Emergency Care for Your Dog

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Your dog can be an important part of your active lifestyle, but it's important for you to be prepared should accidents or injury occur. Simple first aid preparedness can help you feel more confident and could save your dog's life in an emergency.

Always Check for Problems
Don't wait for an unseen problem to get serious. Once you have returned home from a hike with your dog, check for potential minor injuries.

Accidents
If your dog is injured while you are out, use a restraint if necessary to keep you and your dog safe. Try a blanket, jacket, board, or anything available as a makeshift stretcher to transport your dog to the nearest veterinary hospital.

Stay Calm, Stay Safe
If your dog is hurt, you need to stay calm. It will help you think more clearly, and it will help your dog if you appear nonthreatening and speak in a calm, soothing voice. If, despite this, your dog acts as though he may bite, protect yourself by restraining your dog. You can use a blanket for a small dog, or use long strips of fabric to create a muzzle for a larger breed. (To muzzle, loop a long strip of fabric over snout. Knot on the top and again under the chin, then tie behind the ears.)