Animal Emergency Clinic of the Fraser Valley

• Lay animal on side and remove any obstruction in airway (open mouth, pull tongue forward, extend neck and visually inspect).

• If airway is clear, extend neck, hold tongue out of mouth, and close animal’s jaws over tongue.

• Holding jaws closed, breathe into both nostrils for 5-6 breaths. If no response, continue artificial respiration (see below). If there is also no pulse, begin cardiac compressions.

• Depress widest part of chest wall 1.5 to 3 inches with one or two hands:

• For very small animals, 1-5 pounds (.4kg-2.3kg), place hands around rib cage and apply cardiac massage

• 100 compressions per minute

Continue artificial respiration:

• 10 breaths per minute

Don’t assume a pet won’t bite or scratch. Dogs/cats hit by a car, or that suffered some other type of major trauma, don’t know why they are in pain. Even if your dog/cat is sweet-natured, he/she may bite if handled.

• Don’t try to comfort an injured pet by hugging it. Don’t put your face near its head.

• Muzzle dogs if necessary with gauze, soft towel strips, or stockings. Wrap cats or other small animals in a towel.

• Perform any examinations slowly and gently. Stop if the pet becomes agitated.

• Don’t attempt to lift or drag a large injured dog. Improvise a stretcher out of a board, throw rug, child’s plastic toboggan, etc.

• Before transport, try to stabilize injuries with minimal handling.

Temperature

• Normal temperature for dogs and cats is between 101 degrees F (38 deg C) and 103 degrees F (39.5 deg C). Abnormal is below 101/38 or above 103/39.5

Pulse

• Normal heart rates for dogs are 70-160 beats per minute.

• Normal heart rates for cats are 160-240 beats per minute.

Breathing

• Normal respiratory rates for dogs are 10-30 breaths per minute.

• Normal respiratory rates for cats are 20-30 breaths per minute.

How do you check vital signs?

• Use only rectal thermometers for pets. New, human digital thermometers are best.

• Heart rate can be checked by placing a hand over the animal’s chest

• Respiration can be measured by observing the flanks or by holding a wet finger in front of the nostrils

• Measure both rates for 15 seconds and then multiply by four to get the rate per minute.

• Make sure the animal is in a calm, resting state to get normal rates.

Possible Causes: Drowning, electrocution, trauma, drug ingestion, seizure.

Action Steps

• In case of drowning, clear the lungs of fluid. Lift animal’s hindquarters high over their head until fluid stops draining.

• In case of electrical shock, DO NOT touch the pet until it is no longer in contact with electricity source.

• In case of airway obstruction, the object will need to be gently removed. See “Choking”.

• If animal is not breathing and has no pulse, start CPR.

Possible Causes: Car accident, animal fight, fall, severe wound, clotting problem, immune problem, rat bait poisoning.

Some wounds may not bleed but still require attention. Keep the wound clean and see a veterinarian.

Arterial bleeding is an immediately life threatening situation. Arterial blood will be bright red and will bleed in spurts, be difficult to stop, and requires immediate veterinary attention.

Action Steps:

• For any type of bleeding, place a clean cloth or sterile gauze over the injured area.

• Apply direct pressure for at least 5 – 7 minutes to stop bleeding. Don’t apply a tourniquet unless absolutely necessary.

Possible Causes: Foreign object (needle, bone, food, plant material) lodged in throat, esophagus, or teeth; allergic reaction.

Action Steps

(Do not attempt if animal is trying to bite.)

• Gently pull tongue forward and carefully inspect mouth and throat, if possible.

• If a foreign object is spotted, hold the mouth open and attempt to remove it by hand or with tweezers or a pair of small pliers. Take care not to push the object farther down the animal’s throat

• Do not pull on “objects” that you cannot directly see.

• If animal is not breathing, initiate CPR

Possible Causes

• Epilepsy

• Toxins

• Metabolic diseases

• Hypoglycemia (diabetics)

• Primary brain disorder

Action Steps

• Leave pet alone but block off stairs, sharp furniture, etc.

• If seizure continues for longer than 3-5 minutes, carefully transport to the hospital.

Call if unsure how to handle.

Many possible causes.

Action Steps

• Examine vomit for blood or other clues as to cause.

• If poisoning is suspected, take a photo of the packaging or bring the packaging with you to the veterinarian.

• Gently press on abdomen to detect any abdominal pain.

• Withold all food and water until a veterinarian has been consulted.

• Abdominal pain, enlarged stomach, and nonproductive vomiting or retching are serious signs. Call veterinarian immediately.

Possible Toxins – Mushrooms, compost, cannabis, lilies (cats), ethylene glycol (antifreeze), xylitol, chocolate, grapes, rat bait. (bring a photo of the packaging if possible)

Possible signs of toxic ingestion – Vomiting, tremors, twitching, seizures, bloody diarrhea, drooling.  With some toxins, symptoms can be delayed.

Possible Foreign Bodies – Socks, toys (animal and baby), sticks, string, tinsel, rocks

Possible signs of foreign body ingestion – Vomiting (can’t hold down food or water), pray position (painful abdomen), anorexic, hiding (cats), lethargic

Action Steps

• If you notice any foreign material hanging in your animal’s mouth, or coming out of the rectum – DO NOT PULL, it may be attached to something more.

• If you notice any of the above signs, see your family veterinarian or contact us.

• DO NOT try to make your pet vomit until you have spoken to a veterinarian. Not all things should come back up.

Possible Causes: Excessive heat and/or lack of shade, overexertion, lack of water (animals differ in how much heat they can tolerate; even mildly warm, humid temperatures can stress some pets; short-nosed breeds most susceptible).

Action Steps

• Place in cool or shaded area.

• Immediately bathe animal with tepid water (do not leave pet unattended while soaking, even if conscious).

• Monitor rectal temperature. When temperature drops to 103 F(39.5 C), dry pet.

• Continue monitoring temperature and transport to clinic.

• Do not allow animal to become excessively chilled.

Possible Causes: Broken limb or digit, acute arthritis, injury to footpad, dislocation, sprain, muscle soreness.

Action Steps

• Attempt to localize injury through gentle inspection if possible. If your pet is in great pain, do not palpate or manipulate leg.

• Once localized, examine affected area to check for pain, heat, injury, and swelling.

• If a fracture is suspected, gently stabilize limb for transport. See “Handling and Transporting Tips”.

• Cover any wounds with a clean cloth. See “Bleeding”.

Action Steps

• Bee stings are acid; neutralize with baking soda.

• Wasp stings are alkaline; neutralize with vinegar or lemon juice.

• Apply cold pack.

• Apply calamine or antihistamine cream.

• In case of severe swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, or pale gums, transport to clinic immediately. Animals can have anaphylactic reactions similar to humans.