⚕️ Pet First Aid Quick Cards

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⚠️ Profuse bleeding is always an emergency.

⚠️Remember, if an animal is injured, be careful to avoid being bitten. Even your own pet could bite as a reactionary reflex to pain or fear.

• Apply steady pressure with clean gauze or cloth.
• If it’s a limb, gently raise it above the heart.
• If bleeding doesn’t slow within 5 minutes, head to the vet immediately.

 ⚠️ Heatstroke can be fatal—get to a vet quickly.

• Move your pet to shade or AC right away.
• Offer small sips of cool (not cold) water.
• Dampen paws and ears with a cool cloth.
• Never use ice water—it can cause shock.

• Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away.
• Do not induce vomiting unless a vet instructs you.
• Bring the packaging or substance with you for reference.

📞ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435

•  Look for pawing at the mouth, gagging, or breathing trouble.
• Open the mouth carefully—remove objects only if safe.
• Avoid blind sweeps that can push items deeper. 

⚠️ If you can’t clear it, rush to the emergency vet.

CPR may be necessary if your pet remains unconscious after you have removed the choking object.

1. First check to see if they're breathing.
2. If not, place them on their side and perform artificial respiration by extending their head and neck, holding their jaws closed and blowing into their nostrils once every three seconds. (Ensure no air escapes between your mouth and the pet’s nose.)
3. If you don’t feel a heartbeat, incorporate cardiac massage while administering artificial respiration—three quick, firm chest compressions for every respiration—until your pet resumes breathing on their own. 

• Bees are the only insects that leave their stingers behind.  These stingers, even though abandoned, continue to pump venom, so you want to remove them as quickly as possible.
• Remove visible stingers by scraping a credit card or driver's license across them.  DO NOT USE TWEEZERS.  The pressure exerted on the tweezers may push more venom into your pet.
• Soothe the sting area - Make a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the site.  For multiple stings, consider an oatmeal bath. 
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.

⚠️ Seek veterinary care immediately at the first sign of:

• Severe swelling around the head and neck that could compromise respiration. Swelling in these areas may occur even if the bite occurred elsewhere.
• Hives on any part of the body. Hives appear as bumps under the skin that raise the hair, or as red bumps on hairless areas like the belly. Hives itch a lot, so your dog may roll in the grass or on the floor in an attempt to scratch at hard-to-reach places.
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing. Some dogs pant more than usual because they have swelling in the respiratory passages and/or because they are nervous. Do not attempt to figure out the reason, take your dog to your veterinarian.
• Excessive drooling. If there is swelling in the throat, the dog has difficulty swallowing his own saliva and drools a lot.
• Agitation. Some dogs become anxious due to the itching and difficulty breathing. Also, insect venom may affect the nervous system.
• Vomiting or diarrhea. Even mild vomiting and soft stool can indicate trouble, so do not disregard this sign.
• Dizziness or disorientation. If your dog is not alert or stumbles or is having more than the normal reaction.
• Seizures. Call your veterinarian immediately.

• Warning signs: sudden lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, labored breathing. 
• Monitor eating and drinking closely.
• Pets can skip meals briefly, but not water—dehydration is dangerous.

⚠️ Don’t wait for symptoms to “pass.” Call your vet.

First-Aid Kits should include:

• Gauze, bandages, non‑stick pads
• Adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes
• Tweezers, digital thermometer
• Muzzle or soft cloth
• Emergency contacts list

Fire & Disaster Prep: 

• Keep carriers and leashes near exits.
• Update ID tags and microchip info.
• Place a pet alert decal on your window for first responders.

⚠️ Plan evacuations with pets in mind. 

• Pets mirror your energy.
• Use a steady voice and slow movements.
• Your calm presence helps them feel safe.

• Post vet and 24/7 emergency clinic contacts in your home.
• Save them in your phone for quick access.
• Keep the ASPCA Poison Control Phone Number: (888) 426-4435

•  Run through mock emergencies every few months.
• Check your first‑aid kit and replace expired items.
• Familiarity builds confidence when seconds matter.