Pet First Aid

ACT NOWYour pet is hurt and no vet can be reached. Steady them until one can.

Approach carefully
- Hurt animals bite — even yours. Slow, calm voice.
- Dog: muzzle it with a strip of cloth or a belt — around the snout, cross under the chin, tie behind the ears.
- Never muzzle a dog that's vomiting.
- Cat: wrap it in a towel, injured spot showing.
Stop bleeding
- Press with a clean cloth — 5 minutes. Don't lift to check.
- Still bleeding on a leg? Pad it and wrap it firmly.
- Toes swelling below the wrap? Loosen it a little.
Common emergencies
- Broken bone: steady it with a rolled magazine or stiff cardboard and tape. Don't try to set it.
- Choking dog: open the mouth; pull out anything you can see — carefully.
- Poison: don't make them vomit on your own — some poisons do more damage coming back up. If there's service, call ASPCA Poison Control, 888-426-4435 (a fee may apply).
- Heatstroke: into the shade. Cool, not cold, water on the belly and paws.
Know the signs
- Heart rate: dogs 60–140 (small dogs higher), cats 140–220.
- Feel it on the left side of the chest, just behind the front leg.
- Temperature: 100–102.5 °F for both.
- Shock: fast shallow breathing, pale gums, cold paws. Keep them warm, quiet and still.
- Get to a vet as soon as you can.

Sources: AVMA Pet First Aid · ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

General information to help in an emergency — not a substitute for training or professional care.

Approach carefully