Disclaimer: This article provides general first aid guidance for pet emergencies. It is not a substitute for veterinary care. Always consult a licensed veterinarian as soon as possible in any emergency. Do not attempt treatments beyond basic first aid.
Your cat just ate something from the kitchen counter and is drooling uncontrollably. Your dog collapsed after playing in the afternoon heat. Your kitten is bleeding from a wound and you're 30 minutes from the nearest vet. What do you do right now?
This guide covers exactly what to do (and what not to do) in the most common pet emergencies, so you can keep your pet stable until you reach the vet.
Here's what we'll cover:
- The universal first response for any pet emergency
- What to do for bleeding, poisoning, seizures, and choking
- Heatstroke, burns, fractures, and breathing problems
- When to perform pet CPR
- How to transport an injured pet safely
- Red flags that mean "go to the vet NOW"
The Universal First Response: 4 Steps for Any Emergency
No matter what the emergency is, start here.
| Step | What to Do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Stay calm | Take a breath. Speak to your pet in a low, gentle voice. | Your pet picks up on your panic. A calm owner helps a stressed pet. |
| 2. Protect yourself | Be careful. Injured or frightened pets may bite or scratch, even if they've never done so before. | You can't help your pet if you're injured too. |
| 3. Call the vet | Call your nearest emergency vet clinic immediately. Describe the situation. Follow their instructions. | The vet can advise you over the phone while you prepare to transport. |
| 4. Stabilise and transport | Apply basic first aid (see sections below), then get to the vet as quickly and safely as possible. | First aid buys time. It doesn't replace professional treatment. |
The most important thing you can do in any pet emergency is get to a vet fast. Everything in this guide is about keeping your pet stable during that journey, not about treating them yourself.
Bleeding
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Apply firm, gentle pressure with a clean cloth or towel | Don't remove the cloth if blood soaks through. Add more layers on top. |
| Hold pressure for at least 3 minutes without lifting to check | Don't apply a tourniquet unless specifically instructed by a vet |
| Wrap the wound lightly once bleeding slows | Don't try to clean deep wounds yourself |
| Get to the vet immediately if bleeding is heavy or won't stop | Don't wait to "see if it gets better" with significant bleeding |
For minor scratches and small cuts, clean with saline solution and monitor. But if blood is spurting, pooling, or won't stop after 5 minutes of firm pressure, your pet needs emergency veterinary care.
Suspected Poisoning
Poisoning is one of the most time-sensitive emergencies. What you do in the first 30 minutes can make the difference.
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Call your vet or emergency clinic immediately | Do NOT induce vomiting unless your vet specifically tells you to |
| Try to identify what your pet ate. Bring the packaging or a photo of the substance. | Don't give milk, water, or any home remedy without vet guidance |
| Note the time your pet ate it and how much (estimate) | Don't wait for symptoms to appear before calling the vet |
| Collect any vomit in a sealed bag to bring to the vet | Don't try to "wait it out" |
Never induce vomiting without vet instructions. Some substances (like corrosive chemicals) cause more damage coming back up. Your vet will tell you whether inducing vomiting is safe based on what was ingested. For a full guide on toxic substances, see our pet poisoning emergency guide.
Seizures
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Move objects away from your pet to prevent injury | Don't restrain your pet during a seizure |
| Place a blanket or towel underneath for padding | Don't put your hands near their mouth (they may bite involuntarily) |
| Time the seizure. Record a video if possible. | Don't try to pull their tongue out |
| Keep the room quiet and dim | Don't shout at or shake your pet |
| Call the vet as soon as the seizure ends | Don't assume a single seizure is "fine" since it always needs vet assessment |
Most seizures last 2-3 minutes and look worse than they are. Your pet may be confused, wobbly, or temporarily blind afterwards. This is normal. Keep them in a quiet, safe space and get to the vet. If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, or if multiple seizures happen back-to-back, this is a medical emergency. Get to the nearest emergency vet immediately.
Choking
| Signs of Choking | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Pawing at the mouth | Open the mouth carefully and look for a visible object. Only remove it if you can clearly see it and can grasp it without pushing it deeper. |
| Gagging or retching with nothing coming up | For small pets: hold them upside down briefly and apply gentle back blows between the shoulder blades. |
| Blue or pale gums | For larger dogs: perform a modified Heimlich by placing your hands just behind the ribcage and pushing firmly upward and forward. |
| Difficulty breathing, high-pitched sounds | If you can't dislodge the object, rush to the nearest vet immediately. |
Be extremely careful. A choking pet is panicked and may bite. If you can't see or reach the object, don't blindly stick your fingers into the throat. You could push it deeper. Get to the vet.
Heatstroke
Malaysia's tropical climate makes heatstroke a real risk, especially for flat-faced breeds (Persians, Bulldogs, Pugs) and overweight pets.
| Signs of Heatstroke | Emergency Response |
|---|---|
| Excessive panting, drooling | Move your pet to a cool, shaded area immediately |
| Bright red gums and tongue | Apply cool (NOT ice-cold) water to the body, especially neck, armpits, and groin |
| Wobbly, uncoordinated movement | Place wet towels on the body. Fan them if possible. |
| Vomiting, diarrhoea, collapse | Offer small amounts of cool water to drink (don't force) |
Never use ice water or ice packs. Extreme cold causes blood vessels to constrict, which actually traps heat inside the body and makes things worse. Use cool (room temperature) water. Once you've started cooling your pet, get to the vet. Heatstroke can cause organ damage that isn't immediately visible.
