---
title: "Pet First Aid in the UK"
description: "UK pet first aid guide — PDSA DR ABC steps, what to do in emergencies, and what to keep in a pet first aid kit at home and in the car."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/pet-first-aid-uk"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/pet-first-aid-uk"
date_published: "2026-06-01"
date_modified: "2026-06-25"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Pet First Aid in the UK

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.

## 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](/health/when-to-see-emergency-vet-uk)
- 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

## 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.

## 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](/health/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](/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.

## Pet first aid kit — PDSA checklist

According to PDSA, every pet owner should keep:

| Item | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| Bandages and wound dressings | Bleeding control |
| Blunt-ended scissors | Cutting dressings and fur |
| Wound wash (pet-safe) | Cleaning wounds |
| Cotton wool pads | Padding and cleaning |
| Tweezers and tick removal tool | Foreign bodies and ticks |
| Self-adhesive tape | Securing dressings loosely |
| Vinyl gloves | Hygiene |
| Foil blanket | Warmth and shock |
| Sterile eye wash | Eye contamination |
| Thick towel or blanket | Stretcher for large pets |
| Spare lead and muzzle (dogs) | Safe handling |

Apply all bandages **loosely** — tight bandages can cut off blood supply. After any first aid, PDSA advises a **vet check-up as soon as possible**, even if your pet seems recovered.

## Transporting an injured pet

- Phone ahead to your vet or Vets Now
- Keep cats in a secure carrier; cover for calm
- Support injured limbs; do not let dogs jump into cars unaided
- Drive carefully — a second person can monitor your pet

## When to call an emergency vet

Go immediately for difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, suspected poisoning, bloat in dogs, blocked bladder in male cats, or rabbits not eating. See [When to see an emergency vet UK](/health/when-to-see-emergency-vet-uk).

## FAQs

### What does DR ABC mean for pet first aid?

According to PDSA, DR ABC stands for Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing and Circulation — the same priority order as human first aid, adapted for pets. Check the scene is safe before approaching your pet.

### What should be in a UK pet first aid kit?

PDSA recommends bandages, blunt-ended scissors, wound wash, cotton wool, tweezers, tick removal tool, wound dressings, self-adhesive tape, vinyl gloves, foil blanket and sterile eye wash. Add a spare lead and muzzle for dogs.

### Can I treat my pet at home instead of going to the vet?

First aid stabilises your pet on the way to the vet — it does not replace professional care. PDSA advises always taking your pet for a vet check-up after giving first aid, even for minor injuries.

## Sources

- [PDSA — First aid for pets](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-pets/first-aid-for-pets)
- [PDSA — Emergency care for pets](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-pets/emergency-care-for-pets)
- [PDSA — Pet first aid guide (PDF)](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/media/13919/pdsa-pet-first-aid-guide.pdf)

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Last modified: 2026-06-25