What to Do in a Pet Emergency and Essential Pet First Aid Tips

Would you know what to do to help your pet in a medical emergency? Would you be prepared if your pet was bleeding, ingested a toxic substance, or faced a worse situation? Calm and quick action can make a difference in stabilizing your pet until you can get emergency veterinary care. Below, our MedVet experts share some pet first aid basics you should know to be prepared if an emergency arises. This information is intended to inform you on how to quickly respond to your pet’s emergency and is in no way a substitute for veterinary care.

Handling Bleeding in Pets

One of the most common issues we see in the emergency room is bleeding. Pets can get cuts from other animals, items in their environment, and traumatic events like being hit by a car. Remember, if your pet is in pain, they may try to bite, so it is extremely important to remain calm and ensure your safety.

Once your pet is secure, use a clean towel, cloth, or blanket to apply firm, gentle pressure to the bleeding site. If you have gauze and an adhesive bandage available, you can also lightly wrap the area to help control the bleeding. As you make your way to a local emergency veterinary hospital, like MedVet, continue to apply pressure to the wound.

The veterinary team will conduct a thorough examination to assess the extent of your pet’s injuries. Often, what you see as one or two bleeding sites may be more extensive under the fur. Prompt and proper first aid can make a significant difference in your pet’s recovery.

Eating Dangerous Items

Potential toxins can be found anywhere in your pet’s environment, including human foods, medications, household chemicals, and even plants. Our blog post on 15 surprising pet poisons goes into more detail. If you suspect that your pet has ingested something dangerous, call your family veterinarian immediately.

If possible, bring the packaging of the ingested item with you or take a picture of the ingredients. Your pet’s veterinarian will need to know the details of what, when, and how much your pet consumed. Additionally, keep track of your pet’s behavior, paying particular attention to any changes since they ingested the toxin. Depending on what was consumed, you may be asked to contact the Pet Poison Helpline number (855-764-7661). If this happens, you will receive a case number when you call. Be sure to write this number down and provide it to your veterinarian.

Beyond toxic items, pets can be curious and may chew or even consume things that are harmful to them. Common foreign objects pets may swallow include socks, underwear, shoes, and children’s toys. Any of these items can cause an obstruction in your pet’s digestive system. It’s also important to note that some common foods are dangerous for pets and should be kept away, such as grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, and macadamia nuts.

Managing Insect Bites & Stings in Pets

Insect bites and stings can occur at any time of the year, especially in warmer climates. Common pests that can sting or bite your pets include ants, bees, and spiders. If you suspect your pet has been stung, approach them calmly, keeping your own safety in mind.

If you can see a stinger, gently remove it with tweezers, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and monitor your pet closely for signs of an allergic reaction. Contact your family veterinarian if your pet is stung multiple times or if the sting is inside the mouth or throat, which can be particularly dangerous. If your pet is having difficulty breathing, visit MedVet or your local emergency hospital.

If your pet has a severe allergic reaction, seek immediate veterinary care. Signs of a severe reaction can include swelling of the face and neck, hives, rash, and itching.

Managing Heatstroke in Pets

Heatstroke is a serious condition that should never be ignored. Emergency veterinarians frequently see cases of heatstroke in pets, especially during the summer or in areas with warmer climates. Heatstroke can occur when pets engage in excessive exercise in the sun without access to shade or water. It can also happen when pets are left in cars during warmer months.

Pets experiencing heatstroke may show signs such as:

• Continuous panting
• Dizziness, weakness, collapse or inability to walk
• Muscle tremors
• Dark red or pale gums
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Increased heart rate
• Increased salivation or thick, sticky saliva
• Seeking cooler environments

Heatstroke is a medical emergency and it’s imperative to respond quickly. Take your pet to a shaded or air-conditioned area to stabilize their body temperature. Use lukewarm water to cool your pet down. Although it might seem counterintuitive, lukewarm water is better than cold water. When a pet experiences heatstroke, they cannot regulate their body temperature, and cold water can cause their temperature to drop too quickly. If your pet’s signs persist for 10 to 15 minutes after initial cooling efforts, seek immediate veterinary care from your family veterinarian or the nearest veterinary emergency hospital.

Handling Seizures in Pets

When your pet is having a seizure or exhibiting seizure-like activity, they cannot control their movements and may bite without realizing it. While witnessing a seizure can be alarming and scary, it’s imperative to stay calm and avoid putting your hands in your pet’s mouth. You might think you are helping your pet breathe, but this is unnecessary and can be very dangerous.

Do not restrain your pet. As a pet parent, your instinct might be to hold your pet to comfort them, but this can lead to biting, scratching, or even falling. Instead, move your pet away from anything that could harm them, such as furniture or stairs. You can also reduce external stimuli by dimming the lights, restricting access to the room, and keeping the house quiet. These actions can help provide a calm environment for your pet during and after the seizure.

