Hopefully your dog will never seriously hurt himself, but accidents do happen and so it's useful to have a basic knowledge of dog first aid.

First Aid Box

You should always keep a few basic items on hand for emergencies, such as: cotton bandages, cotton wool or lint to clean wounds, mild pet-friendly antiseptic to wash wounds and a pair of tweezers for removing small objects from the mouth.

Bones, sticks and balls

Bones, sticks and balls can get lodged in or across the roof of a dog's mouth. If this happens, you may notice your dog pawing at his mouth, or he may find it difficult to close his jaws. You might be able to remove the object by hand or with tweezers, but if not, you'll need to get your vet to do it. He or she will use sedation to make removal easier. As always, prevention is better than cure, so never let your dog play with small balls or toys and avoid throwing sticks.

Burns

If your dog gets burned by hot water, oil, chemicals or ice, he'll need immediate attention. Minor burns can be treated at home - simply clean the affected area with a mild antiseptic and apply a soothing cream or gel such as aloe vera. Severe burns will need veterinary attention, so take your dog to the vet straight away.

Cuts and wounds

Dogs may suffer from cuts or wounds particularly to their feet if they run on something sharp like broken glass. Clean the affected area with a dilute disinfectant and apply a bandage if necessary. Consult your vet if you cannot stop the bleeding or the wound is severe.

Dog bites

If your dog is unlucky enough to be bitten by another dog, it's always worth getting him checked over by the vet. Make a routine appointment if the bite or bites are minor and make sure your pet is seen as an emergency if they're severe.

Ear Problems

Your dog's ears should be shiny, pale pink inside and free from wax or discharge. They should not smell unpleasant. If you suspect an ear problem always consult a vet.

Eye problems

You should consult your vet if your dog has any problems with his eyes such as a scratch or conjunctivitis. Try and prevent your dog from rubbing his eyes if you can.

Fits

A fit can be recognized by sudden, uncontrolled, spasmodic movements, often with champing of the jaw, and salivating. A dog having a fit will usually fall onto its side and not be aware of its surroundings.

If your dog does have a fit, try not to restrain him. Instead, remove any furniture or hard objects around him that could cause an injury. Turn off all stimuli such as lights, radio, television, washing machine etc, and darken the room so he can recover quietly.

N.B. You should ALWAYS consult your vet if your dog has a fit.

Fractured or pulled-off claws

These can be very painful and tend to become quickly infected. Bleeding is also often profuse. If possible, try to apply a bandage to the foot before taking your dog to the vet as antibiotics are often required and the claw may need to be clipped back under sedation or anaesthetic.

Heat Stroke

The best advice as far as heat stroke is concerned is that prevention is better than cure. Ensure your dog doesn't stay out in the sun for too long on hot days and avoids the midday heat.

If he does get mild heatstroke, cool him down as best you can with wet towels or a fan. Ensure he drinks plenty of cool water and gets lots of rest. Serious heatstroke will require the attention of a vet.

Lameness

If your dog is in obvious pain and can't put any weight on his leg, you should take him to the vet immediately as he may have a fracture.
In less severe cases, look for damaged nails and check the pad for thorns, embedded grit or cuts.

Poisoning

Some dogs are very inquisitive and there's always the possibility your dog will get hold of something he shouldn't. Prevention is always better than cure and you need to dog-proof your home and garden to ensure he can't access things, such as slug pellets, bleach or chocolate, that could be harmful to his health. If you suspect your dog has digested something harmful, always take the packaging to your vet as this will help identify the problem and source an antidote.

If the worst does happen, see your vet as an emergency.

Road traffic accidents

If your dog has been involved in a road accident, you should call your vet immediately. Your dog may be in shock and could react unpredictably, so approach him with caution. If possible, lift your dog onto a blanket (or use the mat from the car foot well) then take him to the vet as quickly as you can. If he cannot be moved, you may have to ask your vet to come directly to the scene of the accident.

Stings and insect bites

If your dog has been stung and has severe swelling around his mouth, nose or throat that's causing breathing difficulties, you should get him to a vet immediately. If the sting or bite isn't causing any serious problems, you can alleviate your dog's discomfort by applying a cold compress to the affected area.