More Than Half of Pet Owners Don't Know What to Do If Their Pet Chokes

More Than Half of Pet Owners Don't Know What to Do If Their Pet Chokes

More than half of pet owners (52%) wouldn't know what to do if their pet was choking, according to new research.

Almost one in three (29%) would be unsure how to act if they suspected their pet had heatstroke.

Data also shows everyday food risks are still being missed, with a quarter of owners unaware that raw bread dough (27%) or cooked bones (24%) can be dangerous for pets.

New research reveals a knowledge gap among British pet owners when it comes to common pet emergencies like choking, heatstroke, bleeding, toxic foods, and allergic reactions to stings.

In fact, the study by Agria Pet Insurance shows more than half (52%) of pet owners are unsure what they should do if their pet is choking, and one in three (29%) are uncertain about what action to take if they suspect their pet is suffering from heatstroke.

Dr Charlie Astle, also known as Charlie the Vet, is an Agria ambassador, vet and pet first aid expert. She says understanding the signs of common pet first aid emergencies can make all the difference, and shares her tips to help pet owners:

Choking
Just four in 10 pet owners (41%) could correctly identify all key warning signs of choking. While most owners recognised gagging and retching (94%) and breathing difficulties (84%), awareness dropped for pawing at the mouth (66%), and one in six (17%) could only identify a single sign.

Charlie the Vet's tip: Stay calm and call your vet immediately. Carefully open the mouth, pull the tongue forward and check for a visible object - only remove it if you can do so safely without pushing it further down. If not, perform the Heimlich manoeuvre and get to the vet urgently. Even if resolved, your pet should still be checked.

Heatstroke
Almost one in three (29%) pet owners were unsure of what action to take if they suspected their pet was suffering from heatstroke.

Charlie the Vet's tip: If you suspect heatstroke, cool them first, then get to your vet. Move your pet somewhere cool and start active cooling immediately. Cold water is safe. Young, healthy pets can be fully immersed (keep their face above water). For older or unwell pets, use a fan and pour cold water over them. Keep cooling on the way to the vet. Offer water - ice water and ice cubes are safe.

Bleeding
The survey also showed a fifth (19%) of pet owners wouldn't know what to do if a pet was bleeding heavily. One in 10 (9%) even admitted they don't even know the difference between heavy and light bleeding.

Charlie the Vet's tip: If your pet is bleeding, apply gentle but firm pressure with a clean cloth or towel. Keep them calm and still, and head to the vet as soon as possible, especially if the bleeding won't stop.

Allergic reaction to a sting
Signs of an allergic reaction are wide ranging: difficulty breathing, swelling of the head, hives, vomiting, excessive drooling, pale or blue gums, and lethargy. Yet two thirds of pet owners (65%) couldn't identify all seven signs.

Charlie the Vet's tip: If your pet is stung and their head or tongue begins to swell, they start vomiting or acting unwell, contact a vet immediately. Mild stings can be soothed with a cold compress, but serious reactions need urgent treatment.

Toxic food ingestion
Many common household foods are toxic for pets. While 99% of those surveyed knew chocolate is toxic for dogs, a quarter didn't recognise that raw bread dough (27%) or cooked bones are dangerous (24%) too. One in six (17%) didn't realise that caffeine is toxic to dogs.

Charlie the Vet's tip: Call your vet immediately - don't wait for symptoms. Take the packaging with you, identify any plants involved, and stop your pet licking toxins from their coat. Fast action can save lives.

With the world-famous international dog show, Crufts, returning to Birmingham from 5-8th March, the nation's dog lovers will be celebrating our four-legged friends. But while many owners can spot perfect heelwork or impeccable recall, far fewer feel confident handling a first aid emergency.

Charlie the Vet will be appearing at the Agria stand at Crufts. She says: "Pets are brilliant at getting themselves into trouble, usually when we least expect it. Whether it's an allergic reaction to a bee sting in the garden or overheating on a walk, knowing what to do in those first moments really matters. A little first aid knowledge goes a long way. It can buy you time and protect your dog until you reach a vet."

As a proud major sponsor of Crufts, Agria will be attending the four-day event to shine a spotlight on pet first aid, responsible ownership, and the importance of understanding your animal and being prepared when emergencies happen. Charlie the Vet will be at the Agria stand, performing demos on bleeding and bandaging, choking, and pet CPR.

Additionally, Agria offers free online pet first aid training for new and existing policyholders via the Agria Rewards platform.

Visitors to the Agria stand at Crufts 2026 can expect:
A free pet first aid course and kit for new policyholders
An on-stand first aid quiz to test pet care knowledge
Bespoke caricatures from Dave's Caricatures
Pet portraits, with free digital and printed keepsakes
Agria's Carbon Calculator and sustainability initiatives
The Agria Sustainability Award, in partnership with Crufts
A dedicated Breeder Hub for tailored support and advice
A final call for dog registrations for Rescue a Rescue, open on stand.

Visit the Agria website for more information about Crufts, sponsored by Agria Pet Insurance: https://www.agriapet.co.uk/crufts/