When your dog faces a medical emergency, every second counts. Knowing how to recognize critical symptoms and provide immediate care can mean the difference between life and death. This comprehensive guide covers essential emergency procedures, from recognizing signs of distress to performing CPR and preparing for veterinary care.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, being prepared for emergencies significantly improves outcomes for pets. For more preventive health information, check out our Cat & Dog First Aid Kit.
Emergency Quick Navigation
Recognizing Emergency Symptoms
Knowing when to seek emergency care is crucial. According to research from the National Institutes of Health, early recognition of critical symptoms significantly improves survival rates in pet emergencies.
Immediate Veterinary Care Needed
These symptoms require immediate veterinary attention. Don't wait - go directly to an emergency vet clinic.
Critical Symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or choking
- Unconsciousness or collapse
- Severe bleeding that won't stop
- Seizures lasting more than 2 minutes
- Suspected poisoning
- Bloated or distended abdomen
- Inability to urinate or defecate
- Trauma (hit by car, falls, fights)
Urgent Veterinary Care Needed
These symptoms require veterinary attention within 24 hours. Call your vet immediately for guidance.
Urgent Symptoms:
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
- Straining to urinate
- Sudden weakness or stumbling
- Eye injuries or sudden blindness
- Severe pain (crying, reluctance to move)
- Heatstroke symptoms
- Swollen face or hives
- Loss of appetite for 24+ hours
Emergency Contact Information
Always keep these numbers accessible:
1. Your regular veterinarian
2. Nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic
3. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
4. Pet emergency transport service (if available)
Tip: Save these numbers in your phone and post them on your refrigerator.
Common Dog Emergencies & First Response
Knowing how to respond to common emergencies can stabilize your dog until you reach veterinary care. According to the American Kennel Club, proper first response can prevent complications and save lives.
Choking Emergency
Signs of Choking
Pawing at mouth, gagging, difficulty breathing, blue-tinged gums, panic, coughing, inability to bark.
Immediate Response
Step 1: Look in mouth - if object visible and reachable, remove with pliers/tweezers
Step 2: If not visible, perform Heimlich maneuver for dogs
Step 3: Small dogs: hold upside down, shake gently
Step 4: Large dogs: stand behind, make fist below rib cage, push upward and forward
Step 5: Check breathing, begin CPR if needed
Poisoning Emergency
Common Household Poisons
Human foods: Chocolate, xylitol (sugar-free gum), grapes/raisins, onions, alcohol
Medications: Human pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), antidepressants
Plants: Lilies, sago palm, azaleas, tulips, daffodils
Chemicals: Antifreeze, rat poison, cleaning products, fertilizers
Always call Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435
Poisoning Symptoms
Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, seizures, lethargy, tremors, difficulty breathing, collapse, pale gums.
Poisoning Response
Step 1: Call Animal Poison Control immediately
Step 2: Identify poison if possible (bring container)
Step 3: Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed
Step 4: If on skin, rinse with water for 15 minutes
Step 5: Transport to vet with poison sample
Severe Bleeding Emergency
Bleeding Types
Arterial: Bright red, spurting blood (most dangerous)
Venous: Dark red, steady flow
Capillary: Oozing, slow (minor cuts)
Apply pressure to all types immediately.
Bleeding Control
Step 1: Apply direct pressure with clean cloth for 5-10 minutes
Step 2: If bleeding continues, add more layers (don't remove soaked cloth)
Step 3: For leg wounds, apply pressure to artery in groin/armpit
Step 4: Elevate wound if possible
Step 5: Apply pressure bandage, transport to vet
Heatstroke Emergency
Heatstroke Signs
Excessive panting, bright red gums, thick drool, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, collapse, body temperature above 104°F (40°C).
Heatstroke Response
Step 1: Move to cool area immediately
Step 2: Offer small amounts of cool (not cold) water
Step 3: Wet with cool water, especially head/neck/groin
Step 4: Use fans to promote evaporation
Step 5: Do NOT use ice water - can cause shock
Step 6: Transport to vet immediately
Seizure Emergency
Seizure Signs
Collapse, muscle twitching, jerking movements, drooling, chomping, loss of consciousness, loss of bowel/bladder control.
Seizure Response
Step 1: Clear area of dangerous objects
Step 2: Do NOT put anything in mouth
Step 3: Time the seizure
Step 4: Keep dog cool, dim lights, reduce noise
Step 5: After seizure, keep comfortable and calm
Step 6: Seek vet care if seizure lasts >2 minutes or multiple occur
How to Perform CPR on a Dog
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can save a dog's life when they're not breathing and have no heartbeat. According to the American Red Cross, proper CPR technique varies by dog size and should only be performed when absolutely necessary.
