Emergency procedures every pet parent should know. Print or bookmark these for quick reference.
Symptoms: Swelling, hives, face swelling, itching, difficulty breathing
Immediate Steps: Scrape stinger (don't tweeze), cold pack, Benadryl 1mg/lb if directed
When to Vet: If throat swelling
Prevention: Avoid hives
Symptoms: Pawing mouth, gagging, blue tongue
Immediate Steps: Look for object, Heimlich maneuver
When to Vet: If 30 seconds no success
Prevention: Supervise chew toys
Symptoms: Cold extremities, pale skin, lethargy, stiff movements
Immediate Steps: Warm gradually with warm towels, warm water 100-104F, do not rub
When to Vet: If no warm up in 30 min
Prevention: Limit cold exposure
Symptoms: Excessive panting, drooling, red gums, vomiting, lethargy, collapse
Immediate Steps: Move to shade, pour cool water, fan, small water sips
When to Vet: IMMEDIATELY
Prevention: Never hot cars, avoid peak heat
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, collapse
Immediate Steps: Remove from source, call poison helpline (855-764-7661), DO NOT induce vomiting unless directed
When to Vet: IMMEDIATELY
Prevention: Keep toxins out of reach
Symptoms: Falling, paddling, drooling, loss of consciousness
Immediate Steps: Stay calm, time it, clear furniture, darken room, do NOT restrain
When to Vet: If over 3 min
Prevention: Keep medication consistent
Symptoms: Puncture wounds, torn skin, swelling, bleeding
Immediate Steps: Control bleeding, clean with mild soap, antibiotic ointment, cover bandage
When to Vet: Within 12 hours
Prevention: Supervise dog park, current vaccines
Symptoms: Visible wound, blood soaking fur, pale gums
Immediate Steps: Apply pressure with gauze, add layers if needed, wrap bandage
When to Vet: If 10 min no stop
Prevention: Check paws after walks
Symptoms: Squinting, pawing, redness, cloudiness, discharge
Immediate Steps: Prevent rubbing (E-collar), flush with sterile saline, no drops unless prescribed
When to Vet: Within 24 hours
Prevention: Trim face fur
Symptoms: Limping, swelling, odd angle, crying out
Immediate Steps: Do NOT set bone, muzzle, immobilize on board, cover for shock
When to Vet: Immediately
Prevention: Prevent falls