First aid for dogs and cats

Part I: General Information from the Veterinarian

Why is first aid so important for animals?

A quick and correct first aid measure can be a matter of life and Death. Unfortunately, many pet owners do not know how to react correctly in an emergency. To be prepared, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the basic emergency measures.

A first aid course for pet owners can help you prepare optimally for Emergencies. Many veterinarians or animal welfare organizations offer special training courses in which life-saving measures are taught in a practical way.

Important immediate measures in an emergency

Keep Calm and React Correctly

In emergency situations, panic is a bad advisor. A calm, deliberate approach is crucial to effectively help the animal.

  • Assess the situation quickly: Is the animal unconscious? Is it Bleeding heavily? Is it breathing normally?
  • Observe safety: Injured animals may react aggressively out of fear or Pain. If necessary, a muzzle should be applied (without hindering breathing).
  • Provide First Aid: Take immediate action depending on the type of emergency (e.g. Bleeding, shortness of breath, circulatory arrest).
  • Inform the veterinarian: Call before transport and describe the emergency so that preparations can be made.

Correctly Assess the Animal’s Condition

The following points should be checked for an initial assessment of the condition:

  • Consciousness: Is the animal responsive or does it no longer react?
  • Breathing: Regular, calm breaths or shortness of breath?
  • Pulse: Too fast, too slow, or not palpable?
  • Mucous membranes: Healthy pink or pale/bluish?
  • Posture: Cramped, relaxed, or normal?

These initial observations help to assess the severity of the emergency and provide the veterinarian with valuable information.

Content

Details on Emergencies and First Aid for Dogs and Cats can be found here:

Notfälle / Erste Hilfe bei Hund & Katze – Allgemeine Informationen

Necessary information for the veterinarian

A well-prepared call to the veterinarian can make all the difference. To enable a quick initial assessment, the following questions should be answered:

  • What happened? (Accident, sudden illness, poisoning, etc.)
  • When did the problem occur?
  • How is the animal behaving? (Lethargic, Panting heavily, Lameness, etc.)
  • Has the animal eaten or taken medication?
  • Vital signs (if possible):
    • Body temperature: Normal value: Dog/Cat 37.5–39.0 °C
    • Respiratory rate: Dog 15–25/min, Cat 20–40/min
    • Heart rate: Dog 60–180/min, Cat 140–180/min
    • Capillary refill time (CRT): Normal value 1–2 seconds

Here are described in detail:

Normal values in dogs and cats as a guide

A pet owner should know the normal values of their pet in order to recognize deviations early. However, these values can be influenced by various factors, such as:

  • Age: Young animals have higher heart and respiratory rates.
  • Size: Small dogs tend to have a higher heart rate than large ones.
  • Activity: The values are increased after exercise.

Here is an overview of the normal values:

Vital parameters

Dog (Adult)

Cat

Body Temperature

37.5–39.0 °C

37.5–39.0 °C

Respiratory Rate

15–25 breaths/min

20–40 breaths/min

Heart Rate

60–180 beats/min

140–180 beats/min

Capillary refill time

1–2 seconds

1–2 seconds

The description of more than 50 Emergencies with information on

  • Causes
  • Symptoms:
  • First Aid
  • how to proceed at the veterinarian
  • frequently asked questions
  • Literature
can be found here:

Notfälle / Erste Hilfe von A-Z

First aid for common Emergencies

Emergencies in dogs and cats can be very different – from injuries to sudden illnesses to life-threatening conditions. The following describes some of the most common Emergencies and how to act quickly and correctly in such situations.

Bleeding and Wounds

Bleeding can be superficial or severe. Severely Bleeding wounds on large blood vessels are particularly dangerous, as they can lead to shock within a short time.

First Aid Measures for Bleeding

  • Minor Bleeding: Cover smaller wounds with sterile compresses, apply light pressure and observe.
  • Heavier Bleeding: Stop with a sterile wound dressing and a pressure bandage. If the Bleeding does not subside, seek emergency veterinary attention.
  • Arterial Bleeding (bright red, pulsating blood): Apply a pressure bandage immediately and take the animal to the veterinarian immediately.
  • Venous Bleeding (dark, evenly flowing blood): Apply a firm bandage and elevate the affected body part – if possible.

If shards of glass or foreign bodies are stuck deep in the wound, do not try to remove them, but pad around them so that they are fixed. This prevents them from penetrating deeper into the tissue and causing further injuries.

Poisoning (Incl. First Aid Measures Dangerous Substances)

Poisoning is one of the most common Emergencies in dogs and cats. Many everyday substances, foods and plants are poisonous to pets.

