This School of Veterinary Medicine professor shares advice to make sure you are prepared during a pet emergency.
Have you ever stopped to think about what you would do if your pet was involved in an emergency? Pet emergencies aren’t something anyone really takes the time to think about until something happens, so being prepared ahead of time could just save your pet’s life. Whether it’s a sudden injury, an unexpected medical issue, or something bigger like a natural disaster, having a plan in place gives you peace of mind and can make a big difference in how quickly and safely you respond to the situation.
Dr. Kellie Littrell, assistant professor of veterinary practice at Texas Tech University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, answers some important questions to help pet owners feel more confident in being prepared during a pet emergency.
What are some of the most important tips for a pet owner to remember during a time of emergency?
Being prepared ahead of time is helpful in any emergency, including those involving a pet. Having key items such as a collar, leash, and medications in the same place allows for a quick “grab and go” approach to seeking safety and care. Having a basic plan in place for where to seek that safety and/or care is also useful information. Ideally, you would maintain a document of contact information for your primary care veterinarian, a nearby veterinary emergency service, and a couple friends or family members who could help care for your pet. The document should also contain caretaking instructions and any pertinent healthcare information for your pet. If you were to become separated from your pet, having your pet microchipped with their contact information kept up to date could be the difference in a successful reunion.
What kind of items should be kept in a pet first aid kit?
Every pet owner should have a well-stocked first aid kit for themselves and for their pet. This not only helps with minor injuries or illnesses but also allows you to respond quickly and effectively during larger crises. Many pet first aid items are similar to human first aid items, but not everything, so be sure to only use any medications under the direction of a veterinarian.
Pet First Aid Kit Essentials
- Gauze pads and rolls (for wrapping wounds or muzzling)
- Non-stick bandages or vet wrap
- Adhesive tape (preferably medical or paper tape)
- Antiseptic wipes or solution (chlorhexidine or betadine, not hydrogen peroxide for wounds)
- Digital thermometer (for rectal use in pets)
- Blunt-tip scissors
- Tweezers (for splinters or ticks)
- Saline solution (for rinsing eyes or wounds)
- Styptic powder or cornstarch (to stop minor bleeding)
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Disposable gloves
- Flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Syringes (various sizes)
- Hydrogen peroxide 3% (for inducing vomiting only when instructed by a vet or poison control)
- Diphenhydramine (ask your vet for dosing)
- Antibiotic ointment (pet-safe, like Neosporin without pain reliever)
- Anti-diarrheal (vet-approved only)
- Ice pack and instant heat pack
- Towel or blanket (for warmth, restraint, or stretcher)
- Soft muzzle (or know how to use gauze as one in dogs)
How do I know when an emergency is serious enough to go to the vet?
“Should I take my pet in?” This is one of the most common questions I get from family and friends. My answer is always a resounding yes. If you are concerned enough to ask, then your pet should be seen by a veterinarian. Knowing when a situation is serious enough to take your pet to the vet – especially an emergency vet – can be stressful and uncertain, though. There is a difference between “go now” and “wait until Monday.” Urgent and life-threatening situations typically may involve any of the following symptoms:
- Breathing problems such as laboring, pale gums, gasping, or open mouth breathing in cats
- Extreme lethargy, disorientation, or collapse
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Trauma such as a fight with another pet, falling from an elevated surface, or being hit by a car
- Repeated vomiting and/or diarrhea, especially with blood or foreign material
- Straining or vocalizing to urinate or defecate
- Low or high temperature (i.e. fever)
- Any eye injury or sudden vision loss
If my pet is injured, what are some tips to help me safely transport my pet to the vet?
If your pet is injured, safely transporting them to the vet is crucial – both for their wellbeing and your own safety. Injured pets may be in pain, scared, and more likely to bite or scratch. It is important to approach your pet slowly and gently, avoiding sudden movements and respecting any signs of fear, anxiety, or stress they may be exhibiting. Using a towel, blanket, or even thick gloves can help protect you from unexpected bites or scratches, providing a soft barrier to help transport them. Use a muzzle, if needed, to ensure that nobody is bitten during transport. Sometimes dogs that are otherwise very friendly become more aggressive in response to pain or fear and it cannot be emphasized enough how important it is to keep yourself safe first and foremost. When moving a pet, try to avoid the painful areas so that you don’t elicit further pain. Cats should be transported in a secure carrier with a towel or blanket. On the road, it is helpful to take turns slower than usual and drive as smoothly as you can. Lastly, if you are taking an injured pet somewhere to seek medical care, it’s helpful to bring along the “grab and go” kit previously discussed so that you have all of your pet’s pertinent information on-hand for the veterinary team.
What are some common pet emergency scenarios, and how should the owner respond?
As a pet owner, it's essential to recognize and respond quickly to common emergency situations. One of the most serious is trauma, such as being hit by a car, falling from a height, or getting into a fight with another animal. Even if your pet appears alert, internal injuries may not be immediately obvious. If your pet is bleeding, limping, or showing signs of shock (like pale gums, rapid heartbeat, or cold limbs), approach calmly. Apply clean pressure to bleeding wounds and transport your pet to the vet using a board or blanket as a stretcher to limit movement.
Poisoning is another frequent emergency. Common toxins include chocolate, xylitol, grapes, human medications, antifreeze, rodent bait, and certain plants like lilies (especially dangerous for cats). If your pet ingests something suspicious, do not induce vomiting unless directed by a professional. Immediately contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) and bring the product label if available to the vet.
Respiratory distress also warrants immediate attention. Signs include gasping, wheezing, open-mouth breathing (particularly in cats), or blue/gray gums. Keep your pet calm and avoid excessive handling—any difficulty breathing is a true emergency and requires urgent veterinary care.
Vomiting or diarrhea can range from mild to life-threatening. If your pet vomits or has diarrhea repeatedly, especially if there’s blood, lethargy, or a refusal to eat or drink, it’s time to call your vet. Withhold food for 6–12 hours (unless otherwise instructed) and offer water in small amounts if vomiting has stopped.
If your pet suddenly becomes lame or you suspect a broken bone, such as if they can’t bear weight or show obvious swelling or pain, keep them calm and avoid touching the limb. Do not attempt to splint the injury—minimize movement and take them to the vet immediately.
Straining to urinate, especially in male cats, is a life-threatening emergency. These pets may cry, lick their genital area, or go in and out of the litter box with no result. A urinary blockage can be fatal within 24 hours, so immediate veterinary care is critical.
Seizures can be frightening but are often manageable with calm action. If your pet has a seizure, don’t try to restrain them or put anything in their mouth. Move furniture and objects out of the way and time the seizure. If it lasts more than two minutes or your pet has multiple seizures, head to the vet right away.
Finally, heatstroke can set in quickly, especially in hot or humid weather. Signs include excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, weakness, or collapse. Move your pet to a shaded area, wet them with cool (not ice-cold) water, and use a fan if available. Offer small sips of water and get to the vet immediately—heatstroke can be fatal without prompt treatment.
Recognizing these signs and responding quickly can make all the difference in an emergency. If you’re unsure, call your veterinarian—when in doubt, it’s always better to be cautious.