Record the duration of the seizure and note any specific behaviors your pet exhibits during that time. This information will be valuable to your veterinarian. Seek veterinary care once your pet regains consciousness. Remember to remain calm, as your pet may be confused and disoriented. However, if the seizure lasts more than five minutes, seek immediate veterinary care while following the safety tips mentioned above. Your family veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary expert who specializes in neurology and neurosurgery for further consultation.  For more information on seizures, check out this blog post on seizures in pets.

Important Pointers for Pet First Aid

When it comes to pet first aid, one of the most important aspects is often overlooked: safety. When a pet is in pain or distress, they can’t communicate what’s wrong verbally. Instead, they might try to bite as a warning sign that they are in pain. You can learn more about how to tell if your pet is in pain and what you can do to help in our blog post. Always remember, personal safety is the most important part of pet first aid.

In addition to ensuring your own safety, here are three key reminders for pet first aid:

1. Do Not Give Your Pet Human Medication: Common over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen are not intended for animals and can cause severe damage to your pet’s internal organs. Learn more about ibuprofen toxicity in dogs in our blog post.
2. Do Not Give Your Pet Another Pet’s Medication: Even if it seems like a good idea, medications not prescribed to your pet can lead to multiple complications. For example, they can limit what a veterinarian can safely prescribe due to possible interactions, and they may be outdated or inappropriate for your pet’s size.
3. Remain Calm: This can be the most challenging part of pet first aid, as our instinct might be to panic. However, with a little practice and a well-prepared action plan, you can increase your chances of staying calm in an emergency.

What You Should Put in a Pet First Aid Kit

A pet-friendly first aid kit can be invaluable in the event of an injury or if you need to evacuate quickly due to a natural disaster such as a flood, wildfire, hurricane, or tornado. Here’s what you should include in your pet first aid kit. Store the items in a small plastic container or toolbox to keep everything organized and easy to grab in an emergency.

Documents and Information

• Medical Records: Include a copy of your pet’s medical records, complete with their vaccine history. This is especially important if your pet is receiving treatment for a chronic condition.
• Microchip Information: In case your pet becomes lost, having their microchip number and the microchip company’s phone number in the kit can save valuable time.
• Photos: Keep printed photos of your pet to show or hand to others if they go missing. At a minimum, ensure you have recent photos on your phone.
• Phone Numbers: Include a list of essential phone numbers, such as your veterinarian, the nearest MedVet or 24-hour veterinary emergency hospital, a pet poison control hotline, and several nearby boarding kennels. Other important numbers to include are the local health department, animal control, animal shelters, humane organizations, and the Red Cross.

First Aid Supplies

• Styptic Powder or Pencil: For stopping bleeding from nails.
• Instant Cold Compress and Cold Pack: For reducing swelling and pain.
• Corn Syrup: For diabetic dogs to help manage low blood sugar.
• Digital Thermometer: Ideally with a flexible soft tip for accurate readings.
• Tweezers: For removing splinters or ticks.
• Nail Clippers: For trimming nails.
• Disposable Rubber Gloves: To protect yourself and your pet during treatment.
• Gauze Dressing Pads, Bandage Rolls, and Absorbent Gauze Pads: For covering wounds.
• Self-Cling Bandage (VetWrap): Stretches and sticks to itself, making it easy to use.
• Adhesive Tape: For securing bandages.
• Bandage Scissors: For cutting bandages and other materials.
• Cotton Balls and Swabs: For cleaning and applying ointments.
• Tongue Depressors: Can be used as a splint.

Medicinal Supplies

• Triple Antibiotic Ointment: For treating minor cuts and abrasions.
• Hydrocortisone Cream: For soothing skin irritations.
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®): For allergic reactions. Know the correct dosage for your pet’s size.
• Hydrogen Peroxide: For cleaning wounds or inducing vomiting under your veterinarian’s instruction.
• Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl): For cleaning the thermometer.
• Petroleum Jelly: For lubricating the thermometer.
• Ear Cleaning Solution: For maintaining ear health.
• Plastic Eyedropper or Syringe: For administering liquid medications.

Optional Supplies that May Be Helpful

• Pet First Aid Book: A handy reference for emergency situations.
• Muzzle (for Dogs): To protect you from being bitten. These can be purchased from a store or made from rope, soft cloth, a towel, or a leash.
• Leather Gloves: For handling an injured pet and protecting yourself from bites.
• Loose Leash: To slip over your dog’s head quickly.
• Towels: For covering or drying your pet.
• Washcloths: For cleaning wounds or applying cold compresses.
• Blanket: Can be used to cover your pet, dry them, or as a stretcher.
• Pet Carrier: For safely transporting your pet.
• Pillowcase: To confine small pets.
• Penlight or Flashlight: For examining injuries in low light.

A pet first aid kit is essential to have on hand to quickly address emergent pet needs while you seek veterinary emergency care. Always call your family veterinarian in case of a pet medical emergency or visit us at MedVet if they are unavailable.

Visit our Pet Care Resources library for more pet health and safety information.