⚠️ These guides are for immediate crisis management while transporting to a vet. They do not replace professional care.
🫀 CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
When: Pet is unconscious, not breathing, and has no heartbeat.
- Check Airway: Open mouth, pull tongue forward, check for obstruction.
- Compressions: Lay pet on right side. Place hands over heart (where elbow touches chest).
- Small dogs/cats: Squeeze chest with one hand.
- Medium/Large dogs: Two hands, push down 1/3 to 1/2 chest width.
- Rate: 100-120 compressions per minute (beat of "Stayin' Alive").
- Breaths: Close mouth, breathe into nose every 30 compressions.
🦴 Choking
Signs: Pawing at mouth, gagging, blue gums, distress.
- Inspect: Open mouth. If you see object clearly, swipe it out with finger. DO NOT push it further.
- Gravity: If small, hold upside down by hips gently. If large, lift hind legs like a wheelbarrow.
- Heimlich: Wrap arms around waist (under ribs). Squeeze belly upwards quickly 5 times.
- Back Blows: Strike firmly between shoulder blades 5 times.
🩸 Severe Bleeding
- Apply Pressure: Use clean cloth/gauze directly on wound. Press firmly.
- Don't Peek: Do not lift cloth to check. If it soaks through, add another layer on top.
- Elevate: Raise the limb above heart level if possible.
- Tourniquet (Last Resort): Only for life-threatening limb bleeding. Tie tight cloth above wound. Loosen every 10 mins.
🤒 Heatstroke
Signs: Heavy panting, red gums, collapse, hot skin.
- Move: Get into shade or AC immediately.
- Cool: Wet paws and belly with tepid/cool water (NOT ice cold).
- Airflow: Use a fan or open car windows.
- Offer Water: Small amounts if conscious. Do not force.
