Emergencies / First Aid for Dogs and Cats - General Information
A veterinary guide on causes, symptoms, and first aid
Was ist ein Notfall?
Ein Notfall bei Hund oder Katze liegt vor, wenn lebenswichtige Funktionen wie Atmung oder Kreislauf akut gestört sind und eine sofortige tierärztliche Hilfe notwendig ist.
Which symptoms are always an immediate/emergency?
- Respiratory distress, cyanosis (bluish mucous membranes), collapse-like conditions, persistentPersistent means lasting or continuing for an extended period. In veterinary medicine, it can refer to chronic diseases or symptoms that do not subside. convulsions
- Severe Bleeding, major traumaA trauma refers to a physical injury or damage caused by external force. Traumas can range from simple cuts to severe multiple injuries., open fracture, severe Pain
- Severe AbdominalThe term “abdominal” refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. pain (acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. abdomenThe abdomen, also known as the abdominal cavity, is the part of the body located between the rib cage and the pelvis. It houses several important organs, including the stomach, liver, kidneys, intestines, and spleen.), AbdominalThe term “abdominal” refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. tenderness
- Suspicion of gastric torsion (AbdominalThe term “abdominal” refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. distension, Gagging without Vomiting)
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Loss of consciousness, fainting (syncopeA syncope is a sudden, temporary loss of consciousness, usually due to a brief drop in blood pressure and reduced blood flow to the brain. Syncopes can be triggered by various factors, including stress or heart problems.)
- Urinary retention (anuria), difficulty urinating (dysuria, stranguria)
- Difficult birth (dystocia), green-black discharge without a puppy, > 2 h of pushing without progress
- Poisoning (xylitol, rat poison, high-dose chocolate, grapes, etc.)
- Eye Emergencies (sudden (peracutePeracute describes a very sudden and extremely severe course of a disease. Peracute diseases can lead to serious health problems or Death within hours to a few days.) Blindness, deep corneal ulcerAn ulcer is an open wound or erosion of the skin or mucous membrane that often heals poorly and can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections and chronic inflammatory conditions. (corneal ulcerAn ulcer is an open wound or erosion of the skin or mucous membrane that often heals poorly and can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections and chronic inflammatory conditions.), glaucoma attack (increased intraocular pressure, burn, injury))
- Heatstroke, hypothermia, high Fever
- Anaphylactic reaction (severe allergic reaction)
- Severe Vomiting
You can find information on all symptoms using our various search functions (magnifying glass, search field input for diseases, Emergencies and symptoms, or the A-Z search for dogs and cats).
What is an emergency? Triage categories
For better care, diseases are assigned to triage categories based on their urgency for treatment. Triage systems are reliable methods for nurses to assess the severity of illness in emergency patients.
Immediate/Emergency – immediate presentation (minutes–hours). RED FLAG
Urgent < 24 h – Appointment on the same/following day.
Timely 1–3 days – timely, not acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention..
Routine/Observation – Observation/Appointment > 3 days, home measures.
Emergency and First Aid – what can you find here?
You can also find an overview of Emergencies and first aid in our detailed specialist article:
Would you like information on emergencies and first aid in black and white, a bit more detailed, and always at hand?
No problem! The book Emergencies from A-Z in Dogs and Cats has now been published in its 2nd edition by Kynos-Verlag.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- When is there an emergency in a dog or cat?
An emergency exists when vital functionsVital functions are essential bodily functions necessary to sustain life. These include breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and level of consciousness. such as breathing, circulation or consciousness are acutely impaired. This includes respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. distress, unconsciousness, Convulsions, severe Blood loss, collapse or suspected poisoning.
2. Which symptoms are always considered a veterinary emergency?
RespiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. distress, loss of consciousness, Convulsions, severe Bleeding, acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. collapse, pale or bluish mucous membranes, severe injuries and any suspicion of poisoning are always considered an emergency.
3. What should I do first in an emergency?
Stay calm, secure the animal and recognize life-threatening symptoms. Initiate first aid measures immediately and, at the same time, contact a veterinary practice or veterinary hospital without delay.
4. Are poisonings in dogs and cats always an emergency?
Yes. Any suspicion of poisoning is considered an emergency – even without visible symptoms. Many poisons have a delayed effect and cause life-threatening damage only hours later.
5. What to do if my dog has eaten chocolate or xylitol?
Record the amount, time and weight of the dog and contact the emergency service. Do not induce Vomiting yourself and do not give any home remedies.
6. What should I never do in an emergency?
Do not induce Vomiting, do not give home remedies, do not administer medication for humans and do not feed or give the animal water. Uncontrolled measures can significantly worsen the situation.
