Pet Emergency Care

Know how to respond to common pet emergencies

⚠️ Always Call Your Vet

When in doubt, always contact your veterinarian. This guide provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. In life-threatening emergencies, seek immediate veterinary care.

Difficulty Breathing

CRITICAL - Go now

Warning Signs:

  • •Rapid, labored breathing
  • •Choking sounds
  • •Pale gums
  • •Loss of consciousness

What to Do:

  1. 1.Seek emergency vet immediately
  2. 2.Keep pet calm and avoid movement
  3. 3.Clear any visible obstructions only if safe
  4. 4.If unconscious: lay on side, check for breathing

Severe Bleeding

CRITICAL - Go now

Warning Signs:

  • •Profuse bleeding
  • •Spurting blood
  • •Blood from mouth/nose
  • •Pale mucous membranes

What to Do:

  1. 1.Apply direct pressure with clean cloth
  2. 2.Elevate injured area if possible
  3. 3.Do NOT remove embedded objects
  4. 4.Call emergency vet while applying pressure

Suspected Poisoning

URGENT - Within 30 minutes

Warning Signs:

  • •Vomiting
  • •Diarrhea
  • •Lethargy
  • •Seizures
  • •Drooling

What to Do:

  1. 1.Remove pet from toxic source
  2. 2.Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed
  3. 3.Bring suspected poison/packaging to vet
  4. 4.Call poison control and emergency vet

Trauma/Hit by Car

CRITICAL - Go now

Warning Signs:

  • •Visible injuries
  • •Limping
  • •Reluctance to move
  • •Internal bleeding signs

What to Do:

  1. 1.Do NOT move pet unnecessarily
  2. 2.Use board/blanket to move if necessary
  3. 3.Stabilize injured limbs with padding
  4. 4.Go to emergency vet immediately

Loss of Appetite/Lethargy

URGENT - Within 24 hours

Warning Signs:

  • •Not eating for 24+ hours
  • •Unusual tiredness
  • •Weakness

What to Do:

  1. 1.Offer small amounts of water
  2. 2.Monitor for other symptoms
  3. 3.Call regular vet (may not need emergency)
  4. 4.Schedule appointment same day if possible

Seizures

URGENT - Within 1 hour

Warning Signs:

  • •Uncontrollable shaking
  • •Loss of consciousness
  • •Rigid muscles

What to Do:

  1. 1.Move pet away from hazards
  2. 2.Do NOT restrain or put hand in mouth
  3. 3.Time the seizure duration
  4. 4.Go to vet immediately after seizure stops

Emergency Supply Kit

Medical Supplies

  • • First aid manual for pets
  • • Sterile gauze and bandages
  • • Non-stick, self-adhesive bandages
  • • Antiseptic solution
  • • Pain reliever (as directed by vet)
  • • Tweezers (for splinter removal)

Tools & Equipment

  • • Thermometer (pet specific)
  • • Pet carrier or crate
  • • Blanket for warmth/support
  • • Flashlight
  • • Emergency contact numbers
  • • Recent photo of your pet