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Pettioe

Pet First Aid & Poison Guide

Quick reference for emergencies. This is not a substitute for a licensed veterinarian — when in doubt, call your ER vet immediately.

ASPCA Poison Control
(888) 426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline
(855) 764-7661

Emergency steps

Choking
  1. Open the mouth and look for the object — remove only if you can grasp it safely.
  2. Small pet: hold upside down and give 4-5 firm back blows between shoulder blades.
  3. Large pet: stand behind, place fists just behind ribcage, give quick upward thrusts (Heimlich).
  4. Rush to the nearest vet even if the object comes out — throat injury is common.
CPR (no pulse, not breathing)
  1. Lay pet on right side, extend neck, pull tongue forward.
  2. Small pet (<30 lb): one hand over heart, compress 1/3 chest depth, 100-120/min.
  3. Large pet: two hands over widest part of chest, same rate.
  4. After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths: close mouth, breathe into nostrils.
  5. Continue until pet breathes or you reach the vet.
Severe bleeding
  1. Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth for at least 3 minutes — do not lift to check.
  2. If soaked through, add more cloth on top; do not remove the first layer.
  3. For a limb, elevate above heart level if possible.
  4. Only use a tourniquet as a last resort and note the time.
  5. Get to a vet immediately.
Heatstroke
  1. Signs: heavy panting, drooling, bright red gums, collapse, vomiting.
  2. Move to shade / A/C immediately.
  3. Pour cool (NOT ice-cold) water on paws, belly, armpits.
  4. Offer small sips of cool water if conscious.
  5. Rush to vet — internal damage can occur even after cooling.
Seizure
  1. Do NOT put anything in the mouth — pets don't swallow their tongue.
  2. Clear the area of hard objects; dim lights and noise.
  3. Time the seizure. Under 2 minutes = call vet. Over 3 minutes or repeated = emergency.
  4. After: keep quiet and warm. Do not offer food/water until fully alert.
Suspected poisoning
  1. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or Poison Control tells you to.
  2. Note what was eaten, how much, and when. Bring the package if possible.
  3. Call ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (fee) or Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661.
  4. Then rush to the nearest ER vet.

Toxic foods & plants

Dogs

  • Chocolate (dark & baking = worst)
  • Xylitol (sugar-free gum, peanut butter, baked goods)
  • Grapes & raisins
  • Onions, garlic, chives, leeks
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Alcohol & raw yeast dough
  • Cooked bones
  • Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin
  • Marijuana
  • Sago palm, lilies, azaleas, tulip bulbs

Cats

  • Lilies (any part — often fatal)
  • Onions, garlic
  • Chocolate & caffeine
  • Xylitol
  • Grapes & raisins
  • Raw fish (thiaminase)
  • Tylenol / acetaminophen (deadly)
  • Essential oils (tea tree, eucalyptus, citrus)
  • Antifreeze (sweet taste, deadly)
  • Aloe, poinsettia, sago palm

Educational content only. Always consult a licensed veterinarian in emergencies.