Training & Behaviour - First Aid
Builds the practical skills needed to recognise and respond to a pet emergency. 'How to' contain detailed instructions to learn first aid skills for different scenarios.
What must be in place
● ability to check responsiveness and breathing
● ability to recognise when immediate first aid may be needed
● ability to protect yourself and approach an injured or distressed pet safely
● ability to check and maintain an airway
● knowledge of CPR and rescue breathing
● knowledge of how to respond to choking
● ability to control serious bleeding and protect wounds
● knowledge of how to respond to seizures or convulsions
● ability to recognise and respond to heat-related emergencies
● awareness of poisoning and other common emergency risks
● ability to monitor the pet and recognise deterioration
● knowledge of when and how to seek veterinary help
● familiarity with the first-aid equipment you carry
● ability to record and communicate important information for veterinary handover
Failure Exposure (if absent)
● delayed recognition of a life-threatening emergency
● delayed or incorrect first-aid response
● inability to perform CPR, rescue breathing or choking response when required
● uncontrolled bleeding or avoidable deterioration
● unsafe handling of an injured or distressed pet
● failure to recognise when the pet’s condition is worsening
● delayed veterinary contact, transport or handover
Trade-offs & Secondary Exposure
● first-aid training does not replace veterinary care
● skills may deteriorate if they are not reviewed or practised
● inappropriate intervention may cause harm or delay the correct response
● techniques may differ according to the pet’s size, body shape and condition
● personal safety must take priority where the pet, environment or situation creates a danger
Training & Familiarity
First-aid skills should be learned before an emergency occurs and reviewed periodically.
Practise safe skills such as assessment, positioning, locating equipment and working through emergency scenarios. Techniques that could injure a healthy pet should only be simulated rather than physically performed.
Detailed guide
Detailed checklist
Learn & Practice First Aid Skills
Choose a situation to learn what to recognise, what to do and how to respond safely.
In a real emergency, use the First Aid emergency cards instead.
S.A.F.E. Before You Help
S — SCENE 
Check for danger. Look for traffic, water, fire, electricity, unstable ground, cliffs, dangerous animals or other hazards.
A — APPROACH 
Approach carefully. A frightened, injured, distressed pet or pet in pain may bite or scratch — even if they normally wouldn’t
F — FIRST PROBLEM 
Check the immediate problem. Is your pet responsive? Can they breathe? Is there severe bleeding or another immediate danger?
E — EMERGENCY HELP 
Start First Aid & get help. If someone is with you, ask them to contact a veterinarian or appropriate rescue/emergency service while you help your pet.
Do not put yourself or anyone else in danger to reach or rescue your pet. If you cannot approach or reach them safely, get appropriate rescue assistance.
Travel / Activity Emergencies
🛟
Pet Overboard / In the Water / Drowning
Immediate rescue steps, help them recover, and support breathing.
⛰️
Pet Stranded / Fallen — Difficult Terrain
Your pet has fallen, become trapped or is somewhere they can’t recover from.
💥
Major Accident / Trauma
Your pet has been hit, suffered a serious injury, collision or other major impact.
First Aid Emergencies
🆘
CPR /
Not Breathing / Unresponsive
Your pet is unresponsive or not breathing.
⚡
Seizure / Convulsions
Keep your pet safe during a seizure and know what to do as they recover.
🐍
Snake / Venomous Bite
Known or suspected snake or venomous animal bite.
🐝
Allergic Reaction / Anaphylaxis
Sudden swelling, hives, vomiting, weakness or breathing problems after a possible allergic trigger.
☠️
Poison / Toxin Exposure
Suspected poisoning from something eaten, licked, inhaled or contacted.
🫃
Swollen Abdomen / Trying to Vomit
Recognise dangerous abdominal swelling or repeated attempts to vomit without bringing anything up.
🤢
Severe Vomiting or Diarrhoea
Support hydration and watch for danger signs.
🚽
Straining / Cannot Urinate
Repeatedly straining to urinate, passing little or no urine, or appearing painful.
🩻
Limping / Suspected Broken Bone
Protect the injury, limit movement and get veterinary help.
🧰❓
Not Sure What’s Wrong?
Learn how to quickly find the right first-aid guidance when you’re not sure what is wrong.
