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First Aid

Pet First Aid Guide

In a pet emergency, every second counts. Knowing basic first aid can stabilize your pet and buy precious time until you reach a veterinarian. These guides cover the most common emergencies and what to do in those critical first minutes. While first aid isn't a replacement for veterinary care, it can make the difference between life and death.

🏥
1 in 3
Pets will need emergency care yearly
⏰
< 5 min
Window for some emergencies
📞
$75-85
Poison hotline consultation fee
❤️
100-120
CPR compressions per minute

🚨 Emergency Hotlines — Save These Numbers!

ASPCA Poison Control
(888) 426-4435
$75 consultation fee
Pet Poison Helpline
(855) 764-7661
$85 consultation fee

Life-Threatening Emergencies

Choking

What to do if your pet is choking on food, a toy, or object.

Emergency

Poisoning

Emergency response if your pet ingests something toxic.

Emergency

Heatstroke

Recognize and treat heat exhaustion before it becomes fatal.

Emergency

Pet CPR

How to perform CPR on a dog or cat in cardiac arrest.

Emergency

Urgent Situations

Bleeding & Wounds

How to control bleeding and treat wounds at home.

Urgent

Seizures

How to keep your pet safe during and after a seizure.

Urgent

Fractures & Broken Bones

Stabilize broken bones and transport safely to the vet.

Urgent

Burns

Treating thermal, chemical, and electrical burns at home.

Urgent

🚗When to Rush to Emergency Vet

Drop everything and go immediately if you see any of these signs:

🚨Difficulty breathing or blue/pale gums
🚨Unconsciousness or collapse
🚨Seizures lasting more than 3 minutes
🚨Suspected poisoning
🚨Trauma (hit by car, fall from height)
🚨Bloated/distended abdomen with distress
🚨Inability to urinate (especially male cats)
🚨Profuse bleeding that won't stop

🧰Pet First Aid Kit Essentials

Keep these items in an accessible location. Check expiration dates regularly.

Gauze Pads & Rolls

For wound dressing and controlling bleeding

Adhesive Tape

Medical tape that won't stick to fur

Hydrogen Peroxide 3%

To induce vomiting ONLY when directed by poison control

Digital Thermometer

Rectal temperature. Normal: 101-102.5°F (dogs), 100.5-102.5°F (cats)

Tweezers

For removing splinters, ticks, or stingers

Muzzle or Soft Cloth

Even gentle pets may bite when in pain

Saline Solution

For flushing wounds or eyes

Emergency Vet Info

Phone numbers and directions to nearest 24-hour clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I induce vomiting if my pet eats something toxic?▼
NOT without professional guidance. Some substances (batteries, sharp objects, corrosives, petroleum products) cause more damage coming back up. Call ASPCA Poison Control or Pet Poison Helpline first — they can advise whether to induce vomiting based on what was ingested. If directed to induce vomiting, use 3% hydrogen peroxide (1 tsp per 5 lbs).
How do I know if it's a true emergency?▼
When in doubt, call your vet or an emergency clinic. True emergencies include: difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, seizures, suspected poisoning, trauma, bloated abdomen, inability to urinate, and uncontrolled bleeding. Better to make an unnecessary trip than miss something life-threatening.
Can I give human medications to my pet in an emergency?▼
Generally, no. Many human medications are toxic to pets (Tylenol is fatal to cats, ibuprofen damages dog kidneys). Only give medications specifically approved by your vet. In an emergency, focus on stabilizing and transporting to a vet rather than medicating.
How can I safely transport an injured pet?▼
Move slowly and calmly. Use a muzzle or towel around the head if the pet might bite from pain. For suspected spinal injuries, slide onto a flat board. For small pets, place in a carrier with towels for padding. For large dogs, use a blanket as a stretcher. Keep movement minimal and support injured areas.

Questions About Pet Health?

Our AI assistant can help answer general health questions. Remember: for true emergencies, always call your vet or an emergency clinic first.

Ask AI Health Questions →Symptom Checker