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Pet First Aid

Emergency care for dogs and cats — know this before you need it.

Always call your vet or an emergency animal hospital first when possible. This guide covers stabilization until professional help is available. Keep your vet's number and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) saved in your phone.

Normal Vital Signs

Dog Vitals

Vital Normal Range
Heart rate 60–140 bpm (smaller dogs = faster)
Respiratory rate 15–30 breaths/min
Temperature 101–102.5°F (38.3–39.2°C)
Gum color Pink and moist
Capillary refill Under 2 seconds

Cat Vitals

Vital Normal Range
Heart rate 140–220 bpm
Respiratory rate 20–30 breaths/min
Temperature 100.5–102.5°F (38–39.2°C)
Gum color Pink and moist
Capillary refill Under 2 seconds

How to check capillary refill: Press your finger firmly on the gum above the front teeth for 1–2 seconds. Release and count how long the white spot takes to turn pink. Over 2 seconds = poor circulation, seek emergency care.

How to check temperature: Use a rectal thermometer with lubricant. Insert gently 1 inch. Digital thermometers give faster readings.

Choking

Signs of Choking

  • Pawing at mouth
  • Gagging, retching without producing vomit
  • Blue or white gums (emergency)
  • Collapse or loss of consciousness

What to Do — Conscious Pet

  1. Look inside the mouth. If you can clearly see the object and can remove it safely with one finger sweep, do so. Never do blind finger sweeps — you may push the object deeper.

  2. For dogs: Stand behind the dog. For small dogs, hold them with their back against your chest. Wrap both hands around their waist just behind the last rib. Give 3–5 firm upward thrusts (like the Heimlich maneuver).

  3. For cats: Hold the cat with its back against your chest. Place your thumbs on the belly just below the ribs. Give 3–5 quick upward compressions.

  4. Repeat and check the mouth after each round.

What to Do — Unconscious Pet

  1. Lay pet on its side.
  2. Open the mouth and look for the object. Remove if visible.
  3. Begin CPR (see below).
  4. Rush to an emergency vet.

CPR

When to Use CPR

  • Pet is unconscious and not breathing
  • No heartbeat detectable
  • Always call a vet while performing CPR

CPR for Dogs

Step 1 — Airway: Lay dog on right side. Tilt head back slightly to open airway. Check for foreign objects.

Step 2 — Breathing: Close the dog's mouth. Breathe into the nose (not the mouth) until you see the chest rise. Give 2 rescue breaths.

Step 3 — Compressions: - Small dogs and cats (under 30 lbs): Cup hands around the chest behind the front legs (chest compression from both sides) - Large dogs (over 30 lbs): Place heel of hand over the widest part of the chest (rib cage) - Push down 1–2 inches at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute - Allow chest to fully recoil between compressions

Ratio: 30 compressions : 2 breaths. Continue for 2 minutes, then reassess.

CPR for Cats

Cats have very small chests. Use the thumb-and-forefinger method: squeeze the chest gently between thumb and forefinger just behind the front legs. Compress 1/3 to 1/2 the chest width at 120–140 compressions per minute.

Bleeding

Minor Wounds

  • Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth for 5–10 minutes
  • Do not remove the cloth if it soaks through — add more on top
  • Once bleeding stops, clean with mild soap and water or saline
  • Apply antibiotic ointment (plain Neosporin without pain relief additives)

Severe Bleeding / Large Wounds

  1. Apply firm direct pressure immediately
  2. Do not remove embedded objects — stabilize them in place
  3. If bleeding won't stop after 10 minutes of pressure, apply a tourniquet above the wound (only for limbs, only if life-threatening)
  4. Get to an emergency vet immediately

Tourniquet Instructions (Last Resort)

  • Use a strip of cloth 2–3 inches wide (never wire or cord)
  • Apply 2 inches above the wound
  • Tighten until bleeding slows, then secure
  • Write the time applied on the pet's skin or a note
  • Do not remove — let the vet do this

Heatstroke

Signs

  • Excessive panting, drooling
  • Bright red gums turning pale
  • Vomiting, diarrhea
  • Stumbling, weakness
  • Seizures, collapse

Risk Factors

  • Temperatures above 80°F (27°C) in any enclosed space
  • Flat-faced breeds (bulldogs, pugs, Persian cats) are especially vulnerable
  • Thick coats, obesity, heart/lung conditions increase risk

Treatment

  1. Move to shade or air conditioning immediately.
  2. Cool with room-temperature water — NOT ice water. Ice water causes peripheral vessels to constrict and can trap heat inside.
  3. Wet paws, armpits, groin, and neck with cool water. Fan the pet.
  4. Offer small sips of cool water if conscious. Do not force water.
  5. Place on a cool surface (tile floor, cool wet towel).
  6. Rush to vet even if the pet seems to recover. Internal organ damage may not be immediately visible.

