In an emergency, staying calm and knowing a few basics can save your dog’s life. First aid is not a substitute for veterinary care — it is what you do to stabilise your dog on the way to the vet. Prepare now, so you are ready if you ever need it.
Important: this is general guidance only. Always contact your vet or an emergency vet as your first step in any emergency.
Recognise a true emergency
Get to a vet urgently for: difficulty breathing, choking, severe bleeding, collapse, seizures, a bloated hard abdomen, suspected poisoning, inability to urinate, repeated vomiting, signs of heatstroke, or major trauma such as a road accident.
Know your numbers
Save your vet’s number, your nearest 24-hour emergency vet, and an animal poison helpline in your phone now. In an emergency you will not want to be searching.
Basic first-aid steps
- Bleeding: apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or gauze and keep it there on the way to the vet.
- Choking: check the mouth if safe, but do not blindly push objects deeper; get to a vet fast.
- Heatstroke: move to shade, offer small sips of water, wet with cool (not ice-cold) water, and go to the vet immediately.
- Poisoning: call for advice with the product to hand; do not induce vomiting unless told to.
- Seizures: keep your dog safe from injury, do not restrain them, time it, and call your vet.
Handle an injured dog carefully
Pain and fear can make even a gentle dog bite. Approach calmly, and if needed and safe, use an improvised muzzle for transport — but never on a dog that is struggling to breathe or vomiting.
Keep a first-aid kit
Assemble a simple kit (see the FAQ) and keep one at home and one in the car. Knowing where it is and what is in it saves precious minutes.
Prevention and support
Many emergencies are preventable: keep toxins locked away, avoid heat, supervise chews, and keep ID and insurance up to date. It is also worth making sure anyone who cares for your dog knows your emergency contacts — every Staunchify booking keeps your details and your vet’s to hand, so your sitter can act fast if the unexpected happens.