How To Save Your Dog’s Life: 5 Reasons Why Every Dog Owner Should Learn Dog First Aid

You’re relaxed. Your best friend is by your side. Their tail wagging, eyes looking adoringly at you. When things are going well with your dog there isn’t a better feeling in the world. When a walk with your dog is going well, the last thing you want to imagine is your trusty pet being in pain or worse. Most dog owners love their companion enough to understand the importance of insurance, being registered at a vet, regular flea tablets etc but you don’t often hear owners discussing first aid. Why?

After experiencing a few frightening incidents with our beloved boy (all the normal mischief an adolescent working breed can get into), I thought if anything happened to us humans I’d be able to call 999. But what could I do if Belka had an accident? Once I’d thought it, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I started to research what was involved in basic canine first aid for some common scenarios. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to find online courses and that they were accessible and affordable. Now when any of my friends adopt a new pet, it is one of the first tips I give them. Here are the main reasons why I consider knowing dog first aid is one of the best things you can do as an owner.

If anything happened to us humans I’d be able to call 999. But what could I do if my dog had an accident?

Disclaimer: I am not a first aid trainer (in fact, I am extremely squeamish so me doing the training is testament to how devoted I am to my dog’s welfare). These anecdotes are here to illustrate my personal experience but should not be taken as first aid guidance. Please do seek out a certified course for accurate and responsible first aid training.

In an emergency, timing is everything

The most crucial reason to learn first aid for your dog is that when they get into scrapes you may be a long way away from vet care. When you’re in the middle of nowhere it won’t matter what level of insurance or how great your vet is if your dog needs help right now. On one of our scrambles around the woodland near the River Hamble, Belka was having a great time jumping in and out of the water…until he emerged with blood streaming down his leg. The water certainly made the injury look worse than it was, but for a moment Jon and I panicked. It was a late Sunday afternoon, we were about two miles from the car park and with no phone reception. Luckily, Belka is very trusting with us so we could examine him, clean him up and improvise a sling/stretcher to get him back to the car. While you may need to see a vet as well, with some first aid knowledge you can be confident that you are giving your dog the best first step to recovery and that you won’t be making the situation worse.

Knowing dog first aid will give peace of mind for you as an owner

Your dog develops confidence in you

A recent Japanese study revealed that dogs notice when their owners struggle with things and seek ‘competent’ humans. Harsh, but true. It’s natural for humans to panic when they see any loved one in pain, be they human or canine. With some first aid knowledge, you can demonstrate your calm competence and earn your dog’s confidence in you too. Recently Belka managed to get a stick lodged in his mouth and throat. Without thinking I went into first aid mode and managed to retrieve the stick without any fuss or panic. If I’d hesitated, shouted or freaked out, I know Belka would have begun to choke or pierce his mouth. He would also have tried to evade me. I shuddered to think about it afterwards. But in the moment the first aid training made the whole interaction quick and (relatively) painless. Showing calm authority is advised in general dog training but it can be a life saver in a first aid scenario.

Knowing dog first aid could help to reduce vet bills

Responsible around any dog

I saw this for myself when Belka and I were walking with a friend and their dog. Their dog (Belka’s best friend!) was suddenly attacked by an out of control and aggressive large dog. The scene was chaotic and highly stressful. We were in a popular dog walking spot so several other dogs rushed to the scene to join in the frenzy and barking. I calmly called Belka to me and he came. He seemed to sense I knew what I was doing and that he was at risk if he got involved. Displaying competence really does work!. Once the dogs were separated. I helped give immediate first aid to the poor victim. The dog had deep bites in his thigh, through to the bone and his back leg has hanging). My friend, the owner, was naturally distraught so. With Belka alert but calm at my side, I created a stretcher from my coat and stemmed the blood loss. I accompanied my friend and the injured dog to the vets (which was, luckily, close by). This was almost 2 years ago, yet when we meet, this dog will come to me if he senses peril.

Overall, as with human first aid, you are unlikely to ever need all the skills you practise. But, as a dog owner, your pet really does rely on you for everything. You are their world. Taking a first aid course is an absolute must for you to be sure you have your dog’s welfare at the heart of your relationship with them. And it means you can explore limitless adventures safely together.