First Aid Basics

5 cards · about a minute

1. 01

   Build the kit first

   Gauze, self-adhesive bandage, blunt scissors, tweezers, saline, a digital thermometer and your vet’s night number, all in one box by the door.

2. 02

   Bleeding

   Firm direct pressure with a clean pad for a full five minutes without lifting to look, checking too early is what restarts most bleeds.

3. 03

   Vomiting

   One vomit from a bright dog can wait; repeated vomiting, a hard bloated belly, retching with nothing coming up, or a dog who cannot keep water down cannot.

4. 04

   Heatstroke

   Move to shade, wet the coat with cool rather than iced water, put a fan on them, and drive to the vet while you cool, the damage continues after the panting stops.

5. 05

   Know your limit

   First aid buys time and does not treat; the skill worth having is knowing which five minutes belong to you and which belong to the vet.