First aid refers to the immediate care you should provide when a dog is injured or ill until a veterinarian can perform further medical treatment. For minor conditions, first-aid care may be enough. For other problems, first aid care should be considered as temporary care until your dog is evaluated and treated by the vet.

The main goal when dealing with first aid is to identify the problem, prevent an injury from worsening and keep you and your pet safe during the process. Have a first-aid kit on hand for your dog and be familiar with its contents. There are many commercially available first-aid kits for dogs, but you can also make your own. Ideally, consider having two: one at home and one in your car.

Include a first-aid reference guide in your kit that includes basic instructions. This should include phone numbers for your veterinarian and nearby veterinary emergency clinics. To learn more about the items you should include in your first aid kit, visit AKC.org.

Safety is paramount. Any dog in pain might bite, especially if they’re scared. When approaching the scene, assess the safety of the surroundings and the dog. Remove the pet from any dangers such as heavy automobile traffic.

Always try to place a muzzle on a dog, even your own. When placing it, do so gently and not tightly as to cause discomfort to the dog. If you don’t have a muzzle, you can fashion a makeshift muzzle by tying a leash, shoelace or belt around the mouth.

If possible, wear gloves, especially when dealing with a strange dog. Avoid touching outer contaminated surfaces with ungloved hands. Handwashing is essential in the prevention of disease and illness. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds after handling any animal, even if you were wearing gloves. If a sink is not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

Any dog with suspected back or pelvic damage should be handled with utmost care to prevent further damage. Placing a stiff wood board or even cardboard under the dog to support lifting or carrying will help stabilize the body.

Common injuries

- Bruises: Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the injured area for intervals of 10 minutes.

- Minor cuts and scrapes: Clean the injury with an antiseptic wipe or with soap and water. If the skin is broken, apply antibiotic ointment with cotton-tipped applicators and cover with a bandage. Change the dressing daily or if the bandage becomes torn or wet. Once the injury forms a scab, it no longer needs to be covered unless the animal is biting or scratching at it. Watch for signs of infection such as redness or swelling, which would require veterinary care.

- Insect bites and bee stings: Start off by icing the affected area. Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply to dry, then wipe off using a small brush or toothbrush. Lastly, consider one dose of Benadryl at one milligram/pound. Note: Benadryl comes in 25 mg tablets. Do not give a dog more than three tablets at once, even giant dogs. Smaller dogs weighing less than 20 pounds can be given Benadryl pediatric drops, also sold over the counter.

- Ticks: When you locate a tick, remove it immediately using tick remover or tweezers. It’s better to use a tick remover if possible, as tweezers may split the tick and potentially spread disease. Avoid using bare hands and opt for rubber gloves if possible. After removing the tick, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.

- Sprains:In case of a limb injury, try to prevent further injury or discomfort. With limping or non-weight-bearing dogs, prevent the dog from moving for at least 15-30 minutes. Consider strict cage rest and re-evaluate your dog after that time has passed. If pain persists or a limb is still non-weight-bearing, seek veterinary care.

- Dog bites: Any bite wound that punctures a dog’s skin should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Infection and possible internal damage is not uncommon, and the sooner these wounds are addressed, the better the outcome. Not all wounds are visible at first glance, especially on a furry dog.

- Bleeding: Apply firm yet gentle pressure for up to five minutes so that the blood clots. Seek veterinary care as soon as possible if there is profuse bleeding. Consider applying a tourniquet using a belt or a strip of rag. Pressure must be decreased every 15 minutes.

What you should NEVER do: Never give human medication to a dog without first being advised by a veterinarian. Human pain or anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen is toxic to pets and could cause greater problems or even lead to death.

Dr. Jerry Klein is the chief veterinary officer for the AKC.