Image: Marat Nagimov
In a pet emergency, every second counts. Knowing what to do in those first moments can make a life-saving difference while you contact your vet. Emergencies can be frightening, but having a clear plan of action helps you stay calm and respond quickly. The steps below outline how to assess your pet’s condition safely and effectively until veterinary help is available.
What is a pet emergency?
We class an emergency as something that has happened or is happening that causes an immediate threat to life, and therefore, urgent care needs to be given or sought.
In dogs and cats, the following are classed as emergencies:
Not breathing
Collapse
Road traffic accidents
Inability to urinate
Struggling to give birth
Excessive bleeding
Bloat
Choking
Not eating/passing faeces for 12-24 hrs (rabbits and guinea pigs).
What do you do in a pet emergency?
Firstly, assess the situation, and then call your vet for advice. Your veterinary team will gather as much information from you as possible and guide you. They will then either make an appropriate appointment for your pet or ask you to bring the animal straight to the clinic.
Calling first is always advisable so the team can be prepared in cases of genuine emergency.
Things to consider when assessing the situation:
Is the animal safe - and are you safe? For example, after a road traffic accident (RTA), always ensure there isn't risk of further danger.
Is the animal breathing? If not, check that their airway is clear.
Is the animal bleeding? If yes, do you need to apply pressure to help make it stop?
In most cases, getting prompt treatment at a vet is the best way to ensure correct and appropriate treatment. There are rare occasions where, unfortunately, CPR is required. Please be aware that in cases where CPR is genuinely needed, the prognosis for that pet is very poor regardless of the CPR performed. Please see the information below.
When assessing if CPR is needed, follow the ABC’s:
A: Check Airways:
Is there something stuck in the throat? Do not use your hands to remove an item lodged in an animal’s throat, as they will bite, or it may get pushed further down.
B: Check Breathing:
Are they struggling to breathe? Is their chest rising and falling? If they are not breathing for more than 10 seconds, start CPR immediately.
C: Check Circulation:
Can you feel a pulse? (Using a gentle pressure, place your index and middle finger on the inside of the thigh OR just behind the pad of the front paw). If there is no pulse, start CPR immediately.
How to perform CPR
Large breed dogs (e.g. Labrador, Retriever): Position them lying on their right side and deliver the chest compressions over the widest part of the chest.
Small breed dogs and cats (e.g., Terrier, Cockerpoo): Position them lying on their right side and deliver chest compressions directly over the heart. For cats, consider using one hand to avoid pressing too hard.
Deep chested dogs (e.g. Greyhound, Doberman): Position them lying on their right side and deliver chest compressions directly over the heart.
Brachycephalic dogs (e.g. French bulldog, Pug): Position them on their back and deliver compressions over the centre of the chest.
How to perform rescue breaths on pets
Close your dog’s mouth and make sure their neck is as straight as possible. Their head should be flat and the tip of their nose should be in line with their spine. Place your mouth over their nostrils to make a seal. Blow hard enough that their chest moves. One rescue breath should be given every six seconds (10 per minute).
Dog CPR should alternate between chest compressions and rescue breaths. Give 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths. Repeat this cycle for two minutes. At this time, briefly stop to check your dog for a heartbeat. If their heart still isn’t beating, continue CPR.
Emergencies are unpredictable, and acting quickly can give your pet the best possible chance of survival. Always keep your vet’s number somewhere accessible, stay as calm as you can, and follow the steps above while seeking immediate veterinary care. If you are ever unsure, call us immediately. Our team is here to help guide and support you through any emergency situation.
Coquet Vets ‘Dog First Aid Evening’ - 23rd July 2026
This month, we are hosting a ‘Dog First Aid Evening’ at the practice, where we will discuss all things first aid, such as wound management, bandaging, seizures, CPR, and choking.
The client evening will be hosted on Thursday 23rd July from 5.30pm to 7.00pm. Tickets are £15 per person and include a first aid kit to go home with. Call us on 01665 252 250 or come into the practice to reserve your place.
