Pet First Aid Tips for Emergencies (Bleeding, Choking, Poisoning, Heatstroke, and Seizures)
Dear Pet Mom,
Emergencies can happen in an instant: a curious cat chewing on a plant, a playful dog cutting their paw, or sudden heatstroke on a hot day. Knowing what to do in those first few moments can make all the difference before you reach the vet. Here are 5 of the most common pet emergencies and simple first aid tips to help you act quickly.
(Check out the infographic at the end of the list and pin it to your board so you always have it handy)
1. Bleeding or Cuts
A small scrape or a deeper wound can look scary, but the first step is always to stay calm so your pet stays calm too.
Apply firm, steady pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to slow the bleeding.
Elevate the injured area if possible, to reduce blood flow.
Rinse gently with pet-safe saline or lukewarm water to clear dirt and debris (avoid hydrogen peroxide, which can damage tissue).
Wrap with gauze or a bandage, snug enough to protect but not so tight that it cuts off circulation.
Call your vet if bleeding doesn’t stop within 5 minutes or if the wound is large, deep, or caused by a bite.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep a small pair of blunt scissors and vet-approved antiseptic in your pet’s first aid kit for wound care.
2. Choking
Look inside the mouth for a visible object and gently remove it if safe.
If your pet is pawing at their mouth or struggling to breathe, you may need to perform a pet Heimlich:
Large/Medium Dogs: Stand behind your pet with their spine against your chest, wrap your arms under their ribs, make a fist, clasp it with your other hand, and give up‑and‑in thrusts (5 quick presses just under the ribs).
Small Dogs and Cats: Hold them in your lap, then apply 5 firm upward abdominal thrusts using your palm or two/three fingers (depending on the size of the pet), directly beneath the ribcage.
Back Blows: If thrusts don't work, deliver firm back blows between the shoulder blades (up to 5)
Call your vet immediately.
💡Pro Tip: Keep a pet first aid reference card or guide in your home and car to help with these steps. In a panic, having the steps written down helps you act faster and calmer.
📌 Want all these steps in one easy guide?
Emergencies are stressful. That’s why I created the Pet Mom’s Calm and Clear Pet First Aid Guide. It’s a printable resource with step-by-step instructions for common emergencies, so you’ll always know what to do when it matters most.
Explore the Pet First Aid Guide here
3. Poisoning or Toxin Ingestion
Our curious fur babies sometimes nibble on things they shouldn’t, from houseplants to human snacks. Quick action is key.
Do not induce vomiting unless your vet tells you to. Some toxins (like bleach or sharp objects) can cause more harm coming back up.
Call your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately. Have the product packaging or name of the substance on hand.
Check for common culprits at home: chocolate, grapes, onions, xylitol (in sugar-free gum), medications, cleaning products, and even certain plants.
If skin or fur is exposed to toxins, rinse gently with lukewarm water and mild pet-safe soap.
Keep your pet calm and limit movement until you get veterinary instructions.
💡 Pro Tip: Save your vet’s number and the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661 for U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean) in your phone now so you don’t lose time searching later.
4. Heatstroke
Hot days can turn dangerous quickly, especially for pets with thick coats, flat faces (like pugs or persians), or those who love to run and play.
Move your pet to a shaded, cooler area immediately.
Offer small sips of water. Too much too fast can upset their stomach.
Cool them down gradually: use a damp towel on paws, belly, and inner thighs, or run cool (not cold) water over their body.
Use a fan or air circulation to help lower body temperature. Do not point the fan directly at your pet.
Do not use ice or very cold water, which can shock their system.
Call your vet right away, even if your pet seems better. Heatstroke can cause internal damage.
💡 Warning signs include heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, weakness, or collapse. If you notice these, treat it as an emergency.
5. Seizures
Seeing your pet have a seizure can be frightening, but your calm presence can make a big difference.
Keep them safe by clearing the area of furniture, sharp objects, or anything they might bump into.
Do not hold your pet down and never put anything in their mouth.
Time the seizure. Most last under 2 minutes, but if it continues longer than 5 minutes, seek emergency care immediately.
After the seizure, keep the lights low and your voice calm. Pets often feel disoriented, anxious, or thirsty.
Call your vet for follow-up care, especially if it’s the first seizure or part of a cluster (more than one within 24 hours).
💡 Pro Tip: Video record the episode on your phone if possible. It helps your vet understand what’s happening.
Save this quick-reference guide so you’ll know what to do in a pet emergency.
Final Thoughts
We can’t predict every bump, scrape, or scary moment our pets may face, but we can prepare. A well-stocked first aid kit and a few basic skills give us the gift of being steady, quick, and confident when our fur babies need us most.
💡 Pro Tip: Being prepared isn’t just practical. It’s one of the purest ways we show love to our pets.
If you don’t have your kit ready yet, you can start simple: Build your own DIY Pet First Aid Kit here
Or if you’d rather purchase one, make sure it has these items: 5 Essentials in every Pet First Aid Kit
If you’d like extra peace of mind, the Pet Mom’s Calm and Clear Pet First Aid Guide is your step-by-step reference for bleeding, choking, poisoning, heatstroke, seizures, and more. Save it, print it, and keep it close so you’ll never have to second-guess what to do in an emergency.
