Essential canine first aid techniques every gundog owner needs to know for the shoot season

Keep your gundog safe on the shoot with practical, life-saving first aid tips tailored to dogs working in the field.

For gundog owners in the UK, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of working alongside a well-trained dog on a shoot day. It’s one of those experiences that makes all the training hours worthwhile.

But, as any experienced handler knows, shoot days are physically demanding - not just for us, but for our dogs too. From minor cuts to unexpected injuries, there are unique risks in the field that we have to be ready for.

Most gundog owners dedicate hours to training their dogs for these moments but may not consider the importance of being prepared for emergencies.

Knowing some basics of canine first aid isn’t just sensible - it could one day save your dog’s life or prevent a small injury from becoming serious.

This blog will walk you through essential first-aid tips for shoot days, so you can confidently manage injuries and illness, whether it’s your dog or someone else’s. With a few simple skills, you’ll be ready to step up when it matters most, making every shoot day safer for our hardworking companions.

Why canine first aid is essential for gundog owners

As gundog owners, we often focus on honing our dogs’ skills for the field, and it’s easy to overlook how essential basic first aid knowledge can be.

In the active, often unpredictable environment of a shoot, our gundogs are exposed to risks that other pets might not encounter. And even if you’re not yet shoot-ready, intense training days and long walks in the countryside can still pose threats.

After all, accidents, by their very definition, are unexpected, unplanned, and unintended events that result in harm, injury, loss, or damage. So knowing how to handle them means we’re ready for the unplanned.

Here are a few of the field-specific hazards our working dogs may encounter and why being prepared matters:

Natural obstacles: Brambles, sticks, and rough terrain can leave dogs with cuts, scratches, or even puncture wounds that need swift attention.

Warm autumn days: Overheating or even heatstroke can be a real risk, especially in early autumn when temperatures can surprise us.

Water hazards: Ponds, rivers and lakes bring their own risks, from fast flowing currents, to water intoxication and blue-green algae all of which can be life-threatening if we’re not prepared.

Equipping yourself with even a few first aid basics can make all the difference. By being able to react quickly and confidently in an emergency, you’re safeguarding your dog’s health, keeping your peace of mind intact, and strengthening the bond between you and your dog, a partnership that’s built on trust.

What stops owners from learning canine first aid

While all the gundog owners I know are wholeheartedly dedicated to their dogs’ welfare, it’s easy to forget the importance of learning and keeping up to date with basic canine first aid skills.

Several factors can make it hard to take that first step, but overcoming these common mindset hurdles can truly be life-changing for you and your dog.

“First aid is just for vets”

Although only vets can diagnose and treat health conditions, anyone can legally administer first aid in an emergency to stabilise a dog’s condition. Acting quickly could prevent a minor issue from escalating and keep your dog, or someone else’s, alive until you reach the vet.

Limited resources and training

While dog first aid classes are more readily available nowadays, basic canine first aid skills are rarely included in standard puppy or gundog courses, making it easy to miss out on learning these valuable skills.

Underestimating field risks

It’s common to think minor injuries like cuts can “wait it out.” However, the field environment can bring contaminants that may lead to infection. Other conditions like hypoglycaemia or heat exhaustion can also go unnoticed until they’ve progressed.

Understanding that first aid skills are a crucial part of responsible gundog ownership can help you feel confident in handling any situation the field might throw at you.

If you’re struggling to make time to learn or brush up on some gundog first aid skills, then one of the best mindset shifts you can make is to understand that canine first aid isn’t just about emergencies. It’s part of being a responsible gundog owner. Learning even the basics can help you feel calm, confident, and ready for anything the field might bring your way.

Is it really necessary to learn canine first aid?

Leaving injuries untreated or misjudging symptoms can quickly turn a minor problem into a serious issue, making it essential to know some basic first aid. Being prepared means you’re ready to handle small incidents, keeping your dog safe and comfortable both during and after the shoot day.

Risks of going out unprepared

Small cuts or punctures: If left uncleaned or unbandaged, minor wounds can easily become infected, especially in the rough, debris-filled terrain common to shoot days.

