Everybody knows that dogs are bundles of infinite joy. But they are also heaps of fearless energy and mischief\u2026which can sometimes lead to accidents. This is why you\u2019ll want to know everything about puppy first aid \u2013 it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Before we begin with our guide to dog first aid, have you downloaded the Zigzag App<\/a>? We don’t mean to brag \u2013 but if you haven\u2019t already, you definitely have to. You\u2019ll be provided with a full training program tailored to your puppy\u2019s breed type and age. Essentially, it\u2019s everything they\u2019ll need until they reach adulthood. And even better\u2026when you run into trouble, you\u2019ll have access to a team of puppy experts<\/a> that are available 24\/7 for a call, text, or scream for help. Literally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 \u2013 there might be many of them around your area. Your vet might also have a few suggestions to give you as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019ve gathered our essential tips for puppy first aid. Just remember that being prepared in an emergency could save your pet’s life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whatever\u2019s happened, take a couple of deep breaths and remain calm. Panicking has never helped anyone; and if your dog senses panic, they\u2019ll panic too. Oh, and please never put yourself in danger when trying to help your pet. That won\u2019t help anyone else out either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Call your vet! They will be able to help you deliver any emergency dog first aids like CPR. It\u2019ll look like an episode of Grey\u2019s Anatomy, which we can only hope ends well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unless your dog is suffering from a suspected heat stroke<\/a>, it\u2019s important to keep them warm. Also keep them still and calm! Especially if there are suspected broken bones. Eek. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Always be cautious when dealing with an injured dog\u2026or any animal for that matter. They can act differently to their normal character \u2013 even sometimes aggressively<\/a>. 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 \u2013 you probably also feel like biting when scared and in pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our full guide to muzzle training<\/a> to keep everyone safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes first aid is fine, other times you\u2019ll want to dash to the emergency veterinary clinic, but would you know when to do what? Read on, and we\u2019ll help you figure out when first aid is ok, or when you need an emergency vet appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019ll need a vet to check them out! <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog has obviously broken a bone or is showing signs of pain or difficulty in moving<\/a>, seek vet help<\/a> immediately! Just thinking about broken bones gives me the shivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our guide to learn about why your puppy pants or breathes quickly<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019t feel a heartbeat, place your dog in the recovery position described above and take them to the vet immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s what it should contain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Puppies and dogs tend to put everything in their mouths<\/a>, and sometimes objects can get stuck. If your dog is choking, then they will be struggling to breathe\u2026which is a big problem isn’t it?!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s what to do if a puppy is choking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n We hope you have found this guide to dog first aid useful. We apologize if these scenarios seem a little scary, but it\u2019s better for you to know how to deal with them, just in case they happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you think your pet might be injured, please go and see your vet! It really doesn\u2019t matter if it\u2019s a false alarm \u2013 your vet will be happy to check your pet over, and the peace of mind you\u2019ll get back is simply priceless. <\/p>\n\n\n\n FAQs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog falls off something and is limping, crying or seems to be hurt in any other way, do check with your Vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coughing, having difficulty breathing, gasping, pawing at their mouth, or panicking are all signs that a dog might be choking. 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\u2019re in pain or injured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember to download the Zigzag App<\/a> to help with all your puppies training needs and developmental stages! Our puppy experts<\/a> 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\u2026then it\u2019s time to run to your vet. No choke. Joke*, oops.<\/p>\n\n\n\nProfessional First Aid Training For Puppies & Dogs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Basics of Puppy & Dog First Aid <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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3)<\/strong> <\/strong>Keep your pet warm<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4)<\/strong> <\/strong>Be cautious<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
First Aid vs Emergency Vet Appointment – know the difference<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Help! My puppy is bleeding<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
My puppy may have a broken bone<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Collapsed or not breathing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Feeling for a Heartbeat<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Essentials for Your Dog First Aid Kit!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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My Puppy is choking – what do I do?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Is my puppy ok after a fall?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/strong>Signs of choking in a puppy?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow do I know if my puppy is injured?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n