First aid for dogs

Basic advice to help you if you have an emergency with your dog.

Isabelle Vets provide a 24 hour, 365 days a year emergency service. In an emergency, just ring (01481) 723863 and you will receive prompt attention from one of our staff members who will contact the duty vet for you.

An emergency is defined as ‘a danger to your pet’s health which requires immediate action’. This includes anything that is life-threatening, is causing acute pain or a condition that is causing suffering or may lead to permanent debility if ignored.

Common emergencies seen in dogs in Guernsey include such things as heart attacks, strokes, epileptic seizures, road traffic accidents, poisoning, acute infections, dog fights, and bee stings.

Emergency advice before ringing the vet

• Evaluate your dog’s state of health. Look and observe.
• Check breathing, the colour of their gums, movement and dog’s awareness. Check for any wounds, stings or injuries.
• The more information you can provide the vet with the better the chance of an accurate and rapid diagnosis.

Emergency first aid

• Even the most gentle dog may become aggressive. You can’t help the dog if you are badly bitten yourself.
• Stem any bleeding with a pressure bandage or pad.
• Hold burns on the skin under cold running water.
• Make sure that airways are clear.
• Transport the dog to Isabelle Vets at the main Route Isabelle surgery.
• If collapsed use a blanket as an improvised stretcher with a person at each end.