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The most common emergencies
Veterinary poison control centres receive over 200,000 calls annually in the US alone. The most common emergencies: poisoning (40%), trauma (25%), heatstroke (15%), and choking (10%).
At Compagnon Cocoon, we believe every pet owner should master these basic skills.
Choking: the Heimlich manoeuvre for dogs
For large dogs
- Stand behind the standing dog
- Wrap your arms around the abdomen, fists clasped just below the ribcage
- Perform 3-5 sharp upward and forward compressions
- Check the mouth between each set of compressions
For small dogs or cats
Hold the animal head-down, back against your chest. Apply firm but gentle pressure below the ribs with two fingers.
Heatstroke: absolute emergency
Heatstroke is fatal within 15 minutes without intervention. Signs: excessive panting, bright red gums, vomiting, staggering gait.
- Step 1 — Remove the animal from heat immediately
- Step 2 — Apply cool (not ice-cold) damp cloths to neck, armpits and groin
- Step 3 — Offer cool water without forcing
- Step 4 — Head to the vet even if the condition seems to improve
Warning: never plunge a heatstroke animal into cold water. Thermal shock can cause cardiac arrest.
Poisoning: the right reflexes
NEVER induce vomiting without veterinary advice. Some substances (bleach, caustic products) burn on the way back up. Note the product ingested, estimated quantity, and time, then call your emergency vet or poison control hotline.
Most common poisonings
- Chocolate — toxic from 20g/kg body weight for dark chocolate
- Grapes and raisins — kidney failure even in small amounts
- Xylitol (sweetener) — severe hypoglycaemia
- Lilies — fatal for cats even from pollen contact
- Slug pellets (metaldehyde) — seizures, often fatal
Bleeding: compress and transport
Apply a clean cloth with firm pressure to the wound. Don't remove the first cloth if it saturates — add another on top. Maintain compression during transport to the vet.
The first aid kit
Always keep on hand: sterile gauze, cohesive bandage, blunt-tipped scissors, saline solution, rectal thermometer, disposable gloves, and your emergency vet's phone number.