Click here for a downloadable pdf

Pack a first aid kit:

•   Bandaging material:  sterile gauze squares, self-adherent wrap (e.g. VetWrap), rolled cotton
•   3% Hydrogen Peroxide
•   Blanket
•   Water
•   Muzzle
•   Sterile Lube
•   Saline eye rinse
•   Isopropyl Alcohol
•   Rectal thermometer

Know CPCR:

• Confirm that the pet is actually unconscious. Check for breathing by watching for chest movement or putting your hand in front of its nose to sense airflow.  Check for a pulse along the inner thigh or on the widest part of the chest where the elbow would touch.
• Extend the neck and pull the tongue forward.
  • Look in the mouth for anything that may be blocking the airway. Finger sweep if needed (see choking).
• If you are alone and there is no pulse, start Chest Compressions.
  • Large dog – lay on its side. With your hands on the widest area of the chest, compress the ribcage about ⅓ to ¼ of chest width.
  • Small dogs and cats – hold your hand(s) around the chest and squeeze.
  • Provide 80-120 compressions per minute (to the beat of Stayin’ Alive by the BeeGees). Allow the ribcage to recoil between compressions.
• If there is more than one person present, do Chest Compressions (see above) and Rescue Breathing.
  • Cover the pet’s nose with your mouth and blow. You may need to hold the sides of the mouth closed at the same time.
  • Give 3-5 full breaths before checking for a pulse and breathing. If not breathing, continue giving breaths every 2-3 seconds.  Periodically push on the stomach to expel air.

Choking:

• Confirm pet is not able to breathe and it is not going to bite you.
• Do a gentle finger sweep of the back of the mouth starting from one side to the other. Be careful not to push anything further down.
• Rescue Breathing – see CPCR above.
• If air is not entering the lungs, perform the Heimlich Maneuver by placing your arms around the animal with your hands under the ribcage on the belly side. Sharply pull your hands in a hug toward the spine.  Check the mouth and finger sweep.  Repeat if needed.

Decontaminate Toxins:

• Top 10 toxins in dogs:
  1. Chocolate
  2. Mouse and rat poisons
  3. Vitamins and minerals
  4. NSAIDs (e.g. Advil, Aleve)
  5. Heart medications
  6. Cold and allergy medications
  7. Antidepressants
  8. Xylitol (artificial sweetener found in gum, candy, peanut butter)
  9. Tylenol
  10. Caffeine pills
• Top 10 toxins in cats:
  1. Topical flea/tick medication
  2. Household cleaners
  3. Antidepressants
  4. Lilies
  5. Insoluable oxalate plants (e.g. Dieffenbachia, Philodendron)
  6. NSAIDs (e.g. Advil, Aleve)
  7. Cold and flu medication (including Tylenol)
  8. Glow sticks
  9. ADHD medications
  10. Mouse and rat poisons
• Only attempt with a pet who is Not showing any signs (e.g. vomiting, seizures).
• Do not make an animal vomit if it has swallowed something corrosive or oily or sharp.
• Give 1ml of fresh 3% hydrogen peroxide per 2 pounds of body weight by mouth to make the dog vomit. Do not induce vomiting in cats at home.
• Bathe with dish soap and tepid water to remove topical toxins.

**If any of the above occurs, call or take immediately to the nearest veterinarian!**

Resources and Emergency Centers:

*Hours Subject to Change- Call Hospital for Current Hours

South Metro Animal Emergency Care

14690 Pennock Avenue

Apple Valley, MN 55124

(952) 953-3737

Open 24/7

Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota

1542 W 7th St.

St Paul, MN 55102

(651) 293-1800

Open 24/7

or

1163 Helmo Avenue North
Oakdale, MN 55128

(651) 501-3766

Open 24/7

Allied Emergency Vet

5754 Nicollet Ave. S

Minneapolis, MN 55419

952-521-3030

Open 24/7

University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center

1365 Gortner Ave.

St Paul, MN 55108

(612) 626-8387

Open 24/7

Blue Pearl

7717 Flying Cloud Drive

Eden Prairie, MN 55344

(952) 942-8272

Open 24/7

*Visit bluepearlvet.com for additional locations

Como Park Animal Hospital & After Hours Care

621 Larpenteur Ave W.

Roseville, MN 55113

651-487-3255

Open 24/7

Prior Lake Pet Hospital

16680 Franklin Trail SE

Prior Lake, MN 55372

Phone: 952-447-2855

*Limited hours- call for availability

Pet Poison Helpline – Animal Poison Control Center

1-800-213-6680

Case fee.  Open 24/7