Medical
Injured dog or dog with heat stroke
Bleeding, hit by a car, or panting hard, drooling, weak, or vomiting.
Do this nowTap each step when done
- 1Protect yourself: keep your face away from its mouth. It may bite you.
- 2Call the emergency vet so they expect you.
- 3Bleeding: press with a clean cloth for at least 3 minutes.
- 4Heat: take it to the shade or indoors, with air conditioning.
- 5Put wet towels (room temperature) on the neck, armpits, and groin.
- 6Change the towels every few minutes and use a fan.
- 7Trauma: move it on a blanket or board, like a stretcher.
Don't
- Don't submerge it in ice water.
- Don't remove towels soaked with blood.
- Don't muzzle it if it's vomiting.
- Don't remove embedded objects or splint it.
Have ready
- Phone number of the nearest 24-hour veterinary hospital.
- Muzzle in its size and a leash.
- Clean towels and self-adhesive wrap.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control 888-426-4435.
Key factTouch the pavement with the back of your hand: if it burns your hand, it burns their paws. Never leave it in the car.
More detail
Reviewed: Nov 2026 · Sources: Chapter 7 · First Aid
