Emergencies

Animal Poison Control Center

As the premier animal poison control center in North America, the APCC is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, make the call that can make all the difference:

(888) 426-4435.

A consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.

What To Do If Your Pet Is Poisoned

Don’t panic. Rapid response is important, but panicking can interfere with the process of helping your pet.

Take 30 to 60 seconds to safely collect and have at hand any material involved. This may be of great benefit to your vet and/or APCC toxicologists, as they determine what poison or poisons are involved. In the event that you need to take your pet to a local veterinarian, be sure to take the product’s container with you. Also, collect in a sealable plastic bag any material your pet may have vomited or chewed.
- If you witness your pet consuming material that you suspect might be toxic, do not hesitate to seek emergency assistance, even if you do not notice any adverse effects. Sometimes, even if poisoned, an animal may appear normal for several hours or for days after the incident.

Dog First Aid book – With DVDDog First Aid, by the American Red Cross, is a color-coded guide and accompanying DVD that includes basic responsibilities like spaying and neutering, to managing breathing and cardiac emergencies, to preparing for disasters. The guide includes nearly 70 dog first aid topics and the DVD shows step-by-step how to perform the skills needed to administer care to a dog. Dog First Aid is a quick reference guide designed to help everyday people manage emergency situations on their own, with speed and confidence. Support the American Red Cross today and equip yourself with first aid knowledge to protect yourself and your pet.

Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

The telephone number is (888) 426-4435. There is a consultation fee for this service.

Be ready with the following information:

- the species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved

- the animal’s symptoms

- information regarding the exposure, including the agent (if known), the amount of the agent involved and the time elapsed since the time of exposure.

Have the product container/packaging available for reference.

Please note: If your animal is having seizures, losing consciousness, is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing, telephone ahead and bring your pet immediately to your local veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic. If necessary, he or she may call the APCC.
Be Prepared

Invest in an emergency first-aid kit for your pet. The kit should contain:

- a fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide, 3 percent USP (to induce vomiting)

- a turkey baster, bulb syringe or large medicine syringe (to administer peroxide)

- saline eye solution

- artificial tear gel (to lubricate eyes after flushing)

- mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid (for bathing an animal after skin contamination)

- forceps (to remove stingers)

- a muzzle (to protect against fear- or excitement-induced biting)

- a can of your pet’s favorite wet food

-a pet carrier

American Red Cross Deluxe First Aid Kit for PetsThe American Red Cross Deluxe First Aid Kit for Pets is used for everything from responding to open wounds to doctoring injured bones on a furry friend, this first aid kit has everything you need to help your pet in an emergency. Lightweight and easy to store in the house or car, this kit is great to have handy for everything from road trips to a day at the park. Also makes a great gift for friends and family petlovers! Emergencies can occur suddenly and without warning. Knowing what to do in the initial moments can be critical to your pet’s life. Thanks to the Red Cross, pet owners can equip themselves when the unthinkable happens. Support the American Red Cross today and equip yourself with this first aid kit to protect your pets. This Kit includes the following: 10 – Antiseptic Wipes 2 – Conforming Bandages 5 – Gauze Pads 3?x3? 5 – Gauze Pads 4?x4? 1 – Non-Adh. Pad 2?x3? 1 – Non-Adh. Pad 3?x4? 1 – Combine Dressing 1 – Triangular Bandage 1 – Elastic Bandage 1 – Rescue Blanket 1 – Instant Cold Compress 1 – Roll of Tape 1 – Styptic Pencil 1 – Penlight 1 – Scooper 2 – Tongue Depressors 10 – Alcohol Prep Pads 1 – Peroxide 2 – Petroleum Jelly 1 – Eye Wash 5 – Antibiotic Ointment 1 – Scissors 1 – Tweezers 4 – Pairs of Gloves

Always consult a veterinarian or the APCC for directions on how and when to use any emergency first-aid item

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