Raising Awareness on Pet First Aid
It’s always smart to have a first aid kit ready for any adventure, whether it’s a hike or a camping trip. But have you ever thought about your dog’s safety on these occasions? Our beloved dogs are curious explorers, and sometimes they can get into trouble. That’s why April is recognized as National Pet First Aid Awareness Month.
So, why is pet first aid so crucial? Well, just like us, dogs can find themselves in tricky situations where quick action is needed. While rushing to the vet is usually the best option, there are times when you might not have that luxury, like when you’re out hiking or camping. In those moments, your furry pal is counting on you to be their hero.

To be that hero, it’s important to know the basics of pet first aid, like how to set up a first aid kit and perform CPR. Speaking of kits, here’s a handy checklist of what you might need:
- Disposable gloves
- Tweezers
- Digital thermometer
- Bandages
- Antiseptic wipes
- And more!
And let’s not forget about CPR. Yes, you can actually perform CPR on your dog! It’s not as complicated as it sounds, and it could save their life in an emergency.
Here’s a video by the PDSA on how to perform CPR on a dog:
Of course, prevention is always better than cure. So, it’s essential to know what dangers lurk around your home. Chocolate, grapes, and certain household cleaners can be harmful to your furry friend, so make sure to keep them out of reach.
If the worst happens and your dog gets into trouble, stay calm. Take a deep breath and follow these steps:
- Call for help
- Check your dog’s vital signs
- Clear their airway if needed
- Provide basic first aid
- And get them to the vet as soon as possible
Accidents happen, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can be your dog’s superhero. There’s plenty of dog first aid courses online that you can go for if you’re interested, such as the one provided by the National Pet College, in partnership with the Pet Industry Federation.
We sincerely hope you never find yourself in a situation where you need to reach for your first aid kit, but it’s always better to be prepared for your dog’s adventures!
info@dogtalesclub.co.uk
+44 7908 867313