Check Responsiveness
Gently shake and call your dog's name. Check for breathing by watching chest movement and feeling for breath on your cheek.
Check Pulse
Feel for pulse on inner thigh (femoral artery) or just behind left elbow. If no pulse and no breathing, begin CPR immediately.
Clear Airway
Open mouth, pull tongue forward, check for obstructions. Remove any visible blockage with fingers or pliers.
Rescue Breathing
Small dogs: Seal mouth and nose with your mouth, give 1 breath every 3 seconds.
Large dogs: Seal only mouth, pinch nose, give 1 breath every 3 seconds.
Chest Compressions
Small dogs: Use one hand over heart
Medium dogs: Use one hand over other
Large dogs: Use both hands as for humans
Rate: 100-120 compressions/minute
CPR Cycles
30 compressions : 2 breaths
Continue until:
• Dog breathes on own
• Pulse returns
• You reach veterinary care
• You're too exhausted to continue
Important CPR Notes
1. Only perform CPR if dog is unconscious with no breathing/no pulse
2. CPR can cause rib fractures - this is normal in emergency situations
3. Have someone call vet while you perform CPR
4. Continue CPR during transport if possible
5. Consider taking a pet CPR course for hands-on training
Emergency Preparedness Checklist
Being prepared can save crucial minutes during an emergency. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, prepared pet owners have better outcomes in emergencies.
First Aid Kit Essentials
Keep a dedicated dog first aid kit in your home and car. For a complete guide, see our detailed first aid kit article.
Kit Contents:
- Gauze pads and rolls
- Adhesive tape (vet wrap)
- Antiseptic wipes
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
- Digital thermometer
- Tweezers and scissors
- Muzzle (even friendly dogs may bite when hurt)
- Emergency blanket
- Syringe (for giving liquids)
- Your vet's contact information
Emergency Documents
Keep these documents in a waterproof container or digitally accessible:
Required Documents:
- Vaccination records
- Medical history
- Current medications list
- Photo of your dog (for identification)
- Microchip information
- Emergency contact list
- Pet insurance information
- Authorization for treatment form
Transporting an Injured Dog
Improper transport can worsen injuries. Follow these guidelines to move your dog safely to veterinary care.
Safe Transport Guidelines
1. Muzzle if necessary: Even gentle dogs may bite when in pain. Use a soft cloth muzzle or make one from gauze.
2. Stabilize injuries: Use makeshift splints for fractures, but don't spend too much time.
3. Use rigid surface: For back injuries, use a board, door, or stiff blanket to keep spine aligned.
4. Small dogs: Carry in arms or use a box/carrier.
5. Large dogs: Use blanket as stretcher with two people.
6. Drive safely: Have someone else drive while you comfort your dog.
7. Call ahead: Alert the emergency clinic you're coming.
What to Expect at the Veterinary Emergency
Knowing what happens at the emergency clinic can reduce stress and help you provide better information to the veterinary team.
Triage Process
Emergency clinics use triage system - most critical patients seen first. Be prepared to wait if your dog is stable.
Triage Levels:
- Immediate: Life-threatening (seen immediately)
- Urgent: Serious but stable (seen quickly)
- Non-urgent: Can wait (may have longer wait)
What You'll Be Asked
Be ready to provide this information quickly and clearly:
Essential Information:
- What happened and when
- Current symptoms
- Pre-existing conditions
- Current medications
- Recent food/water intake
- Any known allergies
- Vaccination status
Emergency Prevention Tips
While not all emergencies can be prevented, many common situations are avoidable with proper precautions.
Home Safety
Dog-proof your home to prevent common accidents and poisonings.
Prevention Measures:
- Secure trash cans
- Keep medications locked up
- Use baby gates for dangerous areas
- Remove toxic plants
- Secure electrical cords
- Keep small objects out of reach
- Store chemicals safely
Travel Safety
Prevent travel-related emergencies with proper precautions.
Travel Safety Tips:
- Use seat belt harness or carrier
- Never leave dog in hot car
- Keep head inside windows
- Carry travel water bowl
- Have current ID tags
- Microchip your dog
- Plan rest stops on long trips
Final Emergency Preparedness Tips
1. Take a pet first aid course - hands-on training is invaluable
2. Practice emergency scenarios with family members
3. Keep your first aid kit updated - check expiration dates quarterly
4. Have emergency funds available - consider pet insurance
5. Know your dog's normal vitals - resting heart rate, breathing rate, gum color
6. Trust your instincts - if something seems wrong, it probably is
7. Stay calm during emergencies - your dog senses your anxiety
Remember: Your quick thinking and preparation can save your dog's life. Print this guide or save it on your phone for quick reference. For more dog health resources, explore our complete blog or check out our recommended safety and first aid products.
