Pet first aid for UK dog and cat owners
Calm, fast, UK-specific guidance for 150 emergencies, symptoms, injuries, and conditions. When something is wrong with your pet at 2am, here's what to do first.
If this is an emergency
- Phone your vet or 24/7 emergency line. They will triage by phone — there is no charge for the call.
- Suspected poisoning? Phone Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000. Have the packaging or plant ready.
- No vet phone number to hand? See our UK emergency contacts page.
Browse by category
Symptoms in dogs and cats
When your pet shows a symptom and you need to know whether it is something to monitor at home or contact the vet.
Browse →Injuries in dogs and cats
First aid for cuts, bites, stings, broken nails, eye injuries, paw burns, and other physical injuries.
Browse →Medical conditions in dogs and cats
Recognising and managing conditions from poisoning and bloat through to chronic disease in dogs and cats.
Browse →Environmental hazards for dogs and cats
Heat stroke, hypothermia, drowning, fireworks, blue-green algae, antifreeze, and seasonal hazards in the UK.
Browse →Pet first aid skills
How to do CPR, take a temperature, check pulse, bandage a paw, build a UK pet first aid kit.
Browse →About this site
Pet First Aid UK is a free reference for UK dog and cat owners — compiled from Blue Cross, PDSA, RVC, Battersea, and Animal PoisonLine published guidance. Every page leads with the most useful first action, gives clear warning signs, lists what NOT to do, and tells you when to phone the vet.
This site is not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, phone your vet — they will triage by phone for free.