7. Can I cause damage with first aid measures?
If used correctly, first aid is useful. In an emergency, doing nothing is usually more dangerous than simple, appropriate measures. However, first aid never replaces the veterinarian.
8. When is rapid breathing or Panting in a dog an emergency?
RespiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. distress is always an emergency, especially with Panting at rest, wheezing or bluish mucous membranes. Keep the dog calm and avoid heat and stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being.. Have it checked out by a veterinarian immediately.
9. What should be done in the event of respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. distress or RespiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. arrest?
RespiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. distress or RespiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. arrest are absolute Emergencies. Check airways, remove visible foreign bodies only if safe, initiate first aid measures immediately and seek veterinary help immediately.
10. What does Cardiovascular collapse or shock mean in dogs and cats?
A Cardiovascular collapse or shock is an acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. undersupply of vital organs with blood and oxygen. It is always life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary emergency care.
11. My dog has collapsed – what should I do immediately?
Check breathing and consciousness and place the dog in Lying on side on a stable surface. Keep him warm and transport him quickly without much movement. A collapse is always a reason for the emergency service.
12. What to do if my dog has a Convulsions?
Secure the area, keep your distance from the mouth and measure the duration. Do not touch or fix the dog and film the seizure if possible. If it lasts longer than 5 minutes or there are multipleMultiple means manifold or repeated and is used to describe conditions or events that occur in multiple instances or at different locations. In veterinary medicine, this may indicate multiple lesions, tumors, or other pathological changes. seizures: call the emergency service immediately.
13. How do I recognize gastric torsion in a dog?
Typical symptoms are a sudden bloated hard abdomenThe abdomen, also known as the abdominal cavity, is the part of the body located between the rib cage and the pelvis. It houses several important organs, including the stomach, liver, kidneys, intestines, and spleen., Restlessness and Gagging without Vomiting. Often there is also excessive salivation and rapid deterioration of the circulation. This is life-threatening: call the emergency service immediately, do not feed or let it drink.
14. How do I stop severe Bleeding in a dog correctly?
Press firmly on the Wounds with a compress or a clean cloth. If it bleeds through, place additional layers on top without removing the ones underneath. Maintain the pressure for a longer period of time and go to the emergency service immediately.
15. When is Vomiting in a dog an emergency?
An emergency exists in the event of frequent Vomiting, blood in the vomit, severe fatigue or if no water stays in. Puppies, small and old dogs are particularly at risk.
16. When is DiarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems. dangerous in a dog?
It becomes dangerous if there is blood in the stool, black stool, simultaneous Vomiting, Fever or significant weakness. Puppies in particular can dehydrate quickly and must be treated early. If the DiarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems. lasts longer than 24–48 hours: have it examined by a veterinarian.
17. What to do in case of Heatstroke in a dog?
Take the dog to the shade immediately and cool it down in a controlled manner with water and draft. Do not use ice-cold water and stop cooling if it shivers. A Heatstroke is life-threatening: call the emergency service immediately.
18. What to do after a dog bite or accident?
Secure the dog and move it as little as possible, especially if there is Pain or suspected injuries. Cover Wounds cleanly and keep the dog warm. Even small bite Wounds can be deep: have them treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Preparation for Emergencies: Checklists
Important Phone Numbers
Keep a note with the numbers in your first aid kit and also save them on your mobile phone
- Family Veterinarian
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Name __________________________
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Address ___________________________________________________________
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Phone Number __________________________
- Nearest Veterinarian
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Name __________________________
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Address ___________________________________________________________
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Phone Number __________________________
- Nearest veterinary hospital
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Name __________________________
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Address ___________________________________________________________
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Phone Number __________________________
- Taxis that transport animals
Phone Number __________________________
- Local animal welfare organization, if a stray or wild animal is found injured
Phone Number __________________________
- Police, if a stray animal is hit by a car
- Phone number
In case of a serious emergency it is helpful to inform your veterinarian by phone (no email, no SMS) before you arrive. Then preparations can possibly already be made.
You should be able to answer these questions if possible:
- What kind of emergency is it?
- When did the emergency occur?
- Is the animal responsive?
- What has been done so far?
- What do the mucous membranes look like?
- If possible, what are the values for body temperature (BT), respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. rate (RR), heart rate (HR), and capillary refill time (CRT)The capillary refill time (CRT) is a quick test to assess circulation. It measures the time it takes for color to return to an area (usually the nail bed) after pressure is applied to force the blood out. A normal refill time is usually less than 2 seconds.?
What is “normal” and how are these values measured in dogs and cats?
You can find it here: Normal values.