Assess before you react

Check the animal's level of consciousness. Use the "ABC's" of first aid.

A stands for airway
Note whether the chest is rising and falling while listening closely for the sounds of breathing. If you're certain the animal is unconscious, check for an obstructed airway by extending the head and neck and pulling the tongue forward to look in the mouth. Remove any saliva or vomit with a finger sweep.

B means checking for breathing and bleeding (and banding as needed).

C means assessing cardiovascular
issues: heart function, pulse, and capillary refill time. Check capillary refill time by pressing on the pet's gums.

It's critical to call a veterinarian if:
It takes less than one second or more than two seconds for color to return to the gums.

You can't find a pulse or the patient isn't breathing (you also may start CPR if properly trained).

You see obvious or life-threatening injuries to the eyes, ears, nose, neck, chest, abdomen, back and extremities.

Plan Ahead
Keep emergency numbers near or programmed into the phone.

Animal Emergency and Trauma Center (360) 697-7771
ASPCA (Animal Poison Control Center) (888) 4-ANI-HELP

Transporting Injured Pets
When you're ready to transport your pet, encourage him to lie on his side, but don't force. Putting a blanket over your pet's head and body may also calm him! Encourage your pet to hold still, and prevent heat loss. You can transport small pets in a commercial carrier or cardboard box.

Don't put pressure on the stomach. If your pet is unconscious, position its head in normal alignment with the body - not flexed upward or downward as this could cause interference with blood flow to and from the brain. If your pet vomits or appears to have head trauma, position the head below the heart by angling the backboard to keep the airway and lungs clear.

Once you secure your pet, call your veterinarian or the emergency facility (if you haven't already).