First aid for dogs is good to know, even if you don't have pets. The priorities are the same for humans and animals, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. 
First aid for dogs is good to know, especially for service dog teams!
The priorities are the same for humans and animals, Airway, Breathing, Circulation.
Always have your dog checked out by a veterinarian if there is anything going on, even if symptoms seem to have resolved after applying first aid!
Airway, the ability to move air in and out of the lungs is and should be the first priority.
Without an airway, oxygen cannot get to the lungs. There are many things from swelling and trauma to choking that can obstruct an airway.
Swelling that might obstruct the airway would be any swelling of the mouth, lips or tongue. This can be caused by something the dog has put in their mouth, even if they didn't swallow it. An example, local to me, is a frog that secretes something that makes dogs' faces swell. It happened to my Newfoundland, and every other dog she played with at a creek near my house. Dogs can take diphenhydramine, sold under the brand name Benadryl, but it is something you need to check with a veterinarian before administering. The dose is weight dependent. Benadryl comes in a liquid for children, which makes it easier to give to a dog that might be having difficulty swallowing, which will be an issue with swelling.
Trauma to the airway can also cause difficulty with moving air, or obstructing the airway. This will be case specific on what can be done. Unless you are trained, inserting an airway can be dangerous and cause more damage to the airway.
Obstruction to the airway, such as choking can be caused by eating a toy or object that is too big to swallow. In this case, removing the object, either with a finger sweep or the Heimlich Maneuver are simple techniques that can save your dog's life.
Breathing is the second priority
Breathing is the act of moving air in and out of the lungs. There are many reasons a dog may not be able to breathe. Performing rescue breathing for dogs is possible, and fire trucks now often carry oxygen and masks to be used on pets.
Knowing how to perform rescue breathing for your dog is important to keeping the airflow going. First, check for a forgone object in the airway by pulling the tongue out until it's flat. If there is something, remove it with a gentle finger sweep. After doing this, close the mouth, then breathe into your dog's nose until the chest rises. Do this in a steady fashion. If possible, have someone else call the vet to see what to do next.
Circulation
Circulation is all about blood flow. If the heart is not beating, CPR can be started. This is done by compressing the chest, to compress the heart to simulate regular heart action.
Circulation also involves any bleeding or blood loss, so this is internal and external bleeding. If you see a large amount of blood, it's important to stop bleeding as fast as possible. Ideally, the wound is cleaned and dressed with a sterile dressing, but this is not always realistic. If the blood is pulsing or spurting, that means an artery has been compromised. In that case stopping the bleeding takes priority over cleaning the wound. Apply pressure, ideally at the spot the pulsing blood is coming from.
With all bleeding applying pressure will allow the blood a chance to clot and form a natural patch.
Peri pads, or maxi pads make great dressings because they will absorb blood while decreasing the flow rate of the bleeding. Vet Wrap, Coban, also known as self sticking bandage wrap is nice for holding these dressings in place. Vet wrap has other uses as well, such as protecting paw pads from rough terrain.
Poisoning
Poisoning is an issue anyone with pets should be concerned about. Prevention is key, like most other aspects of trauma. Training dogs not to put things in their mouth without permission is key here. This does not mean not to train a retrieve. On the contrary, training to bring things to you that do not belong to the dog will prevent most cases of ingesting things they should not. It also solves a host of other issues.
If your dog does eat something you are unsure is safe or not, call Animal Poison Control. The people who work there have the resources to tell you what steps to do next at their finger tips, and are a resource for the veterinarians treating dogs as well
Keeping the phone number and address of your local emergency veterinarian should be a no-brainer, program it into your phone and post it on the refrigerator with your other emergency numbers, so if you're busy taking care of the dog, someone else with you can easily make the call.
This is a great link to basic first aid for pets.
A simple first aid can also be made with a child's diaper, a pair of tweezers, a pair of small bandage scissors, liquid Benadryl, and vet wrap. Wrap all the supplies in the diaper.
Part of effective first aid is looking at things you have on hand or can easily carry that can be used for dual purpose so you are not adding too many things to what you carry.
Training
Really? Why do I need a muzzle?
Training is important to keep your dog as calm as possible when dealing with emergencies. A dog that is comfortable with something on his or her face, being in a crate, being handled, and the noise and sensation of things like clippers, will be less stressed when being handled by emergency carers, especially if you are not able to be with your dog for any reason.
Things to Have in Your First Aid Kit
Keeping a basic first aid kit for your dog is simple, affordable, and something every dog owner should consider. Many pre-made kits contain only small bandages and minimal supplies, which often are not enough for real emergencies at home, on the road, or out on the trail.
One of the most useful additions to a first aid kit is something many people already have at home: maxi or peri pads paired with vet wrap (also called Coban or self-adhering bandage wrap). These pads are highly absorbent and work well for controlling bleeding and protecting wounds until veterinary care is available. After my sister was kicked by her horse and needed sutures, the emergency room physician was impressed with her improvised dressing made from a maxi pad and vet wrap.
Basic first aid is about stabilizing the situation, addressing immediate concerns, and getting veterinary care as soon as possible.
At minimum, your kit should include supplies to:
Control bleeding
Cover and protect wounds
Splint or stabilize an injury
Remove splinters, stickers, or foreign objects
Simple supplies are often enough to handle many common injuries, including:
Maxi or peri pads
Vet wrap or Coban
Scissors
Tweezers or hemostats
A child’s diaper for larger wounds or padding
A zip-top bag or pouch to keep everything together
I also recommend carrying a muzzle. Even the gentlest dog may bite when injured, frightened, or in pain. A dog that is comfortable wearing a muzzle before an emergency will experience far less stress if one is needed.
It is also helpful to keep extra gear on hand, including:
An extra leash
A long line
Basic repair items such as clips, bolts, or spare hardware
A carry sling or support harness for injured dogs
Having a first aid kit in both your vehicle and your home is ideal. If you keep medications in your vehicle, remember that heat and cold can damage them over time. Medications are often better stored in your daily go bag or purse, and expiration dates should be checked regularly.
The Go Bag
I keep a go bag packed for my dog at all times. It includes extra leashes, a long line, water, bowls, treats, shoes, a muzzle, and basic first aid supplies. It also doubles as my everyday bag, carrying my phone, keys, wallet, lip balm, Musher’s Secret, and other essentials.
One of my favorite day packs is the Osprey Daylite Plus because it is lightweight, comfortable, and easy to wear for long periods without feeling bulky. It holds far more than you would expect and works well for training outings, hikes, travel, or everyday adventures.
Musher’s Secret
Musher’s Secret is one of my favorite multi-purpose dog products. It helps protect paw pads and noses from heat, cold, snow, rough terrain, and chafing. It can also help moisturize dry skin in both dogs and humans.
In Conclusion
It is impossible to be completely prepared for every emergency, but having basic supplies and knowledge can make a tremendous difference when something unexpected happens.
The goal is not to carry an elaborate medical kit everywhere you go. The goal is to have practical tools, stay calm, stabilize the situation, and get help when needed.
Preparation gives us more options, more confidence, and more ability to support our dogs when they need us most.