This pet first aid reference provides emergency steps for the most common pet crises — choking, poisoning, heatstroke, cuts, fractures, seizures, and CPR. Select a situation to see immediate actions, what NOT to do, and when to go to the emergency vet.
This is not a substitute for veterinary care.
If your pet is in danger, contact your vet or emergency animal hospital immediately. For suspected poisoning: ASPCA Poison Control: 1-888-426-4435 | Pet Poison Helpline: 1-855-764-7661 (fees may apply).
Select Emergency Situation
Quick Emergency Numbers
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
1-888-426-4435
24/7 — consultation fee may apply
Pet Poison Helpline
1-855-764-7661
24/7 — consultation fee may apply
How to Use This Pet First Aid Reference
Pet emergencies happen fast. This pet first aid reference gives you immediate, actionable steps for the most common crises your dog or cat may face — organized by situation so you can find guidance in seconds, not minutes.
When to Act vs. When to Call
For most pet emergencies, calling your vet or emergency animal hospital is the first step — not the last. First aid keeps your pet stable during transport. It is not a treatment. If your pet is unconscious, not breathing, or in severe distress, have someone else drive you to the emergency vet while you provide care in the back seat.
Signs Your Pet Needs Emergency Vet Care Now
Go immediately for: suspected poisoning, difficulty breathing, collapse or unresponsiveness, seizures lasting more than 2 minutes, severe bleeding that won't slow after 5 minutes of firm pressure, suspected broken bones, suspected bloat (distended abdomen with retching — primarily large breeds), eye injuries, pale or white gums, extreme pain, and any situation where the animal cannot stand or walk.
Pet First Aid Kit Essentials
Keep a kit ready: gauze pads and roll gauze, adhesive bandage tape (not human bandages — they don't stick to fur), hydrogen peroxide 3% (only for vomiting induction if directed by vet/poison control), a digital rectal thermometer, saline eye wash, blunt-nosed scissors, a muzzle (injured pets may bite from pain), and a copy of your vet's after-hours number and the nearest 24-hour emergency animal hospital.
Poisoning: Never Induce Vomiting Without Guidance
For suspected poisoning, do NOT induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a vet or poison control line. Some substances (bleach, gasoline, some plants, sharp objects) cause more damage on the way back up. Call ASPCA Poison Control (1-888-426-4435) or your vet immediately — have the substance name or packaging ready. Time matters; earlier calls yield better outcomes.
FAQ
Is this pet first aid guide free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required.
What is the pet poison control hotline number?
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 1-888-426-4435 (consultation fee may apply). Pet Poison Helpline: 1-855-764-7661 (consultation fee may apply). These lines are available 24/7. Always call your vet or an emergency vet first if the animal is showing symptoms.
How do I do CPR on a dog?
Place the dog on their right side. Interlock your hands over the widest part of the chest. Compress 30 times at a rate of 100–120 per minute (same as human CPR). Give 2 rescue breaths — close the mouth and breathe into the nose. Continue 30:2 ratio until the dog breathes or emergency vet takes over.
How do I know if my pet needs emergency vet care?
Go to emergency vet immediately for: suspected poisoning, difficulty breathing, collapse/unresponsiveness, seizures lasting over 2 minutes, severe bleeding that won't stop, suspected broken bones, suspected bloat (distended abdomen + retching in large dogs), eye injuries, pale/white gums, extreme pain, and any situation where the animal cannot stand.
Should I induce vomiting if my pet ate something toxic?
Never induce vomiting without specific instructions from a vet or poison control hotline. Some substances (bleach, gasoline, sharp objects) cause more damage if vomited. The vet will assess based on what was ingested, how long ago, and the pet's current condition.