pet first aid and urgent care

Pet guidance on basic animal first aid, plus when to seek veterinary care for cats and dogs, and tips on disaster preparedness for pets.

If this is a life-threatening medical emergency, don’t wait. Contact your local emergency veterinary hospital immediately.

When to seek pet emergency care

Contact your local emergency veterinary hospital immediately if

Your pet has obvious injuries, severe bites, or burns, or you suspect broken bones
You suspect your pet has been poisoned
Your pet is in obvious distress or pain

Your pet is wheezing, struggling to breathe, or has a bluish tinge to their lips or skin
You see or suspect a severe eye injury
Your pet is unable to walk, having seizures, or otherwise acting abnormally

The Pet Poison Helpline can help if you suspect poison

Poisoned pets need immediate emergency veterinary care. Get your pet to the ER as quickly and safely as possible.

It can also help to call the Pet Poison Helpline while you're on your way to the ER. For an incident fee, they can supply initial information on poisoning for dogs and puppies, cats and kittens, birds, small mammals, large animals, and exotic species. Make sure to write down the case number they give you — it may come in handy at the ER.

See more at www.petpoisonhotline.com

Resources for first aid and urgent care

Emergency go bags for pets

Disasters are scary. Let’s get your furry pal prepped. Pet disaster kit

Cat and dog first aid kits

Have the right supplies on hand — just to be safe. What’s in the kit

Illustration of a cat looking at a phone

When to call the vet

Signs your furball needs help (and if it’s urgent!). Spot the signs

Illustration of a dog looking at poisons

Know what’s poisonous to pets

Avoid these foods, chemicals, and more. Poisons list

Common questions

What are the most common pet poisons?

Some of the most common include human medications (prescription and over the counter), rodenticides, and foods like grapes, onions, and chocolate.

Can I use an adhesive bandage on my dog?

Please don’t! While this is a great choice for human skin, dogs are quite furry, which makes the whole "sticking-close-to-the-skin" part an issue. Use gauze and/or a non-adhesive wrap bandage instead.

What is basic first aid for pets?

Basic first aid can help you contain injuries and prevent your panicked pet from doing more damage to themselves on the way to emergency veterinary care. You can help your pet by staying calm and taking quick action. Focus on gentle words and movements, get to a safe place, and safely restrain your pet (to avoid bites from a scared pet).

How to do first aid for dogs?

The goal of first aid for dogs is to help you get them to more intensive care. That means taking extra steps to keep both you and your pet safe.

Sick, hurt, or frightened animals may strike out even at people they love. For dogs, we recommend using nonadhesive materials like gauze, strips of T-shirt, or even neckties as a muzzle to help prevent bites.

You’ll also need specific materials to help you apply pressure and bind up wounds. Make sure you have an extra leash or harness on hand to help keep your pet still. A blanket or a beach towel in your kit can help you carry your pet to a safe area.

How do you treat a dog in an emergency?

Call your local emergency veterinary hospital to alert them of your pet’s issue. They can guide you with time-urgent first aid depending on the details of the situation.

What is the first aid treatment for cat?

The goal of first aid for cats is to help you get them to more intensive care. That means taking extra steps to keep both you and your pet safe.

Sick, hurt, or frightened animals may strike out even at people they love. For cats, you may need to swaddle or contain them in a blanket or towel to prevent further injury.

You’ll also need specific materials to help you apply pressure and bind up wounds. Make sure you have an extra leash or harness on hand to help keep your pet still. A blanket or a beach towel in your kit can help you carry your pet to a safe area.

How do you treat an injured cat?

Stay calm
Apply pressure with cloth/towels for at least three minutes to stop any bleeding
Add more cloth/towels if bleeding through
Do not remove materials used to stop bleeding
Wrap the wound if possible
Seek emergency veterinary care

Why is it important to have a pet first aid kit?

Having first aid materials on hand can help you focus on safely getting your pet the help they need. This should include nonstick bandages, rolled gauze, stretchy athletic bandages, bandage tape, scissors, a large towel or blanket, and extra leash or harness.

How to make a pet first aid kit?

Contact information for your vet
Contact information for your local emergency veterinary hospital
Clean nonstick bandages, towels, or strips of cloth
Rolled gauze
Bandage tape
Saline solution
Sterile lubricant
Styptic powder
Digital thermometer
Large towel or blanket
Leash and harness
Scissors
Muzzle
Bottle of water

What to put in a dog first aid kit?

Contact information for your vet
Contact information for your local emergency veterinary hospital
Clean nonstick bandages, towels, or strips of cloth
Rolled gauze
Bandage tape
Saline solution
Sterile lubricant
Styptic powder
Digital thermometer
Large towel or blanket
Leash and harness
Scissors
Muzzle
Bottle of water

Can you use first aid antibiotic ointment on a cat?

No, we don't recommend using antibiotic ointment on cats. Some ointments may contain ingredients that have caused allergic reactions. Your veterinarian will have safe suggestions to help your cat.

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