Basic First Aid Procedures for Common Pet Injuries

Accidents happen—whether it’s a scraped paw on a walk or an unexpected tumble during playtime. As a pet owner, knowing basic pet first aid can make all the difference between a manageable situation and a trip to the emergency vet. While professional care is always best for serious conditions, you can provide valuable support with prompt and proper first aid.

This guide outlines how to handle some of the most common injuries in dogs and cats, offering practical, step-by-step advice to help you remain calm, take action and provide effective emergency care for pets.

Why First Aid Matters for Pet Owners

Understanding how to react in the first moments after an injury can:

• Prevent a minor injury from worsening
• Provide comfort and reassurance to your pet
• Reduce the risk of infection or complications
• Stabilise your pet before reaching a vet

Having a basic knowledge of treating pet wounds, bandaging, and monitoring symptoms empowers you to respond quickly and effectively when your pet needs help.

What to Include in Your Pet First Aid Kit

Before addressing specific injuries, it’s essential to keep a well-stocked pet first aid kit at home and in the car. This should include:

• Gauze pads and non-stick dressings
• Vet wrap (self-adhesive bandage)
• Blunt-ended scissors and tweezers
• Antiseptic solution (pet-safe)
• Saline eye wash
• Digital thermometer
• Disposable gloves
• Towels or blankets
• Muzzle or soft restraint
• Emergency contact details for your vet

Having these items readily available means you’re prepared for a range of situations.

How to Respond to Common Pet Injuries

Cuts and Scrapes

Minor cuts and abrasions are common in active pets. You can often treat these at home if the wound is small and shallow.

Steps:

1. Gently restrain your pet to avoid sudden movements.
2. Trim away hair around the wound if needed to improve visibility.
3. Clean the wound using saline solution or lukewarm water.
4. Dab the area dry with sterile gauze.
5. Apply a pet-safe antiseptic.
6. Use a non-stick dressing and vet wrap if bandaging is necessary.
7. Monitor the wound for signs of infection—redness, swelling, discharge.

If the wound is deep, continues to bleed, or is near the eyes, ears or joints, contact your vet immediately.

Puncture Wounds or Bites

Puncture wounds, especially from bites, carry a high risk of infection.

Steps:

1. Don’t try to squeeze or clean deep inside the wound.
2. Use a sterile dressing to control bleeding with gentle pressure.
3. Keep your pet calm and restrict movement.
4. Contact your vet promptly—these wounds usually need antibiotics.

Never assume a small puncture is harmless—bacteria can travel deep under the skin, causing abscesses or systemic infections.

Bleeding (External)

Bleeding can look dramatic, but prompt action can stop it effectively.

Steps:

1. Apply firm pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or gauze.
2. Elevate the limb if possible, and safe to do so.
3. Hold pressure for several minutes without lifting to check too soon.
4. Once controlled, apply a dressing and bandage snugly—but not too tight.
5. Seek veterinary attention if bleeding is heavy or doesn’t stop within 10 minutes.

For nosebleeds, keep your pet calm, apply a cool compress to the bridge of the nose, and call your vet.

Sprains and Limping

Sprains, strains, or soft tissue injuries often cause limping or reluctance to move.

Steps:

1. Confine your pet to a small, comfortable area to limit movement.
2. Apply a cold pack wrapped in a towel to the affected area for 10–15 minutes.
3. Avoid giving human painkillers—they can be toxic to pets.
4. Observe for swelling or worsening pain.
5. Visit the vet for a full diagnosis and to rule out fractures.

Persistent limping should never be ignored—some fractures are not immediately obvious.

Burns and Scalds

Burns may result from contact with hot surfaces, chemicals or scalding liquids.

Steps:

1. Flush the area gently with cool (not cold) water for several minutes.
2. Do not apply creams, ointments or ice.
3. Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick dressing.
4. Prevent your pet from licking or scratching the area.
5. Take your pet to the vet as soon as possible.

Burns can worsen quickly and are very painful, so prompt veterinary care is essential.

Choking

Signs include gagging, pawing at the mouth, and difficulty breathing.

Steps:

1. Stay calm and try to open your pet’s mouth to check for an obstruction.
2. If you can see a visible object, carefully remove it with tweezers or fingers.
3. If nothing is visible or the object is lodged, perform a modified Heimlich manoeuvre (for dogs): place hands just behind the rib cage and give quick, upward thrusts.
4. For cats or small dogs, try gentle back blows between the shoulder blades while holding them at a downward angle.
5. If your pet is not breathing, start CPR and seek emergency care immediately.

Always follow up with your vet, even if the object is removed.

Eye Injuries

Eye injuries can be caused by scratches, foreign bodies or blunt trauma.

Steps:

1. Do not touch or apply pressure to the eye.
2. If a foreign object is visible and not embedded, flush the eye gently with saline.
3. Prevent rubbing or pawing by using an Elizabethan collar (cone).
4. Seek immediate veterinary attention—eyes are delicate, and injuries can worsen quickly.

Seizures

Signs include shaking, collapse, muscle twitching, or loss of consciousness.

Steps:

1. Keep your pet safe from harm—remove nearby objects.
2. Do not touch their mouth or try to restrain them.
3. Time the seizure and film it if possible to show your vet.
4. After the seizure, keep your pet warm and quiet.
5. Contact your vet urgently, especially if the seizure lasts more than 3 minutes or recurs.

Seizures can have various causes, including poisoning or underlying neurological issues.

When to Call the Vet

Always consult your vet if:

• Bleeding doesn’t stop
• The wound is deep or near vital areas
• Your pet shows signs of pain, shock or confusion
• There’s an eye injury, seizure, or difficulty breathing
• You’re unsure about the severity of the injury

When in doubt, err on the side of caution—early treatment often prevents complications.

Final Thoughts: First Aid with Confidence and Care

Knowing how to administer pet first aid is an essential skill for every pet owner. By learning basic procedures for treating pet wounds and responding to injuries calmly, you provide your pet with critical support when they need it most. Combined with a well-equipped first aid kit and access to professional help, your knowledge forms the heart of effective emergency care for pets.

Preparation leads to peace of mind. A few simple techniques can make a lasting difference in your pet’s safety, comfort and recovery.