Pet First Aid Guide — Emergency First Aid and When to Contact the Vet | ブリちょく
General| ✍️ BreederDirect Editorial
Pet First Aid Guide — Emergency First Aid and When to Contact the Vet
A pet first aid guide for owners: species-specific emergency first aid for heatstroke, choking, bleeding, fractures, and poisoning — plus guidance on when to call the vet immediately.
Key Takeaways
A pet first aid guide for owners: species-specific emergency first aid for heatstroke, choking, bleeding, fractures, and poisoning — plus guidance on when to call the vet immediately.
The Importance of Preparing for Pet Emergencies
Living with pets means you may eventually face "something happening." Poisoning, heat stroke, injuries, drowning — emergencies can occur at any time and place without warning. As a pet owner, having at least basic first aid knowledge is extremely important for protecting your pet's life.
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BreederDirect Editorial
The BreederDirect editorial team specializes in care information for animals, covering veterinary care and breeding to deliver beginner-friendly guides.
However, first aid is ultimately just a "bridge" until you can get your pet to an animal hospital. After providing appropriate care, the rule is to always seek veterinary examination. This guide explains the criteria for determining whether a situation warrants "waiting and observing" or "go to the hospital immediately."
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Poisoning and Toxins
Urgency Level: High (Go to the hospital without hesitation)
If your dog or cat has eaten something they shouldn't have, contact an animal hospital immediately for guidance, regardless of whether symptoms appear.
Major foods dangerous for dogs and cats:
- Chocolate and cocoa (especially dogs)
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions, garlic, and green onions
- Products containing xylitol (gum, etc.)
- Avocado
- Alcohol
What to Do
- Identify what was eaten and how much, then inform the hospital
- Do not induce vomiting (caustic or sharp objects can cause secondary injury)
- Bring the packaging and food remnants to the hospital
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Heat Stroke (Heat Exhaustion)
Urgency Level: Critical (Action needed within minutes)
Dogs are particularly prone to heat stroke, and leaving them in hot cars or sealed spaces during summer can be fatal.
Symptoms: Lethargy, rapid breathing or excessive drooling, difficulty walking, loss of consciousness
First Aid
1. Move to a cool location immediately
2. Wet the entire body with room-temperature water (not cold water) — especially the armpits, neck, and groin area
3. Use a fan or air flow to cool the body
4. If the pet can drink, offer small amounts of water
5. Go to the hospital immediately after first aid
Important: Cooling too rapidly can cause blood vessel constriction, making the situation worse. Use room temperature to lukewarm water, not cold water.
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Fractures and Dislocations
Urgency Level: High
If your dog or cat falls from a height and limps, or if a limb is bent at an abnormal angle, fracture or dislocation is possible.
What to Do
- Do not attempt to immobilize the injured area (risk of being bitten due to pain)
- Keep your pet calm and minimize unnecessary movement
- Wrap in a towel to maintain warmth while heading to the hospital
- Transport in a cardboard box to avoid moving the injured area
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Drowning and Respiratory Distress
Urgency Level: Critical
If your pet has been pulled from water, first lower the head to allow water drainage.
What to Do
1. Hold the pet with its head lower than its body, gently tap the back to expel water
2. Check if the pet is breathing
3. If unconscious and not breathing, perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
4. Mouth-to-nose method: For dogs and cats, cover the nose with your mouth and blow gently
5. Chest compressions: Press the chest at a rate of once per second (adjust pressure based on body size)
6. Continue resuscitation while heading to the hospital immediately
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Emergency Response for Reptiles and Fish
Reptiles
- If unresponsive due to low temperature: First restore body temperature (move to a warm location or soak in lukewarm water)
- Bleeding: Apply pressure with clean gauze
- Shedding failure (skin remains): Soak in lukewarm water for 10–20 minutes to soften the skin
Fish (tank emergencies)
- Sudden water quality degradation: Perform immediate water change (30–50% of tank volume)
- Fish gasping at the surface (low oxygen): Maximize aeration and perform water change
- Sudden outbreak of white spot disease: Move to isolation tank and treat with medication bath
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Criteria for Veterinary Care
Symptom
Action
Unconscious or seizures
Go to hospital immediately
Vomiting or diarrhea lasting over a day
Same-day visit recommended
Loss of appetite for 2+ days
Consider visiting
Blood in stool or urine
Visit promptly
Seems slightly off but has energy
Observe, can visit next day
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Health Consultations After Purchasing from br-choku
At br-choku, you can ask breeders directly about your pet's condition after purchase. Whether it's "my pet seems less energetic lately" or "is this symptom common?", contacting the breeder allows you to receive advice on breed-specific characteristics and management practices. By combining first aid knowledge with breeder communication, you can ensure your pet stays healthy and protected.
