09/13/2025
βBring your pet to an emergency veterinarian immediately if you notice:
β’ Difficulty breathing (gasping, choking, severe coughing).
β’ Collapse, fainting, or unresponsiveness.
β’ Seizures or repeated convulsions.
β’ Severe bleeding that doesnβt stop within 5 minutes.
β’ Trauma (hit by a car, fall, fight wounds).
β’ Inability to urinate or defecate, especially if straining.
β’ Persistent vomiting or diarrhea, particularly with blood.
β’ Swollen, painful abdomen or signs of bloating.
β’ Exposure to toxins (chocolate, xylitol, grapes/raisins, Bufo toads, rat poison, medications, etc.).
β’ Heatstroke symptoms (excessive panting, drooling, weakness, collapse).
β’ Eye injuries (scratches, swelling, sudden blindness).
β’ Allergic reactions (facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing).
πΎ Handling Common Pet Emergencies
1. Bleeding
β’ Apply gentle, firm pressure with a clean cloth or bandage.
β’ Keep the pet calm and transport them to the vet.
2. Choking
β’ Check the mouth for visible objects and carefully remove if safe.
β’ Do not blindly reach deep into the throat.
β’ If breathing stops, begin CPR (if trained).
3. Seizures
β’ Keep your pet away from sharp objects.
β’ Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth.
β’ Time the seizure and seek immediate veterinary help if it lasts >5 minutes.
4. Poisoning
β’ Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian.
β’ Bring the container, label, or description of the toxin with you.
β’ Contact your vet or an animal poison control hotline right away.
5. Heatstroke
β’ Move your pet to a cool area.
β’ Apply cool (not ice-cold) water to the body, especially belly and paws.
β’ Offer small amounts of water if the pet is alert.
β’ Seek emergency care immediately.
6. Fractures
β’ Gently confine the pet to limit movement.
β’ Do not attempt to splint unless trained.
β’ Transport carefully using a flat surface or blanket as a stretcher.
π§° Emergency Pet First Aid Kit Essentials
β’ Gauze, bandages, tape
β’ Digital thermometer
β’ Hydrogen peroxide (only if advised by a vet for toxin ingestion)
β’ Saline solution for eyes/wounds
β’ Tweezers and scissors
β’ Emergency contact numbers (vet, 24-hour hospital, poison control
β
Golden Rule: If you are unsure, itβs always safer to call your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. Pets can deteriorate quickly.