Target rectal temperature: 103°F (39.4°C). Stop active cooling once reached to avoid overcooling.

Seizures

Signs

  • Uncontrolled muscle jerking or rigidity
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Paddling legs
  • Loss of bladder/bowel control
  • "Glassy" eyes, unresponsiveness

During a Seizure

  1. Stay calm. Most seizures last 1–3 minutes.
  2. Do not restrain the pet — you may be bitten. Move furniture away to prevent injury.
  3. Do not put anything in the mouth — pets cannot swallow their tongues.
  4. Time the seizure.
  5. Dim lights and reduce noise. Keep calm.
  6. After the seizure: speak softly, offer water, keep warm. Pets are often disoriented for 10–30 minutes after ("postictal phase").

When to Rush to the Vet

  • Seizure lasts more than 5 minutes (status epilepticus — life-threatening)
  • Multiple seizures in 24 hours
  • Pet doesn't regain consciousness
  • First seizure ever (needs diagnosis)
  • Suspected poisoning

Poisoning — The 50 Most Common Toxins

Category 1: Human Foods

Item Danger Signs
Chocolate Theobromine toxicity — dark and baker's chocolate worst Vomiting, tremors, seizures, heart arrhythmia
Xylitol Severe hypoglycemia, liver failure Weakness, vomiting, seizures, yellowing of skin
Grapes & raisins Acute kidney failure (mechanism unknown) Vomiting, lethargy, decreased urination
Onions & garlic Hemolytic anemia (destroys red blood cells) Pale gums, weakness, collapse
Macadamia nuts Neurological effects Weakness, tremors, hyperthermia
Avocado Persin toxicity (mainly for birds/rabbits; mild in dogs) Vomiting, diarrhea
Alcohol CNS depression Staggering, coma
Coffee/caffeine Similar to chocolate toxicity Tremors, seizures, rapid heart rate
Nutmeg Neurological toxicity Tremors, seizures
Raw yeast dough Bloat + ethanol production Bloating, disorientation
Salt (large amounts) Sodium ion toxicosis Vomiting, tremors, seizures
Fruit pits/apple seeds Cyanide Gasping, dilated pupils, bright red gums

Category 2: Household Chemicals

Item Signs
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) Sweet taste attracts pets; causes kidney failure. Signs: drunk behavior initially, then acute kidney failure 24–72h later
Rodenticides (rat poison) Varies by type: anticoagulants (bleeding), bromethalin (neurological), zinc phosphide (GI)
Cleaning products Burns to mouth/throat, vomiting
Batteries Heavy metal/acid burns
Fertilizers GI upset; some cause muscle weakness
Herbicides GI upset, neurological signs
Insecticides (organophosphates) SLUDGE: Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, GI distress, Emesis
Permethrin (flea products) EXTREMELY TOXIC TO CATS. Tremors, seizures. Never use dog flea products on cats
Mothballs Neurological damage, liver failure
Bleach GI irritation, respiratory distress

Category 3: Medications

Medication Danger
Ibuprofen / Aspirin / Naproxen GI ulcers, kidney failure in dogs; especially toxic to cats
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Destroys red blood cells in cats; liver failure in dogs
Antidepressants (SSRIs/TCAs) Tremors, seizures
ADD/ADHD medications Stimulant toxicity
Sleep aids / benzodiazepines Sedation, respiratory depression
Beta-blockers Heart rate/blood pressure drops
Vitamin D supplements Kidney failure
Iron supplements GI corrosion, liver damage

Category 4: Recreational Substances

Substance Signs
Cannabis (THC) Staggering, dilated pupils, urinary incontinence, coma in severe cases
Tobacco/nicotine Tremors, seizures, cardiovascular effects
Vaping liquids Concentrated nicotine — very dangerous

Poisoning First Aid

  1. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet or poison control. Some toxins cause more damage coming back up (caustics, hydrocarbons).
  2. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435 (fee applies) or your vet immediately.
  3. Collect the packaging or identify the substance.
  4. Note how much was ingested and when.
  5. Note the pet's weight.

