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First Aid for Dogs
Dogs, especially those curious or who tend to chew on anything they find, are at risk of choking on food, toys, or other foreign objects. Choking can be a life-threatening situation if not handled promptly. Knowing how to recognize the signs — such as gagging, pawing at the mouth, or difficulty breathing — can help you act before it’s too late.
Learning how to perform the abdominal thrust or proper airway-clearing techniques could be the difference between saving your dog's life or facing an unfortunate outcome. Understanding the signs and symptoms of CPR, dog choking and other common emergencies empowers you to handle emergencies calmly and effectively, ensuring your dog’s health and safety in those critical moments.
Download the FREE Red Cross Pet First Aid App
The American Red Cross Pet First Aid app puts veterinary advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand. With videos, interactive quizzes, and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know pet first aid. Get the app and be prepared to act when called upon. iOS App, Google Play, or text "GETPET" to 90999.
Help Save Dog Lives with a Pet First Aid Class
Be prepared for any pet emergency! Sign up for our 35-minute Cat and Dog First Aid Online course. Learn the basics in caring for cats and dogs through a variety of topics – from understanding and checking your pet's vital signs, to preventative care for cats and dogs, to caring for the most critical emergency situations - including breathing and cardiac emergencies, wounds, bleeding, and seizures.
Our pet first aid online course can be good for: Pet Owners, Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, and Dog Trainers, Animal Shelter Staff & Volunteers, Groomers, Pet Retail Employees, Other Pet Care Providers, and more!
Buy First Aid Supplies from the Red Cross Store
Shop the Red Cross Store, and stock up on first aid kits, gauze, emergency preparedness kits, first aid supplies, reference guides, and more.
Information Provided Deborah C. Mandell, BS, VMD
Pet First Aid information provided by Dr. Debbie Mandell, Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; American Red Cross National Pet Care Advisor for the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.
About Red Cross Training Services
Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), Babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.