Severe bleeding: In cases of arterial bleeding (where blood spurts rather than oozes), the first few minutes are critical. Properly applied dressings and steady pressure can stabilise your dog until you can get them to a vet.

Strains and joint injuries: Working dogs can pull muscles or strain joints, and without rest, these injuries may lead to long-term issues. Catching them early and applying basic care like rest and ice helps ensure a faster, safer recovery.

Benefits of canine first aid knowledge

Protect your investment in training: With hundreds of hours dedicated to training, you wouldn’t want an avoidable injury to turn into a fatality or sideline your gundog for the rest of their working career. First aid skills can help safeguard the hard work you've both put in, allowing them to perform safely in the field.

Minimise time out of action: Quick and effective first aid can mean faster healing for minor injuries. With the right care, your dog may stay in top form and be ready to carry on with the shoot season in a shorter time frame rather than missing out this season.

Essential support in remote locations: Most gundog work takes place far from quick access to a vet, and a long walk back to the car can be tricky with an injured dog (especially if you have a muscular labrador to carry!). First aid skills allow you to stabilise an injury in the field, so your dog is safe and comfortable on the way to the vet.

Key canine first aid techniques for gundog owners

Preparedness starts with having the right tools at hand and understanding some essential first aid techniques. Here are the basics that every gundog owner should know for a safe day in the field.

Essential first aid kit items

To handle a range of potential injuries, it’s wise to have both a pocket kit and a main first aid kit stocked with essentials:

Pocket kit: Include a sterile dressing, bandage padding, vet wrap, scissors, tweezers, eyewash, dextrose tablets, and something that can be used as a temporary muzzle if needed. These are your go-to basics for quick action.

Main kit: Pack everything from the pocket kit, plus wire cutters, a foil blanket, and extra supplies. Keeping these in your car or with your gear can make all the difference when you’re further from help.

Dog vital signs and how to check them

Get to know your dog’s normal vital signs, so you’ll spot right away if something’s off. Practice at home so that checking feels second nature on a shoot day.

Heart rate: 60 to 140 beats per minute. You can check this at the femoral artery or chest.

Respiration: 10 to 30 breaths per minute, usually easiest to observe by watching the chest.

Temperature: Normal rectal temperature is 38.3–38.7°C.

Capillary refill time: Press the gums. They should turn pink again within 1 to 2 seconds.

Managing shock and severe bleeding

Shock is serious and can be recognised by a weak, fast pulse and pale gums. Try to keep your dog calm and warm, but don’t overheat them.

For severe bleeding, apply pressure dressings, and don’t remove them if soaked, just layer new bandages on top. Avoid tourniquets, as they can worsen the injury if not used correctly.

Specific injury treatments

Feet and paw wounds: Even shallow cuts can be painful for active dogs, especially in rough terrain. Bandage as needed, and remember that shallow cuts usually heal well in a few weeks with basic care. Avoid glue or staples in the field to prevent infection.

Bites and stings: For adder bites, keep your dog’s limb still and get them to the vet immediately. For wasp or bee stings, apply ice to the area and, if needed, consult your vet about using antihistamines.

Heat exhaustion or collapse: If you suspect heat exhaustion, check your dog’s pulse and respiration. Cool them down gradually with ice packs or tepid water, especially on warmer shoot days.

Water hazards: Water work comes with its own risks, and drowning can be a serious concern. Always keep an eye on your dog, and be ready to perform CPR, including chest compressions, if necessary.

Equipping yourself with canine first aid skills is one of the best ways to empower yourself as a handler and protect your dog on shoot days. Take just a few minutes to familiarise yourself with basic procedures, and consider keeping a quick-reference list of your dog’s vital statistics. These essential skills not only help you act confidently in emergencies but also foster a more secure and enjoyable working relationship with your gundog.

Ready to deepen your knowledge? For just £25, our two-hour Essential Gundog First Aid masterclass offers a whistle-stop tour of critical first aid techniques to help you get your injured dog from the field to the vet in the best possible condition. Available as a video replay, you can watch it at your convenience, with the flexibility to pause, rewind, and revisit the information whenever you need it. Click here for more information: https://www.completelygundogs.co.uk/courses/firstaid