When every second counts, stay calm and follow the steps.
An interactive walkthrough for the most common pet emergencies. Pick your pet and the situation, then follow clear step-by-step first-aid instructions.
Start Your Walkthrough
Check if your pet is truly choking
A choking pet will cough forcefully, paw at their mouth, and may have difficulty breathing. If they can still cough or make noise, their airway is only partially blocked. Let them try to cough it out on their own first.
Quick-Reference Emergency Card
Print this card and keep it on your fridge or inside your pet first-aid kit. It covers the most critical actions at a glance.
Choking
- Stay calm. Check mouth for visible object.
- For dogs: lift hind legs, give sharp back blows between shoulder blades.
- For cats: hold upside down gently, give back blows.
- If object doesn't dislodge, try modified Heimlich (abdominal thrust behind ribs).
- Get to vet immediately if not resolved in 1-2 minutes.
Never blindly sweep the throat — you may push the object deeper.
Poisoning
- Remove pet from the toxin source.
- Note what was ingested, how much, and when.
- Call ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet.
- Bring the product packaging to the vet.
Never give milk, salt water, or oil as a home remedy.
Heatstroke
- Move pet to shade or air conditioning immediately.
- Apply cool (not ice-cold) water to paws, belly, neck.
- Offer small amounts of cool water to drink.
- Use a fan to increase air circulation.
- Get to vet — internal damage can occur even if they seem better.
Never use ice water — it can cause shock and constrict blood vessels.
Seizure
- Clear the area around your pet to prevent injury.
- Do NOT put your hands near their mouth.
- Time the seizure — note start and end.
- Keep the room dark and quiet.
- After seizure, keep pet warm and calm. Call vet.
Never try to hold their tongue — they cannot swallow it, and you may get bitten.
Before an Emergency Happens
Build a Pet First-Aid Kit
Keep a dedicated kit in your home and car. Include gauze rolls, adhesive tape, a digital thermometer (rectal, for pets), hydrogen peroxide (3%, only for vet-directed vomiting), tweezers, saline wash, activated charcoal (vet-approved), a soft muzzle or strip of cloth, and your vet's emergency number. Check expiration dates every six months.
Know Your Vet's Emergency Number
Save your regular vet's number and the nearest 24-hour emergency animal hospital in your phone right now. Write both numbers on a card and tape it inside your pet first-aid kit. In a crisis, you do not want to be searching the internet for a phone number.
Learn Pet CPR
Reading about CPR is not the same as practicing it. Many veterinary schools and pet organizations offer pet first-aid courses. A 2-hour class could save your pet's life. The Red Cross offers a pet first-aid app with video demonstrations you can review anytime.
Common Mistakes People Make
Waiting too long to act is the biggest one. Other frequent errors: giving human medications (ibuprofen and acetaminophen are toxic to pets), inducing vomiting without professional advice, using ice water for heatstroke, and trying to restrain a seizing pet. This walkthrough helps you avoid each of these.
Questions Pet Owners Ask
- If your pet is conscious and stable enough, call your vet or emergency clinic on your way. If your pet is not breathing or is unconscious, start first aid immediately and have someone else call the vet.
- This guide is designed for dogs and cats. Other species have very different anatomies and needs. Contact an exotic animal vet for guidance on other pets.
- The guide follows widely accepted veterinary first-aid protocols. Last reviewed January 2026. Always check with your own vet for the most current recommendations.
- Gauze rolls and pads, adhesive tape, hydrogen peroxide (3%, for inducing vomiting only on vet advice), digital thermometer, tweezers, saline eye wash, activated charcoal (vet-approved), muzzle or soft cloth, emergency vet contact info, and a pet carrier.
- Yes. Many conditions have delayed effects. A pet that swallowed something toxic may seem fine for hours. A pet that had a seizure needs bloodwork. A pet that nearly choked may have internal injury. Always follow up with your vet after any emergency.