When vomiting IS sometimes indicated (vet/poison control instruction only): - Hydrogen peroxide 3% at 1 teaspoon per 5 lbs body weight (max 3 teaspoons) for dogs — only if instructed - Never for cats — far too dangerous

50 Toxic Plants for Dogs and Cats

Severely Toxic (Veterinary Emergency)

  1. Lilies (all species) — Cats: even tiny amounts cause kidney failure; dogs: GI upset
  2. Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) — Liver failure in both; very common in landscaping
  3. Azalea / Rhododendron — Cardiac arrhythmia, seizures
  4. Oleander — Cardiac glycosides; heart failure
  5. Yew (Taxus) — Cardiac arrest; every part is toxic
  6. Foxglove (Digitalis) — Cardiac glycosides
  7. Monkshood (Aconitum) — Rapid heart effects
  8. Water hemlock — Violent seizures
  9. Castor bean — Ricin; multi-organ failure
  10. Jimsonweed (Datura) — Anticholinergic toxicity
  11. Autumn crocus (Colchicum) — Multi-organ failure; similar to sago palm severity
  12. Death camas — Neurological and cardiac
  13. Angel's trumpet (Brugmansia) — Anticholinergic; confusion, seizures

Moderately Toxic

  1. Tulip bulbs — GI upset, central nervous system effects
  2. Daffodil / Narcissus bulbs — Vomiting, low blood pressure
  3. Hyacinth bulbs — GI upset
  4. Amaryllis — GI upset, tremors
  5. Kalanchoe — Cardiac arrhythmia
  6. Dieffenbachia (dumb cane) — Oral burning, swelling (may prevent swallowing)
  7. Philodendron — Oral irritation, drooling
  8. Pothos — Oral irritation
  9. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) — Calcium oxalate crystals; oral pain; kidney damage in cats
  10. English ivy — GI upset, neurological signs
  11. Wisteria — Vomiting, diarrhea
  12. Lantana — Liver failure; berries most toxic
  13. Cyclamen — GI upset; large amounts = seizures
  14. Chrysanthemum — GI upset, drooling
  15. Bird of paradise — GI upset
  16. Black-eyed Susan — Mild GI
  17. Aloe vera — GI upset (the gel is fine externally but toxic internally)
  18. Snake plant (Sansevieria) — GI upset
  19. ZZ plant (Zamioculcas) — GI upset, burning mouth
  20. Hydrangea — Cyanogenic glycosides; GI upset
  21. Tomato plant (leaves/stems) — Solanine; GI upset, weakness
  22. Rhubarb leaves — Oxalic acid; kidney damage
  23. Potato plants (green parts) — Solanine
  24. Mistletoe — GI upset, low heart rate
  25. Holly (Ilex) — Vomiting, diarrhea

Mildly Toxic / Irritating

  1. Jade plant — GI upset, depression
  2. Elephant ear (Colocasia) — Oral irritation
  3. Begonia — GI upset
  4. Impatiens — GI upset
  5. Morning glory — Hallucinations in large amounts
  6. Lemon / Citrus plants — GI upset (cats are more sensitive)
  7. Eucalyptus — GI upset, CNS effects
  8. Lavender — Mild; mainly GI
  9. Bay laurel — GI upset
  10. Nightshade — Solanine toxicity
  11. Sweet pea — Neurological signs with prolonged exposure
  12. Comfrey — Liver toxicity with repeated exposure

Pet First Aid Kit

Keep these items on hand:

  • Digital rectal thermometer + lubricant
  • Sterile gauze pads and roll gauze
  • Elastic bandage (Vetrap)
  • Medical tape
  • Blunt-tipped scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Saline eye wash
  • 3% hydrogen peroxide (for vomiting — only if vet-directed)
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) plain — 1mg/lb for dogs for mild allergic reactions (confirm dose with vet)
  • Disposable gloves
  • Muzzle (even the gentlest dog may bite when in pain)
  • Blanket for warmth/transport
  • ASPCA Poison Control number: 888-426-4435
  • Your vet's after-hours number
  • Nearest 24-hour emergency vet address

Transporting an Injured Pet

  • Minimize movement of a seriously injured pet — spinal injury is possible
  • Slide the pet onto a rigid surface (board, tray, lid) and secure gently
  • Wrap in a blanket for warmth and to minimize struggling
  • Muzzle if there's any risk of biting (pain causes biting even in gentle animals)
  • Call the vet ahead so they can prepare
  • Have someone else drive if possible — you may need to monitor the pet

Common Signs and What They Mean

Sign Possible Causes
Sudden collapse Shock, heart failure, poisoning, heatstroke
Pale/white gums Internal bleeding, shock, anemia
Blue/purple gums Oxygen deprivation — IMMEDIATE emergency
Bright red gums Heatstroke, carbon monoxide
Yellow gums Liver disease, hemolytic anemia
Sudden hindlimb paralysis (cats) Aortic thromboembolism — very painful, emergency
Straining to urinate (cats, especially males) Urinary blockage — can be fatal within hours
Distended abdomen + retching (large dogs) Bloat (GDV) — can be fatal within hours

This guide is for emergency stabilization only. It does not replace veterinary care. When in doubt, call your vet.