If this is a life-threatening medical emergency, don’t wait. Contact your local emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
pet first aid and urgent care
Pet guidance on basic animal first aid, plus when to seek veterinary care for cats and dogs, and tips on disaster preparedness for pets.
If this is a life-threatening medical emergency, don’t wait. Contact your local emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
When to seek pet emergency care
Contact your local emergency veterinary hospital immediately if
Your pet has obvious injuries, severe bites, or burns, or you suspect broken bones
You suspect your pet has been poisoned
Your pet is in obvious distress or pain
Your pet is wheezing, struggling to breathe, or has a bluish tinge to their lips or skin
You see or suspect a severe eye injury
Your pet is unable to walk, having seizures, or otherwise acting abnormally
The Pet Poison Helpline can help if you suspect poison
Poisoned pets need immediate emergency veterinary care. Get your pet to the ER as quickly and safely as possible.
It can also help to call the Pet Poison Helpline while you're on your way to the ER. For an incident fee, they can supply initial information on poisoning for dogs and puppies, cats and kittens, birds, small mammals, large animals, and exotic species. Make sure to write down the case number they give you — it may come in handy at the ER.
See more at www.petpoisonhotline.com
Resources for first aid and urgent care
First aid for cats and dogs
Follow these guidelines in case of an accident.
Help your pet
Help for pet poisoning
Symptoms to look out for and what not to do.
Prepare for poison
Common questions
Q:What are the most common pet poisons?
Q:Can I use an adhesive bandage on my dog?
Q:What is basic first aid for pets?
Q:How to do first aid for dogs?
Q:How do you treat a dog in an emergency?
Q:What is the first aid treatment for cat?
Q:How do you treat an injured cat?
Q:Why is it important to have a pet first aid kit?
Q:How to make a pet first aid kit?
Q:What to put in a dog first aid kit?
Q:Can you use first aid antibiotic ointment on a cat?
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