🚑 Pet Emergency First Aid
Step-by-step protocols for the 15 most common emergencies
📞 Emergency Hotlines (24/7)
ASPCA Poison Control
(888) 426-4435
(888) 426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline
(855) 764-7661
(855) 764-7661
Consultation fees may apply — but they can save your pet's life.
- Note how much and what type (dark is worst) was eaten and when.
- Call the Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 or your vet immediately.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to.
- Watch for: restlessness, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, tremors, seizures.
- ANY amount is dangerous — kidney failure can start within hours.
- Call your vet or poison control immediately, even if your pet seems fine.
- Your vet will likely induce vomiting if it happened within 2 hours.
- Watch for: vomiting, lethargy, decreased urination.
- Grab the packaging — the exact drug name and dose matter.
- Call the ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 right away.
- Do NOT induce vomiting without professional direction (some pills burn twice).
- Bring the packaging with you to the vet.
- Cats + lilies = extreme emergency. Even pollen can be fatal.
- Identify or photograph the plant.
- Rinse mouth gently with water if plant material remains.
- Go to the vet immediately — do not wait for symptoms.
- Open the mouth and look — only remove object if clearly visible and easy to grab.
- For small pets: hold spine against your chest, give 5 quick abdominal thrusts below the ribs.
- For large dogs: perform standing abdominal thrusts (pet Heimlich).
- Even if you clear it, see a vet — throat damage is common.
- Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth for a FULL 3 minutes without peeking.
- If blood soaks through, add layers — don't remove the first cloth.
- Elevate the limb above heart level if possible.
- Head to the emergency vet while maintaining pressure.
- Move to shade/AC immediately.
- Wet with COOL (not ice-cold) water — especially belly, paws, armpits.
- Offer small sips of water; never force-drink.
- Drive to the vet with windows down / AC on. Heatstroke damages organs silently.
- Do NOT touch their mouth — they cannot swallow their tongue.
- Clear the area of furniture; dim lights, reduce noise.
- Time the seizure. Over 3 minutes = extreme emergency.
- After it ends, keep them warm and quiet; call your vet even for a first seizure.
- Scrape the stinger out sideways with a credit card (don't squeeze it).
- Apply a cold compress for 5-10 minutes.
- Watch 30-60 min for facial swelling, hives, or breathing trouble → emergency vet.
- Ask your vet about a pet-safe antihistamine dose for next time.
- Do not try to splint it yourself — you can make it worse.
- Confine to a small space or carrier; carry small pets on a firm surface.
- Muzzle gently if needed — pain makes even sweet pets bite.
- Go to the vet. Keep movements slow and supported.
- Remove food for 12 hours (adult pets only), but keep water available in small amounts.
- Check for other signs: bloated belly, retching without producing = possible bloat (EMERGENCY for dogs).
- 3+ vomits in 24h, blood, or lethargy → vet same day.
- Reintroduce bland food (boiled chicken + rice) in small portions.
- Tent test: pinch skin between shoulders — if it stays up more than 2 seconds, they're dehydrated.
- Check gums: sticky or dry gums = dehydration.
- Offer ice cubes or low-sodium broth to entice drinking.
- 24+ hours without water intake → vet visit for fluids.
- Do NOT let them rub it — use a cone if you have one.
- Do not apply any human eye drops.
- Flush with sterile saline only if a chemical splashed in.
- All eye injuries need a vet within 24 hours — eyes deteriorate fast.
- Cool the paw in room-temperature water for 10 minutes.
- Do not apply butter, ointments, or ice.
- Cover loosely with a clean sock to prevent licking.
- Blisters or deep burns → vet visit for pain control and infection prevention.
- Put on gloves — protect yourself first.
- Rinse the area with lukewarm water for 15-20 minutes.
- Do NOT induce vomiting if they licked chemicals.
- Bring the product container to the vet.
🧰 Build a Pet First Aid Kit
Gauze, saline, digital thermometer, styptic powder, emergency blanket — be ready before you need it.
View First Aid Kits