5 Signs Your Dog Is Having a Pet Emergency (and What to Do in the First Minutes)

In 40 years in the pet industry, I've seen it again and again: the owners and pet professionals who stay calm in an emergency are the ones who were prepared before it happened. Panic is a normal reaction. Preparation is what replaces it with action.

Knowing what a real emergency looks like is the first step. Here are five signs that mean you should act right away.

1. Trouble breathing

Labored, noisy, or open-mouth breathing at rest, gasping, or a belly that heaves with every breath is an emergency. Watch the gums too. Pale, white, gray, or blue gums mean your dog is not getting enough oxygen.

2. Collapse or unresponsiveness

If your dog suddenly collapses, can't stand, or doesn't respond to you, treat it as life-threatening. Check for breathing and a heartbeat, and get to a veterinarian immediately. If there is no breathing or heartbeat, begin CPR while someone else drives.

3. A swollen, hard belly with unproductive retching

Large, deep-chested breeds are at risk for bloat, a condition where the stomach fills with gas and can twist. Signs include a swollen belly, restlessness, drooling, and trying to vomit with nothing coming up. This one cannot wait. Go straight to an emergency clinic.

4. Heat stroke

Here in Texas, this is a real risk for much of the year. Heavy panting, thick drool, bright red gums, stumbling, vomiting, or collapse after heat or exertion are all warning signs.

• Move your dog out of the heat right away.
• Cool them gradually with cool (not ice-cold) water, especially on the belly, armpits, and groin.
• Offer small sips of water if they are alert.
• Head to a vet even if they seem to recover. Heat stroke can cause internal damage that isn't visible.

5. Seizures, poisoning, or serious bleeding

A first seizure, a seizure lasting more than a few minutes, or repeated seizures need immediate veterinary care. So does any suspected poisoning (chocolate, xylitol, medications, rodent bait, antifreeze, and many plants) and any bleeding that doesn't slow after a few minutes of firm pressure.

What to do in the first minutes

1. Stay calm. Your dog reads your energy.
2. Make sure the scene is safe for you. Even a gentle dog may bite when in pain or frightened.
3. Call your vet or emergency clinic on the way so they can prepare for your arrival.
4. Apply the first aid you've been trained to do, such as pressure on a wound, cooling for heat stroke, or CPR, while someone drives.
5. Transport safely and keep your dog as still and comfortable as possible.

First aid is not a replacement for veterinary care. It's what keeps your pet stable long enough to get there.

Be ready before it happens

Reading about an emergency is good. Practicing it with your hands is better. In my hands-on Pet CPR & First Aid and PetSaver classes, you'll practice rescue breathing, compressions, bleeding control, and more on pet mannequins until it feels natural. I bring classes to groomers, boarding facilities, vet clinics, and training centers anywhere in Texas.

Be prepared. Stay calm. Save lives. — Amy