Common Toxins for Dogs and Cats

Toxic substance

Effect and Symptoms:

Chocolate (especially dark chocolate)

Tremors, Seizures, Palpitations

Xylitol (sugar substitute)

Drop in blood sugar, liver failure

Grapes/raisins

Kidney failure

Onions garlic

Destruction of red blood cells

Rat poison

Internal Bleeding, shortness of breath

Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol)

Kidney failure, fatal!

Household cleaners

Burns, shortness of breath

First Aid Measures if Poisoning is Suspected

  1. Keep calm and do not induce Vomiting unless a veterinarian expressly recommends it.
  2. If possible, find out which substance was ingested. Take packaging or remnants with you.
  3. Contact the veterinarian or a poison control center immediately.
  4. Administer activated charcoal (0.5–1 g/kg body weight) if permitted by the veterinarian.
  5. For contact poisons (e.g. on the coat), clean affected areas with water and mild soap.
  6. Keep the animal warm and calm.

Bone Fractures and Lameness

A broken bone or a severe sprain can be very painful. Symptoms: are a Protective posture / guarding posture, avoidance of weight-bearing, Swelling and severe Pain.

First Aid for Bone Fractures

  • Move the animal as little as possible to avoid Pain and consequential damage.
  • If the fracture is open (bone protrudes from the skin): Apply a sterile covering and go to the veterinarian immediately.
  • If a spinal fracture is suspected: Transport the animal on a stable surface (e.g. board or thick blanket).
  • Never administer painkillers without veterinary instructions! Many human medicines are poisonous to animals.

Heatstroke and Hypothermia

Dogs and cats can suffer from both Heatstroke and hypothermia.

Heatstroke – Symptoms: and First Aid

  • Symptoms:: Severe Panting, red mucous membranes, Vomiting, unconsciousness
  • Take the animal to a shady, cool place.
  • Cool down slowly with damp cloths, but do not use ice-cold water.
  • Offer water to drink (do not force).
  • Call an emergency doctor if there is no improvement.

Hypothermia – Symptoms: and First Aid

  • Symptoms:: Shivering, Apathy, pale mucous membranes, slow breathing
  • Warm the animal slowly with blankets or warm water (lukewarm, not hot!).
  • Do not place hot water or heating pads directly on the skin.
  • Immediate veterinary care required.

Bite Injuries and Abscesses

Bite injuries may look harmless, but severe infections can develop under the skin.

  • Clean and disinfect the wound (e.g. with an antiseptic solution).
  • If the wound is Bleeding, apply a sterile bandage.
  • Swelling and Pus formation indicate an Abscess. Antibiotic treatment is often necessary here.
  • Every bite injury should be checked by a veterinarian.

Choking and Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath can be caused by foreign bodies, allergic reactions or illnesses.

  • Check the tongue and throat for foreign bodies. If visible, remove carefully.
  • For severe Gagging or shortness of breath: Use the Heimlich maneuver (see below).
  • Seek veterinary help immediately.

Gastric Torsion (Life-Threatening Emergency)

Gastric torsion occurs predominantly in large dog breeds and is an absolute emergency.

Symptoms: of Gastric Torsion

  • Hard, bloated abdominal wall
  • Restlessness, unsuccessful Vomiting, drooling
  • Circulatory problems, shock

Immediate Measures

  • Do not give any more food or water!

Take the animal to the veterinarian immediately – every moment counts!

Take the animal to the veterinarian immediately – every moment counts!

Improper transport can worsen Pain and cause further injuries.

General Transport Rules

  • Speak to the animal calmly and move it as little as possible.
  • If unconscious: Keep head and body in a stable Lying on side.
  • If a back injury is suspected: Transport the animal on a solid surface.
  • In case of heavy Bleeding: Apply a pressure bandage before moving the animal.

Special Transport Tips According to Type of Injury

Type of injury

Transport method

Unconsciousness

Lying on side, keep head slightly lower

Bone fracture

Use a stable base, move as little as possible

Open wound

Apply bandage, keep animal as calm as possible

Shortness of breath

Slightly raise head, avoid stress

First aid kit for dogs and cats

A well-equipped first aid kit is essential to be able to react quickly in Emergencies. Many accidents happen at home or on the road – then every second counts. A prepared emergency kit can help to care for wounds, stop Bleeding or keep the animal stable until professional help arrives.

