🚨 FOR EMERGENCIES: Contact your veterinarian immediately or visit the nearest emergency animal hospital. This guide is for reference only.

🚨 Pet Emergency Guide

Critical information for recognizing and responding to pet emergencies. Time is often crucial - know what to do.

📞 Emergency Contacts (Prepare These NOW)

Essential Numbers to Have Ready:

  • Your primary veterinarian
  • Nearest 24-hour animal hospital
  • Pet poison control hotline
  • Your pet's microchip company

ASPCA Poison Control:

(888) 426-4435

*Fee may apply, but available 24/7

⚠️ IMMEDIATE VET ATTENTION REQUIRED

🫁 Breathing/Respiratory

  • Difficulty breathing or gasping
  • Blue or pale gums
  • Choking or gagging
  • Continuous coughing
  • Labored breathing at rest

💔 Cardiovascular

  • Collapse or loss of consciousness
  • Weak or rapid pulse
  • Cold extremities
  • Severe lethargy
  • Distended abdomen (bloat)

🩸 Bleeding/Trauma

  • Severe bleeding that won't stop
  • Hit by car or major trauma
  • Penetrating wounds
  • Suspected broken bones
  • Blood in vomit or stool

🧠 Neurological

  • Seizures lasting over 2 minutes
  • Loss of coordination
  • Sudden blindness
  • Head trauma
  • Inability to stand

☠️ Common Pet Poisoning Emergencies

🍫 Foods to Avoid

  • Chocolate (especially dark)
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Onions and garlic
  • Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
  • Avocado
  • Macadamia nuts

🏠 Household Items

  • Cleaning products
  • Antifreeze
  • Rat/mouse poison
  • Medications (human)
  • Essential oils
  • Household plants

🌿 Toxic Plants

  • Lilies (especially for cats)
  • Azaleas
  • Oleander
  • Sago palms
  • Tulips
  • Daffodils

🚨 If You Suspect Poisoning:

  1. Stay calm and remove your pet from the source
  2. Call your vet or poison control immediately
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless specifically instructed
  4. Bring the packaging of the suspected poison to the vet
  5. Note the time of ingestion and amount consumed

🩹 Basic First Aid (Until You Reach the Vet)

🩸 Bleeding Control

  1. Apply direct pressure with clean cloth
  2. Elevate the wound if possible
  3. Do not remove embedded objects
  4. Keep your pet calm and still
  5. Get to vet immediately

🫁 Choking

  1. Open mouth and look for object
  2. Try to remove with tweezers (if visible)
  3. For small dogs: hold upside down
  4. For large dogs: lift rear legs
  5. Get to vet even if object is removed

🔥 Heatstroke

  1. Move to cool, shaded area
  2. Apply cool (not cold) water
  3. Offer small amounts of water
  4. Use fan to increase air circulation
  5. Transport to vet immediately

⚡ Seizures

  1. Do NOT put anything in mouth
  2. Clear area of dangerous objects
  3. Time the seizure duration
  4. Stay calm and comfort your pet
  5. Call vet if seizure lasts >2 minutes

🧰 Pet Emergency Kit Essentials

Keep These Items Readily Available:

  • Gauze pads and bandages
  • Medical tape
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Digital thermometer
  • Tweezers
  • Emergency contact numbers
  • Recent photo of your pet
  • Medical records copy
  • Carrier or leash
  • Blanket for warmth/transport
  • Hydrogen peroxide (only if vet instructs)
  • Saline solution
  • Disposable gloves
  • Flashlight
  • Emergency cash for vet bills

🛡️ Prevention is the Best Medicine

  • Pet-proof your home thoroughly
  • Keep toxic substances secured
  • Maintain regular vet checkups
  • Keep vaccinations current
  • Use proper identification (tags, microchip)
  • Learn your pet's normal behavior
  • Have emergency fund for vet bills
  • Know your nearest emergency vet

⚠️ REMEMBER

When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and contact your veterinarian. This guide is for educational purposes only and cannot replace professional veterinary care.