At some time you may have to administer first aid to your own pet, or someone else's.

 Always put your own safety first, as in any emergency situation

 You cannot help if you are injured yourself. Remember also that an injured animal is scared and in shock, it may bite you even if you are the owner, you may like it or not, have to muzzle the dog to enable safe treatment, you can use a towel, tie or belt, or use common sense to improvise. You must note at this point that if the dog is having breathing difficulties you should not use a muzzle of any description as this could quickly worsen an already serious situation.

Most pet first aid is common sense.

 Many of the fundamental principles of first aid for humans apply also to dogs.

 First and most importantly you must assess the situation, if you can do so yourself telephone the veterinary surgeon, or get someone else to do this for you, give as much information about the situation as possible.

 Unless absolutely necessary do not move the dog you could cause more damage.

 Do not give anything to eat or drink this could delay an anaesthetic being given in the event of surgery being required.

Remember the golden rule of all first aid A.B.C (Airway, Breathing, Circulation). Remember to talk to your dog, even if he seems unconscious soothing words may just be heard, always approach the dogs head slowly speaking softly to him use his name, but remember to keep your voice calm, if you panic then the dog will also panic more.