Pet CPR + First Aid Certification Manual: Medical Emergencies

Pet Medical Emergencies

Seizures, heatstroke, and poisoning can become life-threatening in dogs and cats. Early recognition, appropriate first aid, and prompt veterinary care are important. Protect yourself and the pet from further harm, monitor breathing and responsiveness, and arrange veterinary assistance.

Seizures

A seizure is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain and may temporarily affect movement, behavior, or awareness. It may involve the entire body or only one area. Possible causes include epilepsy, illness, metabolic disorders, poisoning, or head injury. Veterinary evaluation is needed to identify the cause.

Common Signs:

• Falling or collapsing
• Body stiffening
• Repeated jerking or twitching
• Paddling movements of the legs
• Jaw movements or biting at the air
• Drooling
• Reduced awareness or responsiveness
• Unusual behavior before or after the episode

Not all seizures involve full-body convulsions.

First Aid Steps:

1. Ensure scene safety
2. Keep hands and faces away from the pet’s mouth
3. Do not restrain the pet
4. Clear nearby hazards when safe
5. Reduce noise and unnecessary stimulation
6. Time the seizure
7. Note unusual movements or possible triggers
8. Allow recovery in a quiet, safe area
9. Contact a veterinarian promptly

When Emergency Veterinary Care Is Needed

Seek emergency veterinary care if:

• The seizure lasts about 5 minutes or longer
• Seizures repeat without normal recovery between episodes
• The pet has difficulty breathing
• Serious injury or poisoning is suspected
• The pet does not begin recovering normally
• This is the pet’s first known seizure
• Other serious or worsening symptoms develop

After a Seizure

The pet may remain confused, weak, restless, or disoriented. Approach cautiously because even a normally gentle pet may bite or scratch during recovery. Monitor breathing and responsiveness, and share the seizure’s duration, observed movements, and any possible exposure or injury with the veterinarian.

First aid helps protect the pet during and after a seizure. Veterinary care is needed to assess the underlying cause and determine treatment.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency caused by overheating. Hot environments, strenuous activity, and poor ventilation can put dogs and cats at risk. Begin cooling promptly while arranging emergency veterinary care.

Common Signs:

• Heavy panting or rapid breathing
• Excessive drooling
• Weakness or difficulty standing
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Confusion or unusual behavior
• Collapse or reduced responsiveness

First Aid Steps:

1. Stop activity and move to a cool, ventilated area
2. Begin cooling with cool running water over the body, avoiding the face
3. Contact an emergency veterinarian while cooling
4. Use a fan or air conditioning when available
5. Monitor breathing and responsiveness
6. Arrange prompt transport and follow veterinary cooling instructions
7. Seek veterinary care even if the pet improves

After Heat Exposure

Begin cooling before transport, but do not wait for symptoms to disappear before seeking care. Heatstroke can cause internal complications that are not immediately visible. Continue monitoring the pet and follow veterinary instructions during transport.

Prevention

Provide shade, ventilation, and drinking water. Adjust activity to the weather and the pet’s needs. Never leave a pet in a hot vehicle or enclosed space.

Poisoning

Poisoning can occur when a pet swallows, inhales, or contacts a harmful substance. Potential sources include medications, household chemicals, toxic foods, plants, and pesticides. Signs vary, and a pet may initially appear normal after an exposure.

Common Signs:

• Excessive drooling
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Weakness
• Unusual behavior
• Tremors or seizures
• Difficulty breathing
• Collapse or reduced responsiveness

First Aid Steps:

1. Protect yourself and prevent further exposure
2. Contact a veterinarian or animal poison service immediately
3. Keep the product label or container when safe
4. Record the substance, possible amount, exposure time, and symptoms
5. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinary professional
6. Do not give medications or home remedies unless directed
7. Follow substance-specific instructions for cleaning or rinsing
8. Monitor breathing and responsiveness
9. Arrange veterinary care as directed

After a Suspected Exposure

Do not wait for symptoms before calling for guidance. Treatment depends on the substance, exposure, and pet. Difficulty breathing, seizures, collapse, or reduced responsiveness require immediate emergency veterinary care.

Prevention

Keep medications, chemicals, toxic foods, and hazardous plants out of reach. Store products securely in their original containers, and use pet medications only as directed.