5 Common Dog Injuries You Can Handle At Home (Step-By-Step With Your Pet Kit)

If you’ve ever seen your dog limp suddenly, paw at their eye, or yelp after stepping on something sharp, you know that awful sinking feeling. My first instinct as a dog mom is to panic—but with a calm breath and the right tools, you can handle many minor injuries right at home. Here’s how.

1) Paw Cuts & Scrapes

Last summer on a family hike, our pup darted off the trail and came back limping with a bleeding paw. It was scary—but because I had our Pet Kit, I knew what to do.

Grab from your kit: Nitrile gloves, irrigation syringe, eye & wound wash saline, non-sting cleansing wipes, non-stick gauze pads (2"x2", 4"x4"), self-adhesive bandage wrap, stainless steel scissors, disposable paw booties, paw cream.

Step by step

• Put on nitrile gloves; keep your dog still with the emergency leash.

• Flush the area with saline using the irrigation syringe to remove dirt.

• Clean around (not inside) the wound with non-sting cleansing wipes.

• Stop bleeding: press a gauze pad firmly for 2–5 minutes (don’t peek).

• Cover with a non-stick gauze pad; secure gently with self-adhesive wrap (snug, not tight).

• Slip on a disposable paw bootie to keep it clean; apply paw cream around unbroken skin to protect.

• Trim excess wrap with scissors; keep your pup quiet for a few hours.

Call the vet if: Bleeding won’t stop after 10 minutes, the cut is deep/wide, there’s debris you can’t flush, or you see swelling, pus, or limping the next day.

2) Broken Or Bleeding Nail

If you’ve ever heard that sharp cry when your dog’s nail catches on something, you know how quickly they can bleed. It looks dramatic, but you can manage it.

Grab: Nitrile gloves, styptic powder, non-stick gauze, self-adhesive wrap, stainless scissors, nail file, paw bootie.

Step by step

• Glove up; reassure and secure your dog.

• Press a gauze pad to the nail for 1–2 minutes.

• Dab styptic powder directly on the bleeding tip; hold gentle pressure 20–60 seconds.

• If the nail edge is jagged, carefully smooth with the nail file (don’t cut into the quick).

• Pad with non-stick gauze, wrap with self-adhesive bandage, and cover with a paw bootie for short potty breaks.

Call the vet if: Bleeding continues after 10 minutes, the nail is torn back to the base, or your dog keeps licking/limping.

3) Insect Stings & Bites

One summer barbecue, our dog snapped at a bee and immediately pawed at his face. Knowing what to do kept us calm.

Grab: Nitrile gloves, metal tweezers, sting relief pads, non-sting wipes, compressed towel, collapsible bowl.

Step by step

• If you see a bee stinger, flick or pull it out with tweezers.

• Clean the area with non-sting wipes.

• Soothe with a sting relief pad.

• Make a cool compress: wet the compressed towel with cool water; hold on the spot 5–10 minutes.

• Offer water in the collapsible bowl and rest.

Call the vet now if: Face/muzzle swelling, hives, vomiting, pale gums, or any breathing change—those can be allergic reactions.

4) Eye Irritation Or Scratches

Dogs love to stick their heads in bushes. Ours once came home squinting after rolling in tall grass. Luckily, a gentle flush solved the problem.

Grab: Nitrile gloves, eye & wound wash saline, irrigation syringe, sterile gauze pads.

Step by step

• Prevent rubbing—clip on the emergency leash and gently keep paws away.

• Flush the eye generously with saline using the syringe (don’t let the tip touch the eye).

• Do not use alcohol pads or ointments near the eye.

• Dab tears gently with a gauze pad; let your dog rest in a dim room.

Call the vet if: Squinting won’t stop, the eye looks cloudy or red, there’s discharge after a few hours, or you suspect a scratch/foxtail.

5) Hot Pavement Burns / Weather Exposure

On a scorching day, even a quick walk can leave your pup’s paws sore. I once learned the hard way after a short stroll—now I always keep paw cream and booties in reach.

Grab: Saline + syringe, non-stick gauze, self-adhesive wrap, paw cream, disposable paw booties, emergency blanket, collapsible bowl, reflective bandana.

Step by step (burned paws)

• Move to shade/cool floor; rinse paws with cool saline or water.

• Place non-stick gauze on blistered spots; secure lightly with self-adhesive wrap.

• Apply paw cream around (not on open wounds) to protect surrounding pads.

• Cover with paw booties for short walks until healed.

Step by step (heat stress)

• Offer small sips from the collapsible bowl; fan and rest.

• If shivery or post-cooling, wrap loosely in the emergency blanket for warmth.

Call the vet if: Blistering is extensive, your dog won’t bear weight, or you see drooling, wobbling, fast breathing, or collapse (possible heatstroke).

Bonus: Tiny Tools That Save The Day

• Stainless scissors: Trim bandage and fur around a wound.

• Metal tweezers / splinter remover / tick remover: Pull debris or ticks.

• Alcohol prep pads: Disinfect tools (not for open wounds).

• Safety pins: Secure bandage ends if needed.

• Reflective bandana & emergency leash: Visibility + gentle control in stressful moments.

Quick Reminders

• Stay calm; your dog reads your energy.

• Bandages should be snug but never tight (you should slide a finger under).

• Check dressings daily; replace wet/dirty wraps.

• First aid ≠ full treatment—when in doubt, call your vet.

Keep peace of mind on every adventure—grab the KEEP>GOING Pet First Aid Kit, packed with everything you need to handle life’s little “uh-oh” moments with your pup.