# Pet First Aid in the UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/pet-first-aid-uk): Pet First Aid in the UK — Quick answer. In a UK pet emergency, follow PDSA's DR ABC — check Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing and Circulation — then transport to a vet while giving first aid. Keep a stocked first aid kit at home and in the car. First aid supports your pet on the way to the vet; it never replaces veterinary care.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/pet-first-aid-uk): Pet First Aid in the UK — Be prepared before an emergency. According to PDSA, preparation can be the difference between life and death: - Store your vet's number in your phone and know out-of-hours arrangements - Know the nearest Vets Now or emergency clinic — see When to see an emergency vet - Keep a pet first aid kit at home and a smaller kit for travel - Download PDSA's free pet first aid guide for step-by-step emergency scenarios - Note your pet's microchip number and any medications

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/pet-first-aid-uk): Pet First Aid in the UK — DR ABC — PDSA emergency steps. PDSA uses the DR ABC approach when you find your pet in distress: | Step | Action | |------|--------| | D — Danger | Make the scene safe for you and your pet. A frightened or injured pet may bite — use a muzzle for dogs if needed and safe | | R — Response | Check if your pet responds to your voice or touch. Unconscious pets need urgent vet care | | A — Airway | Ensure the mouth and throat are clear. Extend the neck gently — do not force if you suspect neck injury | | B — Breathing | Watch chest movement. If not breathing, contact your vet immediately for CPR guidance — do not delay calling | | C — Circulation | Check gum colour (pink is normal) and feel for a heartbeat. Pale, blue or white gums need emergency care | Apply first aid while contacting your vet — phone ahead so the team can prepare.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/pet-first-aid-uk): Pet First Aid in the UK — Common UK pet emergencies. Bleeding Apply firm pressure with a clean dressing for several minutes. Do not remove soaked dressings — add more on top. Bandage loosely so two fingers fit between bandage and skin, as PDSA advises. Transport to the vet. ### Burns and heatstroke Move to a cool area. For heatstroke, pour cool (not ice-cold) water over the body and offer small sips of water. Never wrap in cold wet towels — this can trap heat. See Dog heatstroke UK. ### Poisoning Do not induce vomiting unless your vet instructs you. Call Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 and go to a vet. See our Poison guide. ### Choking Only attempt removal if you can see the object clearly — blind finger sweeps can push obstructions deeper. Transport to the vet immediately. ### Fractures and road traffic accidents Keep your pet still on a blanket stretcher. Muzzle dogs if in pain. Do not give food or water. ### Seizures Clear hazards, time the seizure, do not restrain. Call your vet if seizure lasts more than 2 minutes or repeats.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/pet-first-aid-uk