🚨 Pet First Aid Guide

1. Choking

1. Look in the mouth — only remove the object if you can clearly see and grasp it.
2. For small dogs/cats: hold them upside down by the hips and give 4–5 firm taps between the shoulder blades.
3. For large dogs: place hands behind the rib cage and give 4–5 sharp upward thrusts (Heimlich).
4. If the object doesn't come out within a minute, drive to the vet — keep airways clear in the car.

2. Severe bleeding

1. Apply firm direct pressure with a clean cloth for 5 full minutes.
2. Don't lift to peek — clots form during pressure.
3. Elevate the limb if possible.
4. If blood soaks through, add another layer on top — never remove the original.
5. Get to a vet immediately.

3. Burns

1. Cool the area with cool (not cold) running water for 10 minutes.
2. Cover loosely with a non-stick dressing or clean cloth.
3. Do NOT apply butter, oils, ice or creams.
4. All burns larger than a coin warrant a vet visit.

4. Heatstroke

1. Move to shade or air conditioning immediately.
2. Wet the body with cool (not ice) water — focus on belly, armpits and groin.
3. Offer (don't force) small sips of water.
4. Get to the vet — internal damage can occur even after cooling.

5. Suspected poisoning

1. Move pet away from the source.
2. Call the vet or pet poison helpline immediately — bring the packaging if possible.
3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless told to (some poisons cause more damage on the way back up).

6. Seizures

1. Move furniture out of the way — do NOT hold the pet down or put hands near the mouth.
2. Time the seizure — most last under 2 minutes.
3. After: keep them quiet, dim, and call the vet.
4. Seizures longer than 5 minutes or back-to-back are emergencies.

7. Broken bones

1. Don't try to splint at home — you can make it worse.
2. Confine the pet to limit movement (carrier, towel sling).
3. Cover any visible wound loosely.
4. Drive to the vet supporting the limb on a flat surface.

8. CPR

1. Check breathing and heartbeat.
2. If no heartbeat: 30 chest compressions (one third of chest depth, 100–120/min) on the widest part of the rib cage.
3. Then 2 rescue breaths into the nose with mouth closed.
4. Continue 30:2 until the heart restarts or you reach the vet.

Save these numbers in your phone: your vet, the nearest 24-hour emergency vet, and a national pet poison helpline.