Contents of a First Aid Kit for Dogs and Cats

Basic Equipment

  • Sterile wound dressings (compresses, gauze bandages)
  • Elastic bandages for fixation
  • Plasters self-adhesive bandages for minor injuries
  • Disinfectant (chlorhexidine or iodine-containing solutions)
  • Scissors and tweezers for removing foreign bodies
  • Fever thermometer for measuring body temperature
  • Disposable gloves for hygienic wound care
  • Tick tweezers or card for safely removing ticks
  • Cooling pads for treating bruises or Swelling
  • Gauze swabs and cotton balls for cleaning

Additional Equipment for Emergencies

  • Muzzle (even peaceful animals can bite in shock)
  • Sterile saline solution for rinsing eyes or wounds
  • Activated charcoal (for poison absorption after veterinary consultation)
  • Rescue drops (Bach flowers) to calm down in stressful situations
  • Disposable syringes (without needle) for fluid intake or medication administration
  • Tourniquet in case of severe Bleeding
  • Flashlight to check pupil reactions

The kit should be checked regularly, especially for medicines and disinfectants, to ensure that they have not expired.

Applying a Bandage

A correctly applied bandage protects wounds, prevents infections and supports healing. It is important not to injure the animal further or wrap the bandage too tightly.

Important Rules when Applying a Bandage

  • First clean and disinfect the wound
  • Pad well to avoid pressure points
  • Wrap the bandage neither too loosely nor too tightly
  • Pad paw bandages including all toes (including the thumb)
  • Only use elastic bandages carefully and do not stretch them, as there is a very high risk that they will be applied too tightly and the blood supply will be cut off or impaired

Step-by-step Instructions for a Paw Bandage

  1. Clean the wound and disinfect with an antiseptic solution.
  2. Apply a sterile wound dressing to prevent infection.
  3. Attach padding, e.g. with cotton wool or a padding bandage.
  4. Fix with a gauze bandage, applying even pressure.
  5. Finish with a self-adhesive bandage, but do not stretch it or hardly stretch it before applying it.
  6. If necessary, apply a waterproof protective layer (e.g. plastic bag for short walks).

A bandage that is too tight can restrict blood circulation and cause tissue damage. Therefore, the bandage should be checked regularly.

Resuscitation (Reanimation)

Reanimation may be necessary if the animal is no longer breathing or its heart stops. Then every second counts!

ABC Rule of Reanimation

A = Clear airways

  • Open mouth and check for foreign bodies
  • If available, remove carefully

B = Perform ventilation

  • Close mouth and blow air through the nose
  • 10–20 breaths per minute, depending on the size of the animal
  • Chest should rise slightly

C = Cardiac Reanimation (chest compression)

  • Lay animal on right side
  • Place palm behind left elbow
  • 100–120 compressions per minute
  • Give 2 breaths every 15 compressions

Special Features Depending on Animal Size

Size of the animal

Ventilation frequency

Compression frequency

Large dogs

10–15 breaths/min

80–100/min

Small dogs

15–20 breaths/min

100–120/min

Cats

20–24 breaths/min

120–140/min

After successful Reanimation, the animal should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.

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Foreign bodies in the airways – Heimlich maneuver

If an animal is about to suffocate because a foreign body is blocking the airways, quick action must be taken.

Symptoms: of an Airway Blockage

  • Sudden Cough or Gagging
  • Blue discolored mucous membranes
  • Shortness of breath or unconsciousness

First Aid Measures

  1. Open the mouth and look for foreign bodies. If visible, carefully remove with tweezers.
  2. If not visible, use the Heimlich maneuver:
    • For the dog: Place your hands below the ribs and apply quick pressure inwards and upwards.
    • For cats and small dogs: Hold the animal with its head down and pat it on the back.
  3. If the animal becomes unconscious, start Reanimation immediately.

Poisoning – Recognize Act

Symptoms of Poisoning

  • Vomiting, Diarrhea, tremors, Seizures
  • Restlessness or Apathy
  • Breathing problems or shock

Immediate Measures

  1. Calm the animal and do not force it to vomit
  2. Secure suspicious substances and show them to the veterinarian
  3. Only give activated charcoal after consulting a veterinarian
  4. Seek a veterinary hospital immediately.

Shock – Recognize life-threatening Emergencies

Shock can be triggered by Blood loss, poisoning or severe injuries.

Symptoms: of Shock

  • Pale mucous membranes
  • Weak, rapid pulse
  • Disturbances of consciousness
  • Cold ears and paws

First Aid for Shock

  • Lay the animal flat, legs slightly raised
  • Keep warm, but do not overheat
  • Speak calmly and avoid stress
  • Initiate veterinary treatment immediately

When is a visit to the vet urgently necessary?

Sometimes it is difficult to assess whether there is an emergency. Immediate help is needed for:

  • Shortness of breath or unconsciousness
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea
  • Sudden Paralysis
  • seizures

When in doubt, it’s better to go to the vet too often than not enough!