First aid dog and cat
What to do with bleeding, poisoning, choking or overheating. Basic first aid can save lives.
First aid for dogs and cats can make the difference between life and death. This guide provides basic information on what to do with bleeding, poisoning, choking, overheating and CPR. This never replaces professional help—in emergencies always call your vet or the emergency vet service immediately.
🩸 Bleeding
With bleeding: apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. Hold firmly for at least 3–5 minutes. For a leg: optionally apply a pressure bandage. With heavy or arterial bleeding (spurting blood): go to the vet immediately. With a bitten ear or tail: often a lot of blood due to blood flow—don't panic, keep pressure and go to the vet.
☠️ Poisoning
If poisoning is suspected: do not induce vomiting without advice from a vet or poison centre—some substances (e.g. corrosive agents) cause extra damage when vomiting. Call your vet or poison centre immediately. Note what your pet ate, how much and when. Take packaging or remains to the vet.
💓 CPR
CPR is only needed if the animal is not breathing and has no heartbeat. Place the animal on its right side. For dogs: hands on the chest (just behind the elbow), 100–120 compressions per minute. For cats: smaller compressions. Alternate with mouth-to-nose breathing (close nose, mouth over snout). 30 compressions, 2 breaths. Continue until the vet arrives. This is very strenuous—ask someone to take turns.
😮💨 Choking
With choking: look in the mouth to see if something is visible. Remove carefully with fingers or tweezers—watch for biting. For large dogs: Heimlich manoeuvre: arms around the belly, fist below the ribs, forceful push upward. For small dogs and cats: hold on arm with head down, gently pat the back. Go to the vet immediately if it doesn't work or the animal turns blue.
☀️ Overheating
Overheating can be quickly fatal. Symptoms: panting, drooling, lethargy, staggering, red tongue. Act immediately: move to a cool place, give small sips of water (don't force), wet towels on belly and legs (not on the head). No ice-cold water—that constricts blood vessels. Fan or air conditioning on. Go to the vet immediately—even if the animal seems to recover, there can be delayed damage.
🚨 In emergencies
This information is not a substitute for vet advice. In life-threatening situations: call your vet or the emergency vet service immediately. Know the emergency number in advance.
🩺 This information is general. Contact your vet for tailored advice. Do not practise CPR on a healthy animal.
🏠 First aid at home
What do you need at home? A first aid kit, emergency numbers and a safe environment. Check our checklist.
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