Pet First Aid 101 | Emergency Tips from VetCheck Pet Urgent Care

When your pet is in pain or suddenly ill, every second matters. Emergencies can unfold without warning—your dog swallows something toxic, your cat suffers a cut or burn, or your pet is hit by a car. In these terrifying moments, your actions before arriving at a 24/7 urgent care center like VetCheck Indianapolis can make a critical difference in your pet’s outcome. Knowing what to do—and what to avoid—can help stabilize your companion until they receive the emergency treatment they need.

First and foremost, stay calm. Your pet senses your stress, and panic can escalate the situation. Take a deep breath, assess the environment for ongoing danger, and safely remove your pet from harm. If your pet is injured, be cautious—pain can make even the gentlest animal react aggressively. Use a towel or blanket to gently restrain them if necessary, but don’t muzzle an animal that’s vomiting or struggling to breathe.

If your pet is bleeding, apply gentle, steady pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. Elevating the injured area (if possible) can help slow the bleeding, but don’t attempt to remove any embedded objects—leave that to our emergency team. In the event of suspected fractures, keep your pet as still as possible and avoid trying to reset or reposition the limb yourself.

Toxic ingestion is one of the most common pet emergencies we see at VetCheck Indianapolis. If your pet eats something harmful—like chocolate, xylitol, medications, or household cleaners—do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinary professional. Giving hydrogen peroxide or other substances without guidance can worsen the situation. Call your closest VetCheck location immediately for step-by-step instructions while you prepare to bring your pet in.

In cases of heatstroke or extreme cold exposure, your priority is to begin gentle temperature regulation. Move your pet into a cool or warm area (depending on the situation), offer small amounts of water if they’re conscious, and use damp towels to gradually bring their body temperature toward normal. Avoid using ice baths or heating pads directly on the skin, as these can shock the body.

Choking and breathing emergencies require immediate but cautious action. If your pet is choking and you can see the object in their mouth, you may carefully attempt to remove it using your fingers—but never push it deeper. For dogs, the Heimlich maneuver may help in certain cases, but improper technique can cause injury. If breathing is labored or has stopped, begin CPR only if you are trained, and rush to VetCheck Indianapolis for life-saving intervention.

No matter the emergency, one of the most dangerous mistakes pet owners make is waiting too long to seek care. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and call us. Our trained staff is ready 24/7 to guide you through what to do in the moment and prepare for your arrival.

VetCheck Indianapolis is designed to handle all types of emergencies across our seven locations, with diagnostics, surgery, and critical care always available—no appointment needed. While it’s empowering to know basic first aid, your most important role in an emergency is getting your pet to us as quickly and safely as possible.

When minutes matter, your calm presence, basic first aid knowledge, and quick action can save your pet’s life. But remember, first aid is not a substitute for professional care. We’re here for you and your pets day or night—because emergencies don’t wait, and neither should you.

If your pet is experiencing an emergency, visit VetCheck Indianapolis at 5335 Southport Road, Suite 400Indianapolis, IN 46237 or call (317) 934-9953. We’re open 24/7, 365 days a year to provide the urgent care your furry family member needs—when every second counts.