Pet First Aid Basics

Comprehensive Guide ~15 minute read

Knowing basic pet first aid can save your pet's life in an emergency. The goal of first aid is to stabilize your pet and prevent further injury until you can get professional veterinary care. This guide covers the essential skills every pet parent should know.

Before an Emergency: Be Prepared

The best time to prepare for an emergency is before it happens:

• Save your vet's number and emergency vet number in your phone
• Keep ASPCA Poison Control number handy: 888-426-4435
• Assemble a pet first aid kit (see our Emergency Checklist)
• Take a pet first aid course if available in your area
• Know your pet's normal vital signs

Normal Vital Signs

Vital Sign	Dogs	Cats
Heart Rate	60-140 bpm (larger dogs on lower end)	140-220 bpm
Respiratory Rate	10-30 breaths/min	20-30 breaths/min
Temperature	101-102.5°F	100.5-102.5°F

CPR for Dogs and Cats

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) should only be performed when a pet has no heartbeat and is not breathing. Performing CPR on a pet with a heartbeat can be dangerous.

Step 1: Check for Responsiveness

• Call your pet's name and gently tap them
• Check for breathing by watching the chest
• Feel for a heartbeat on the left side of the chest, just behind the elbow

Step 2: Call for Help

• Have someone call the emergency vet while you begin CPR
• If alone, perform CPR for 2 minutes before calling

Step 3: Position Your Pet

• Lay your pet on their right side on a firm, flat surface
• For barrel-chested dogs (like Bulldogs), lay them on their back
• Straighten the head and neck to open the airway

Step 4: Perform Chest Compressions

• For medium to large dogs: Place the heel of one hand on the widest part of the rib cage, place your other hand on top. Compress 1/3 to 1/2 the width of the chest.
• For small dogs and cats: Place your thumb on one side of the chest and fingers on the other, just behind the elbows. Squeeze to compress.
• Perform 100-120 compressions per minute
• Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions

Step 5: Rescue Breathing

• After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths
• Close the pet's mouth and extend the neck
• For dogs: Cover the nose with your mouth and blow until you see the chest rise
• For cats and small dogs: Cover both nose and mouth with your mouth
• Give breaths over 1 second each

Step 6: Continue and Transport

• Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths
• Check for a heartbeat every 2 minutes
• Transport to the vet while continuing CPR if possible

Wound Care

Minor wounds can often be treated at home, but deep wounds, heavy bleeding, or wounds from animal bites require veterinary attention.

For Minor Cuts and Scrapes

1. Calm your pet and restrain gently if needed
2. Flush the wound with clean water or saline solution
3. Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze if bleeding
4. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment
5. Cover with a non-stick bandage if needed
6. Monitor for signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge)

For Serious Bleeding

1. Apply direct pressure with clean cloth or gauze
2. Maintain pressure for at least 5 minutes
3. If blood soaks through, add more layers on top (don't remove original)
4. For limb wounds, elevate if possible
5. Seek immediate veterinary care

Choking

Signs of choking include pawing at the mouth, difficulty breathing, blue-tinged gums, and excessive drooling or gagging.

For a Conscious Choking Pet

1. Restrain your pet safely (choking pets may bite in panic)
2. Open the mouth and look for the object
3. If visible and reachable, carefully sweep it out with your finger
4. Be careful not to push it deeper

If the Object Is Not Accessible

For small pets: Hold them upside down with head pointing down and give 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades.

For larger dogs: Perform a modified Heimlich maneuver:

1. Stand behind your dog (or kneel if they're lying down)
2. Make a fist and place it just below the rib cage
3. Push up and forward in quick thrusting motions
4. Repeat 5 times, then check the mouth

Recognizing Shock

Shock is a life-threatening condition that can occur after trauma, blood loss, or severe illness. Signs include:

• Pale or white gums
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Weakness or collapse
• Cool extremities
• Dull, unfocused eyes

First Aid for Shock

1. Keep your pet calm and still
2. Keep them warm with blankets (but don't overheat)
3. Elevate the hindquarters slightly if no spinal injury suspected
4. Transport to the vet immediately
5. Do not give food or water

Poisoning

If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic:

1. Stay calm and remove your pet from the source
2. Try to identify what they ingested and how much
3. Call ASPCA Poison Control: 888-426-4435 (fee applies) or your vet
4. Do NOT induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a professional
5. Bring the product packaging to the vet if possible

When to Seek Emergency Care

Go to an emergency vet immediately if your pet experiences:

• Difficulty breathing or choking
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Suspected broken bones
• Inability to urinate or defecate
• Eye injuries
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea
• Collapse or unconsciousness
• Seizures
• Signs of extreme pain
• Ingestion of toxic substances
• Heatstroke
• Bloated or distended abdomen (especially in large dogs)

Building Your First Aid Kit

A well-stocked first aid kit is essential. Your kit should include:

• Gauze pads and rolls
• Non-stick bandages and adhesive tape
• Cotton balls and swabs
• Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
• Saline solution
• Antibiotic ointment
• Digital thermometer
• Tweezers and scissors
• Disposable gloves
• Emergency blanket
• Muzzle or strips of cloth (injured pets may bite)
• Emergency contact numbers