Out & About First Aid for your Dog

For all the fun and entertainment our dogs may bring us, they can be a worry too, which is where a robust lifetime pet insurance brings great peace of mind! It also helps to have some basic knowledge of first aid, and the barest essentials of a kit to hand when you’re out and about.

You’ll have your own vet’s number stored, but if you are away, make a note of a vet local to the area, just in case.

For more serious injuries, too much time spent administering first aid might delay vital, emergency veterinary treatment, but we can certainly try to stabilize our dog’s condition and comfort on the way.

Dr Charlie Astle, also known as Charlie the Vet, is an Agria ambassador, vet and pet first aid expert. She says understanding the signs of common pet first aid emergencies can make all the difference, and shares her tips to help pet owners:

Choking

Charlie the Vet’s tip: If your pet is choking, stay calm and check their mouth for anything obvious you can safely remove. Don’t push objects further down. If they’re struggling to breathe, contact a vet immediately and make your way there as quickly as possible.

Heatstroke

Charlie the Vet’s tip: If you suspect heatstroke, move your pet somewhere cool straight away and offer small sips of water. Use cool (not icy) water on their body and contact your vet urgently – heatstroke is always an emergency.

Bleeding

Charlie the Vet’s tip: If your pet is bleeding, apply gentle but firm pressure with a clean cloth or towel. Keep them calm and still, and head to the vet as soon as possible, especially if the bleeding won’t stop.

Allergic reaction to a sting

Charlie the Vet’s tip: If your pet is stung and their head or tongue begins to swell, they start vomiting or acting unwell, contact a vet immediately. Mild stings can be soothed with a cold compress, but serious reactions need urgent treatment.

Toxic food ingestion

Many common household foods are toxic for pets.

Charlie the Vet’s tip: If your pet eats something toxic, don’t wait for symptoms. Call your vet straight away and don’t induce vomiting unless told to. Quick action can make a huge difference.

With the world-famous international dog show, Crufts, returning to Birmingham from 5-8th March, the nation’s dog lovers will be celebrating our four-legged friends. But while many owners can spot perfect heelwork or impeccable recall, far fewer feel confident handling a first aid emergency.

Dr Charlie Astle, also known as Charlie the Vet, is an Agria ambassador, vet and pet first aid expert, and will be appearing at the Agria stand at Crufts. She says: “Pets are brilliant at getting themselves into trouble, usually when we least expect it. Whether it’s an allergic reaction to a bee sting in the garden or overheating on a walk, knowing what to do in those first moments really matters. A little first aid knowledge goes a long way. It can buy you time and protect your dog until you reach a vet.”

As a proud major sponsor of Crufts, Agria will be attending the four-day event to shine a spotlight on pet first aid, responsible ownership, and the importance of understanding your animal and being prepared when emergencies happen. Charlie the Vet will be at the Agria stand, performing demos on bleeding and bandaging, choking, and pet CPR.

Written by: Samantha Khan
Last reviewed on: 21 January 2026

About the Author

Sam Khan shares her woodland home with Junior, the cat, Gully, the dog and bunnies Hugo & Billy, sometimes playing the family’s ‘favourite’ game with the tortoise – “Where’s Churchill?” She loves writing for Agria, sharing our passion for animal welfare, protecting biodiversity and the environment. When not writing or illustrating, she will be making something, reading a book or swimming in the lake at the bottom of her lane.