Home Our mission Information for owners Information for vetererinary surgeons The staff First Aid for pets Contact details directions to Bristol Emergency Vets

First Aid for Pets


Fundamentals of First Aid

Always remember ABC - Airway, Breathing, Circulation

Airway - can your pet get air in through his/her mouth, or is there an obstruction (blood clot / broken teeth/ tongue etc.) blocking the back of the mouth?

Check the mouth carefully (without getting bitten!) if in doubt.

Breathing - is the chest moving up and down in a relaxed manner, or is your pet labouring to breathe? If there is no breathing - check the airway. If clear, you can give artificial respiration - 'the kiss of life'; clamp your hands around the lips, make a seal with your lips around the animal's muzzle and blow hard down the nose (it sounds disgusting - but you won't catch anything, and it may save your pet's life).

Dog in a blanket

Circulation - is there obvious excessive blood loss, what colour are the gums? - This can give an indication of whether the circulation is failing or not. Learn how to check for a pulse - any of our nurses or vets will show you how to do this.