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…

Dr Charlie Astle, also known as Charlie the Vet, is an Agria ambassador, vet and pet first aid expert. 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.”

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

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. Whilst Archie, the Great Dane puppy, didn’t actually choke, the consequences of swallowing something he shouldn’t were potentially just as dangerous! Read his remarkable story here https://www.agriapet.co.uk/blog/news/puppy-swallows-6-inch-bbq-skewer/

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. Take a look at our guide from vet, Robin Hargreaves at https://www.agriapet.co.uk/guides-and-advice/preventing-treating-overheating-dogs/

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. More information can be found in Agria’s guide to treating bleeding wounds at https://www.agriapet.co.uk/guides-and-advice/how-to-help-a-bleeding-dog/

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, Agria’s guide explains more here https://www.agriapet.co.uk/guides-and-advice/dogs-and-wasp-stings/

Consuming something toxic

Many common household foods, and non-food items, 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. For a list of commonly consumed toxins go to https://www.agriapet.co.uk/guides-and-advice/what-substances-are-toxic-to-dogs/

For more serious injuries, too much time spent administering first aid might delay vital, emergency veterinary treatment but, by informing ourselves of the basics, we can certainly try to stabilize our dog’s condition and bring comfort on the way, whilst treating the simpler things at home.

For free 24/7 video veterinary advice, download the Agria App today: expert reassurance anytime, anywhere.

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.