Pet First Aid & Emergency Guide
Step-by-step first aid instructions for common pet emergencies. Keep this guide handy - it could save your pet's life!
OC Vet Animal Hospital
(949) 688-1233
Important Notice
First aid is NOT a substitute for veterinary care. These instructions can help stabilize your pet until professional help is available. Always contact your veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately in any emergency situation.
Quick Reference
1. First Aid Kit Essentials
Keep a pet first aid kit at home and in your car. Check expiration dates regularly.
Basic Supplies
- Gauze pads and rolls
- Self-adhesive bandage wrap
- Medical tape
- Blunt-end scissors
- Tweezers
- Digital thermometer
- Clean towels
- Disposable gloves
- Flashlight
- Muzzle (or strip of cloth)
Medications & Solutions
- Hydrogen peroxide 3% (induce vomiting - ONLY if directed)
- Saline solution (eye wash)
- Antibiotic ointment
- Styptic powder (for nail bleeding)
- Activated charcoal (ONLY if directed)
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) - ask vet for dosage
Important Documents to Include
- Copy of vaccination records
- Emergency vet contact numbers
- Poison control numbers
- Pet's medications and dosages
- Recent photo of your pet
- Your vet's contact info
2. CPR for Pets
Only perform CPR if your pet is unconscious and not breathing. Check for a heartbeat or pulse first. Call your vet immediately!
Step-by-Step CPR
Check for Responsiveness
Tap your pet and call their name. Check if they're breathing by watching for chest movement. Feel for a pulse on the inner thigh (femoral artery).
Position Your Pet
Lay your pet on their right side on a flat surface. For barrel-chested dogs (bulldogs, pugs), lay them on their back.
Clear the Airway
Gently pull the tongue forward and check for obstructions. Remove any visible objects carefully. Straighten the neck to open the airway.
Perform Chest Compressions
Rate: 100-120 compressions per minute
Small dogs/cats (<10 lbs): Compress chest with thumb and fingers on each side
Medium dogs: Place heel of one hand over widest part of rib cage
Large dogs: Use both hands, one on top of the other
Depth: Compress 1/3 to 1/2 the width of the chest
Give Rescue Breaths
Close your pet's mouth. Place your mouth over their nose (for small pets, cover both nose and mouth). Give 2 breaths after every 30 compressions. Each breath should make the chest visibly rise.
Remember: 30:2 Ratio
30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Continue until your pet starts breathing on their own or you reach veterinary care. Check for pulse every 2 minutes.
3. Choking
Signs of Choking
What to Do
Step 1: Check the Mouth
Open your pet's mouth and look for the object. If visible, try to remove it with your fingers or tweezers. Be careful not to push it deeper.
Step 2: Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs
Small dogs: Hold upside down with head pointing down. Apply 5 sharp back blows between shoulder blades.
Large dogs: Stand behind your dog, place your fists just below the rib cage, and give 5 quick upward thrusts.
Step 3: For Cats
Hold the cat with their back against your chest. Use two fingers to give quick upward thrusts just below the rib cage. Check the mouth after each thrust.
Important: Even if you successfully remove the object, take your pet to the vet. The throat may be damaged or the object may have caused internal injury.
4. Poisoning
Call Poison Control Immediately
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
(888) 426-4435
$95 consultation fee may apply
Pet Poison Helpline
(855) 764-7661
$85 consultation fee may apply
Signs of Poisoning
What to Do
Common Pet Poisons
- • Chocolate, caffeine, alcohol
- • Grapes, raisins, onions, garlic
- • Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
- • Human medications (Tylenol, ibuprofen)
- • Rodent poison
- • Antifreeze
- • Lilies (extremely toxic to cats)
- • Fertilizers and pesticides
Never Do This
- • Don't induce vomiting without professional guidance
- • Don't give milk - it doesn't neutralize poison
- • Don't wait to see if symptoms develop
- • Don't give human medications
- • Don't use home remedies found online
5. Bleeding & Wounds
Controlling Bleeding
Apply Direct Pressure
Use a clean cloth, gauze, or towel. Apply firm, steady pressure for at least 3-5 minutes. Don't lift to check - this disrupts clotting.
Elevate if Possible
If the wound is on a limb, try to elevate it above the heart while maintaining pressure. This helps slow bleeding.
Bandage Securely
Once bleeding slows, wrap with gauze and secure with tape or self-adhesive wrap. Not too tight - you should be able to slip a finger underneath.
Seek Immediate Vet Care If:
- • Bleeding doesn't stop after 5-10 minutes of pressure
- • The wound is deep or gaping
- • There's an embedded object
- • The wound is on the chest, abdomen, or near the eyes
- • Signs of shock (pale gums, rapid breathing, weakness)
Important: Muzzle First
Even the gentlest pet may bite when in pain. Muzzle your pet before treating wounds (unless they're having trouble breathing). You can improvise with a strip of cloth, gauze, or even a leash.
6. Heatstroke
Southern California Alert
Laguna Woods and Orange County can experience extreme heat. Never leave pets in parked cars - temperatures can reach deadly levels in minutes, even with windows cracked.
Signs of Heatstroke
Cooling Your Pet
Warning: Don't Overcool
Never use ice water or ice packs directly on skin - this can cause blood vessels to constrict and actually trap heat inside. Stop cooling efforts once temperature reaches 103°F to prevent hypothermia.
Emergency Contact Numbers
Local Laguna Woods
OC Vet Animal Hospital
(949) 688-1233
National Hotlines
ASPCA Poison Control
(888) 426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline
(855) 764-7661
Be Prepared Before an Emergency
Schedule a wellness check at OC Vet Animal Hospital. We can help you prepare an emergency plan and first aid kit specific to your pet's needs.