Pet CPR + First Aid Certification Manual: Aftercare
Pet Aftercare
After providing CPR or first aid, continue monitoring the pet and arrange veterinary care when appropriate. A pet may appear to improve while an underlying injury or medical problem is still present.
Continue Monitoring
Observe the pet for changes in:
- Breathing
- Responsiveness
- Gum color
- Weakness or collapse
- Bleeding
- Pain or unusual behavior
- Worsening symptoms
Keep the pet as calm and comfortable as possible and limit unnecessary activity after a serious emergency.
After CPR
A pet that required CPR should receive emergency veterinary evaluation even if breathing or responsiveness returns. The condition that caused the cardiopulmonary arrest may still require immediate treatment. Continue monitoring breathing and responsiveness while arranging transport.
After Choking
A pet should be evaluated by a veterinarian after a significant choking emergency, particularly if abdominal thrusts or back blows were required.
Continue watching for:
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent coughing or gagging
- Weakness
- Abnormal behavior
- Other worsening symptoms
After Bleeding or Wound Care
Continue monitoring wounds for renewed bleeding, increasing redness, swelling, drainage, worsening pain, or other signs of complications. Seek veterinary care for serious wounds, bite wounds, persistent bleeding, signs of infection, or other concerning changes.
Safe Transport
When transporting an injured or ill pet:
- Keep the pet as calm and still as practical
- Handle the pet carefully, especially if pain or injury may cause biting or scratching
- Limit unnecessary movement after significant trauma
- Continue monitoring breathing and responsiveness
- Contact the veterinarian or emergency veterinary facility when possible so they can prepare for the pet's arrival
Do not attempt to provide CPR while driving. If another person is available, one person should drive while the other provides care when it can be done safely.
When Emergency Veterinary Care Is Needed
Seek emergency veterinary care for:
- CPR or cardiopulmonary arrest
- Significant difficulty breathing
- Severe choking
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Collapse or reduced responsiveness
- Seizures lasting about 5 minutes or longer or repeated seizures without normal recovery
- Suspected internal bleeding
- Serious trauma
- Any severe or worsening condition
Pet CPR and first aid provide temporary emergency care. They do not replace examination, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian.