animal Cpr and first aid

Pet CPR and first aid are life-saving skills that every pet care professional should know. Emergencies like choking, heatstroke, injury, or cardiac arrest can happen in an instant—and knowing how to respond calmly and correctly can mean the difference between life and death. Pet CPR helps keep oxygen flowing when a pet’s heart or breathing stops, while first aid covers critical care for bleeding, shock, poisoning, or trauma until a vet can take over. Being trained shows clients you’re prepared, responsible, and truly dedicated to the well-being of every animal in your care.

 

animals in distress

Animals in distress often show physical and behavioral warning signs. Look out for excessive panting, drooling, pale or blue gums, shaking, weakness, limping, vomiting, or sudden behavioral changes like aggression or withdrawal. Difficulty breathing, disorientation, or collapsing are red flags that require immediate attention. Whether it's heatstroke, injury, poisoning, or illness—recognizing these signs early can save a pet’s life.

 

Heatstroke / Overheating

  • Excessive panting or drooling

  • Bright red or pale gums

  • Rapid heart rate

  • Vomiting or diarrhea

  • Weakness, confusion, or collapsing

  • Glassy eyes or staring

  • Seizures (in severe cases)

What to do: Move to a cool place, apply cool (not cold) water to paws/belly, offer small sips of water, and transport to a vet immediately.

Hypothermia (Too Cold)

  • Shivering or trembling

  • Lethargy

  • Weak pulse or breathing

  • Pale or blue gums and inner eyelids

  • Body feels cold to the touch

  • Loss of consciousness in severe cases

What to do: Warm them gradually with blankets, warm water bottles (wrapped in cloth), and get veterinary help ASAP.

Shock

  • Pale gums

  • Rapid heartbeat and breathing

  • Weak pulse

  • Cold extremities

  • Vomiting or collapse

Often caused by: Trauma, internal bleeding, severe allergic reactions.

What to do: Keep them warm, quiet, and calm. Do not offer food or water. Transport immediately.

 

Pain or Injury

  • Whining, whimpering, or growling

  • Hiding or avoiding touch

  • Limping or not bearing weight on a limb

  • Sudden aggression or withdrawal

  • Excessive licking of a body part

  • Shallow or rapid breathing

Don’t assume they'll "walk it off"—injuries can worsen without treatment.

Breathing Distress

  • Labored or noisy breathing

  • Open-mouth breathing (especially cats—not normal)

  • Blue-tinged tongue or gums (lack of oxygen)

  • Extended neck and elbows out while breathing

  • Weakness or collapse

What to do: Minimize stress and movement, keep airways clear, and get to a vet immediately.

Toxin Ingestion or Allergic Reaction

  • Vomiting, diarrhea

  • Drooling

  • Swelling around face/mouth

  • Hives or itchiness

  • Seizures or disorientation

What to do: Call the ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) and get to a vet.

 
 

Neurological Signs (Seizures, Disorientation)

  • Staggering, falling, circling

  • Sudden aggression or fear

  • Seizures (muscle twitching, paddling limbs, loss of control)

  • Blank staring or unresponsiveness

Always treat seizures or neurological episodes as an emergency.