Section 01
General Emergency and Trauma Care
A well-organized approach and prepared team can significantly improve pet outcomes in emergencies and trauma situations.
Veterinary Services
Emergency & Trauma Care
A well-organized approach and prepared team can significantly improve pet outcomes in emergencies and trauma situations.
Urgent CareTrauma SupportCall First
Quick reference
What to do step by step
Keep these steps handy — clear actions for common situations.
1
Initial assessment
- Check for responsiveness: Gently shake or call your pet.
- Breathing and pulse: Check if the pet is breathing and has a pulse. If not, begin CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).
2
CPR for Pets
- Airway: Ensure the airway is clear. Remove any obstructions.
- Breathing: Give rescue breaths (small dogs and cats: cover the nose and mouth; larger dogs: cover only the nose).
- Circulation: Perform chest compressions.
3
Control Bleeding
- Direct pressure: Apply a clean cloth or gauze over the wound and press firmly.
- Elevate: If possible, elevate the injured area above the heart.
- Tourniquet: Use as a last resort for severe limb bleeding.
4
Fractures and Sprains
- Stabilize: Immobilize the injured area with a splint or padded bandage.
- Transport carefully: Minimize movement of the injured limb.
5
Poisoning
- Identify the toxin: Note any substances the pet may have ingested.
- Contact a vet or poison control: Immediately seek professional guidance.
- Induce vomiting: Only if instructed by a veterinarian.
6
Heatstroke
- Move to a cool area: Immediately get the pet out of the heat.
- Cool down: Use cool (not cold) water to lower body temperature gradually.
- Offer water: Encourage drinking small amounts of cool water.
7
Seizures
- Prevent injury: Clear the area of objects that might hurt the pet.
- Time of the seizure: Note the duration and any triggering factors.
- Do not restrain: Allow the seizure to run its course, then comfort the pet.
8
Burns and Scalds
- Cool the burn: Rinse the area with cool water for at least 10 minutes.
- Cover the burn: Use a clean, non-stick dressing or cloth.
- Seek veterinary care: Burns can be severe and need professional treatment.
9
Choking
- Mouth sweep: Carefully open the mouth and remove any visible obstruction.
- Heimlich maneuver: For dogs, compress the abdomen just behind the ribs. For cats, use gentle pressure.