First aid for dogs and cats
What to do for bleeding, choking, poisoning or heatstroke until you reach the vet — and what belongs in your pet's first aid kit.
Gatsou Team
· 8 min read
In emergencies, the first minutes count — and the right moves before you reach the vet can literally save a life. This guide covers the most common incidents in dogs and cats: what to do, what to avoid, and when a situation is urgent.
Your pet's first aid kit
•
Sterile gauze, bandages and self-adhesive elastic tape
•
Saline solution for cleaning wounds and rinsing eyes
•
Pet-safe antiseptic (alcohol-free)
•
Round-tipped scissors and tweezers
•
Thermometer and lubricating gel
•
A blanket — for warmth or as an improvised stretcher
•
Phone numbers for your vet and the nearest emergency clinic
Bleeding
1
Apply firm pressure with clean gauze
Constant pressure for 3-5 minutes without lifting the gauze to "check".
2
Don't remove soaked gauze
If it fills with blood, add a fresh layer on top — removing it breaks the clot that's forming.
3
Wrap without over-tightening
The bandage should hold, not cut off circulation.
4
To the vet
Any bleeding that isn't controlled within a few minutes, or any deep wound, needs immediate veterinary care.
Choking and airway obstruction
1
Open the mouth carefully
Check whether the object is visible. A choking animal panics — watch out for bites.
2
Remove ONLY what you can clearly see
With tweezers or fingers, only if it's easy to reach. Don't probe blindly — you may push it deeper.
3
For small pets
Hold them head-down and give up to 5 firm slaps with your palm between the shoulder blades.
4
Vet — always
Even if the object came out, a check for internal throat injuries is needed.
Poisoning
1
Note what, how much and when
Keep the packaging or a sample of the substance — it will determine the treatment.
2
Do NOT induce vomiting without instruction
With caustic substances or an unconscious animal, vomiting makes the damage worse. Only on a vet's explicit instruction.
3
Call the vet immediately
Describe the substance and symptoms and set off right away — don't wait to "see how it goes".
Heatstroke
Heavy panting, dark gums, staggering or collapse on a hot day mean heatstroke: move your pet to shade immediately, wet them with lukewarm (not ice-cold) water on the neck, belly and paws, and head to the vet. It's one of the most dangerous summer emergencies — prevention and speed save lives.
How do I transport an injured animal?
An animal in pain may bite — even your own. Approach calmly, speak softly and, if needed, use an improvised muzzle made from a bandage or lace (NEVER if they're vomiting or struggling to breathe). Move them on a firm surface or a taut blanket as a stretcher, keeping the spine as stable as possible.
First aid buys time — it NEVER replaces the vet. In any serious incident, call before you set off: they'll guide your next moves and be ready when you arrive.
Normal vital signs — what you should know
Dog temperature
38.0-39.2°C
Cat temperature
38.0-39.5°C
Dog breathing rate
15-30 per minute at rest
Cat breathing rate
20-30 per minute at rest
Gums
Pink — color returns in under 2 seconds
Measure these once or twice while your pet is healthy, so you know their "normal". In an emergency, being able to tell the vet "they're breathing 50 times a minute instead of their usual 20" is valuable information.
Frequently asked
Can I give my dog paracetamol or aspirin?
No. Human painkillers are toxic to dogs and cats — paracetamol is lethal to cats even in small doses. Pain medication only ever comes with a vet's prescription.
How can I tell my pet is in pain?
Common signs: panting for no reason, restlessness or unusual stillness, growling when touched, limping, a hunched posture, loss of appetite. Cats hide pain — hiding and reduced grooming are their tell-tale signs.
What do I do if my pet is hit by a car?
Even if they seem fine, go to the vet immediately — internal bleeding isn't visible. Move them carefully on a firm surface and keep them warm on the way.
What should my dog's temperature be?
Normal dog temperature is 38.0-39.2°C (cats: up to 39.5°C). Above 39.5°C or below 37.5°C, contact your vet.
What do I put on a small wound?
Clean with saline, disinfect with a pet-safe (alcohol-free) antiseptic and prevent licking. If the wound is deep, keeps bleeding or shows signs of infection, see the vet.
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