Pet First Aid Guide
Select an emergency situation below for step-by-step first aid instructions. Save your vet's number for quick access.
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How Pet First Aid Guide Works
Get step-by-step pet first aid instructions for choking, poisoning, bleeding, and more. and instant emergency guide. Use the tool above to get your results instantly — everything runs in your browser with no data sent to any server.
Pet First Aid Essentials
Knowing basic pet first aid can save your pet's life in an emergency. While these instructions provide immediate guidance, they are not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always contact your vet or emergency animal hospital as soon as possible.
Building a Pet First Aid Kit
Every pet owner should have a first aid kit ready. Keep it somewhere accessible and check it every 6 months to replace expired items.
- Gauze pads and rolls (for wrapping wounds)
- Non-stick bandages and adhesive tape
- Hydrogen peroxide 3% (to induce vomiting ONLY when directed by a vet)
- Digital thermometer (normal: dogs 101–102.5°F, cats 100.5–102.5°F)
- Disposable gloves
- Scissors and tweezers
- Saline solution (for flushing wounds or eyes)
- Antibiotic ointment (pet-safe)
- Styptic powder (for nail bleeding)
- Blanket and towel
- Your vet's phone number and nearest emergency vet address
CPR for Dogs and Cats
If your pet is not breathing and has no pulse: (1) Lay them on their right side on a flat surface. (2) For dogs, place hands over the widest part of the chest. For cats and small dogs, wrap one hand around the chest. (3) Compress 1/3 to 1/2 the depth of the chest at 100–120 compressions per minute. (4) Give 1 rescue breath for every 30 compressions by closing the mouth and breathing into the nose. (5) Check for pulse every 2 minutes. (6) Continue until the animal breathes on its own or you reach a vet.
When to Rush to the Emergency Vet
Go to the emergency vet immediately for: difficulty breathing, suspected poisoning, seizures lasting more than 3 minutes, hit by a car, severe bleeding that will not stop, suspected broken bones, bloated/distended abdomen, inability to urinate for more than 24 hours, or collapse/unconsciousness. Time is critical in emergencies, so keep your nearest emergency vet's address saved in your phone and know the fastest route. Many emergencies happen at night or on weekends when regular vets are closed, so locate a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my pet is choking?
Open the mouth and look for a visible object. If you can see it, try to gently remove it with tweezers. If you cannot see it, perform a modified Heimlich maneuver: for dogs, place your fist below the ribcage and push firmly up and forward. For cats, hold them with their back against your chest and push the abdomen sharply inward. Rush to the vet.
Can I give my pet human medicine?
No. Most human medications are dangerous for pets. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and cold medicines can be fatal. Only give medications prescribed by your veterinarian.
How do I stop my pet from bleeding?
Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. Do not remove the cloth even if it soaks through — add more layers on top. For limb bleeding, you can wrap a bandage above the wound but not too tight. Get to the vet as soon as possible.
What is the normal temperature for dogs and cats?
Normal dog temperature is 101–102.5 degrees F (38.3–39.2 degrees C). Normal cat temperature is 100.5–102.5 degrees F (38–39.2 degrees C). Use a rectal thermometer with lubricant for accurate readings.
Should I induce vomiting if my pet eats something toxic?
NEVER induce vomiting without professional guidance. Some toxins cause more damage coming back up. Call ASPCA Poison Control or your vet first. If told to induce vomiting, use hydrogen peroxide 3% — 1 teaspoon per 5 lbs of body weight for dogs. Do NOT induce vomiting in cats without specific vet instructions.