recommend enrolling in a professional course – there might be many of them around your area. Your vet might also have a few suggestions to give you as well.
The Basics of Puppy & Dog First Aid
Evidently, a professional dog first aid course is obviously the best way to learn puppy first aid. But joining a course doesn’t sound like much fun for you, we’ve gathered our essential tips for puppy first aid. Just remember that being prepared in an emergency could save your pet’s life!
- Stay Calm
Whatever’s happened, take a couple of deep breaths and remain calm. Panicking has never helped anyone; and if your dog senses panic, they’ll panic too. Oh, and please never put yourself in danger when trying to help your pet. That won’t help anyone else out either.
- Call your vet
Call your vet! They will be able to help you deliver any emergency dog first aids like CPR. It’ll look like an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, which we can only hope ends well.
3) Keep your pet warm
Unless your dog is suffering from a suspected heat stroke, it’s important to keep them warm. Also keep them still and calm! Especially if there are suspected broken bones. Eek.
4) Be cautious
Always be cautious when dealing with an injured dog…or any animal for that matter. They can act differently to their normal character – even sometimes aggressively. When injured and frightened, they might feel like biting, so you may want to use or make a temporary muzzle by wrapping a lead or scarf around their muzzle. Who can blame them – you probably also feel like biting when scared and in pain.
Read our full guide to muzzle training to keep everyone safe.
First Aid vs Emergency Vet Appointment – know the difference
Sometimes first aid is fine, other times you’ll want to dash to the emergency veterinary clinic, but would you know when to do what? Read on, and we’ll help you figure out when first aid is ok, or when you need an emergency vet appointment.
Help! My puppy is bleeding
Puppies and dogs can often suffer from cuts and scrapes. The first step should be to find the source of any bleeding, and assess if the wounds you see are minor, or if they seem to have a more deep cut. In any case, stop any bleeding by applying pressure using a clean cloth or bandage. For serious deep wounds, you’ll need a vet to check them out!
My puppy may have a broken bone
If your dog has obviously broken a bone or is showing signs of pain or difficulty in moving, seek vet help immediately! Just thinking about broken bones gives me the shivers.
Collapsed or not breathing
If you cannot see your dog breathing, or they have collapsed, then place them in the recovery position. Call your vet immediately and have a look for signs that might have caused the collapse, like eating something poisonous.
Read our guide to learn about why your puppy pants or breathes quickly.
Feeling for a Heartbeat
To feel for a heartbeat, place your fingers on either side of the rib cage, between the front legs. When you apply gentle pressure, you should be able to feel their heartbeat. If you can’t feel a heartbeat, place your dog in the recovery position described above and take them to the vet immediately.
Essentials for Your Dog First Aid Kit!
Having a first aid kit to hand in an emergency is really useful. You can buy complete first aid kits or put your own together, but here’s what it should contain:
- Bandages—self-adhesive or gauze bandages
- Non-adhesive absorbent dressings
- Surgical tape
- Blunt ended scissors
- Tweezers
- Sterile gauze
- Antiseptic Wipes
- Foil Blanket
- Soft Muzzle
- Disposable gloves
My Puppy is choking – what do I do?
Puppies and dogs tend to put everything in their mouths, and sometimes objects can get stuck. If your dog is choking, then they will be struggling to breathe…which is a big problem isn’t it?!
Here’s what to do if a puppy is choking:
- Look in their mouth. Can you see what they may be choking on? If you can, try to remove it with long tweezers. Do not put your hand in their mouth; a panicked dog may bite.
- If your dog is unconscious, you can open their mouth and sweep your finger through to dislodge the item.
- If you can’t remove the item, don’t try the Heimlich maneuver, as they aren’t the right shape for this to work, and you could hurt them in the process. Instead, place your thumbs behind your dog’s jaw and push up to dislodge the stuck item. If this isn’t successful, then take your dog to the vet ASAP!
We hope you have found this guide to dog first aid useful. We apologize if these scenarios seem a little scary, but it’s better for you to know how to deal with them, just in case they happen.
If you think your pet might be injured, please go and see your vet! It really doesn’t matter if it’s a false alarm – your vet will be happy to check your pet over, and the peace of mind you’ll get back is simply priceless.
FAQs
Is my puppy ok after a fall?
If your dog falls off something and is limping, crying or seems to be hurt in any other way, do check with your Vet.
Signs of choking in a puppy?
Coughing, having difficulty breathing, gasping, pawing at their mouth, or panicking are all signs that a dog might be choking.
How do I know if my puppy is injured?
If your puppy is whimpering or crying, holding a limb up or limping, being especially needy or clingy, or licking an area intently, this may be an indication that they’re in pain or injured.
Remember to download the Zigzag App to help with all your puppies training needs and developmental stages! Our puppy experts are happy to help you out 24/7 over the phone or in our in-app chat service with any problems you may be having. Except if your puppy is choking…then it’s time to run to your vet. No choke. Joke*, oops.