Difficulty Breathing
| Warning Signs | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Open-mouth breathing in cats (this is always an emergency) | Keep your pet calm. Minimise handling and stress. |
| Blue, purple, or very pale gums | Ensure the airway is clear (no collar pressing on throat) |
| Gasping, wheezing, laboured breathing | Provide good ventilation (open windows, fan, air-con) |
| Extended neck, elbows out (trying to open airway) | Get to the vet immediately. Don't wait. |
For cats: open-mouth breathing is never normal. Unlike dogs, cats don't pant unless something is seriously wrong. If your cat is breathing with their mouth open, this is an emergency. Handle them as little as possible (stress worsens breathing problems) and get to the nearest vet.
Fractures and Falls
High-rise falls are common in Malaysia, especially for cats in apartments and condos.
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Keep your pet as still as possible | Don't try to splint or set the bone yourself |
| Support the injured area if you need to move them | Don't let them walk or move the injured limb |
| Use a flat board, towel, or blanket as a makeshift stretcher | Don't assume "they seem fine" after a fall. Internal injuries may not show immediately. |
| Get to the vet for x-rays even if they look okay | Don't give human pain medication (paracetamol and ibuprofen are toxic to cats and dogs) |
After any fall from height, even if your pet appears normal, see a vet within 24 hours. Internal bleeding, organ damage, and hairline fractures may not be obvious right away. Cats especially are good at hiding pain.
Burns
| Type | First Response |
|---|---|
| Thermal burn (hot water, stove, iron) | Run cool water over the burn for 10 minutes. Don't apply ice, butter, or toothpaste. |
| Chemical burn (cleaning products, detergent) | Flush with large amounts of water for 15-20 minutes. Wear gloves. Don't let your pet lick the area. |
| Electrical burn (chewed wires) | Disconnect the power first. Do NOT touch your pet if still in contact with the electrical source. Check for breathing. |
Cover the burn loosely with a clean, damp cloth and get to the vet. Burns are painful, and your pet will need professional pain management and wound care.
Urinary Blockage (Cats)
This is one of the most common and most dangerous cat emergencies.
| Signs | Urgency |
|---|---|
| Straining at the litter box with little or no urine | Vet within hours |
| Crying or vocalising while trying to urinate | Vet within hours |
| No urination for 12+ hours | Emergency. Go now. |
| Licking the genital area constantly | Monitor closely, vet same day |
| Vomiting, lethargy, not eating (combined with above) | Emergency. Life-threatening. |
A complete urinary blockage can be fatal within 24-48 hours. Male cats are especially prone. If your male cat is straining to urinate and producing little or nothing, don't wait until morning. This needs emergency treatment. For more on urinary issues, see our UTI signs guide and FLUTD treatment guide.
When to Perform Pet CPR
CPR should only be performed if your pet is unconscious, not breathing, and has no heartbeat. Do not perform CPR on a pet that is breathing or has a pulse.
| Step | Cats and Small Dogs | Large Dogs (>13kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Check for breathing | Watch the chest for movement. Feel for air from the nose. | |
| Check for pulse | Place fingers on the inner thigh (femoral artery) or left side of chest behind the elbow. | |
| Position | Lay on right side on a flat surface | Lay on right side on a flat surface |
| Compressions | Thumb and fingers around rib cage. Compress 1/3 chest depth. | Interlocked hands on widest rib area. Compress 1/4 chest depth. |
| Rate | 100-120 compressions per minute | 100-120 compressions per minute |
| Rescue breaths | Close mouth, seal lips. Short puffs into the nose every 4-5 seconds. | Close mouth, seal lips. Exhale into the nose. 2 breaths after every 30 compressions. |
Continue CPR until your pet starts breathing on their own or you reach the vet. Don't give up during transport. For a full detailed guide with illustrations, see our CPR guide for dogs and cats.
How to Safely Transport an Injured Pet
| Situation | Transport Method |
|---|---|
| Cat (any injury) | Place in a carrier lined with a towel. If no carrier, wrap gently in a towel or pillowcase. |
| Small dog (can be carried) | Support the body evenly. Use a carrier or box lined with a towel. |
| Large dog (suspected fracture or spinal injury) | Slide onto a flat board or use a blanket as a stretcher. Keep the body as flat and still as possible. |
| Aggressive or frightened pet | Use a towel or blanket to gently wrap and restrain. For dogs, a makeshift muzzle from a soft cloth (not for flat-faced breeds or vomiting pets). |
Keep the car calm during transport. Avoid loud music, sudden braking, and sharp turns. Have someone sit with your pet if possible. Call the clinic while en route so they're ready when you arrive.
Red Flags: When to Go to the Vet Immediately
These signs mean don't wait, don't monitor, go now:
| Red Flag | Possible Emergency |
|---|---|
| Difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing (cats) | Respiratory failure, fluid in lungs, airway obstruction |
| Blue or white gums | Oxygen deprivation, shock, internal bleeding |
| Unable to urinate for 12+ hours | Urinary blockage (can be fatal within 24-48 hours) |
| Seizure lasting more than 5 minutes | Status epilepticus (life-threatening) |
| Suspected poisoning | Time-critical. Treatment must start ASAP. |
| Heavy bleeding that won't stop | Blood loss, arterial damage |
| Collapse or sudden inability to stand | Heart failure, internal bleeding, neurological emergency |
| Bloated, hard abdomen (dogs) with retching | Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Fatal without surgery. |
FAQ
Can I give my pet human medication in an emergency?
No. Most human medications are dangerous or fatal to pets. Paracetamol (Panadol) is toxic to cats. Ibuprofen can cause kidney failure in both cats and dogs. Never give human medication unless specifically directed by your vet.
Should I induce vomiting if my pet ate something toxic?
Only if your vet tells you to. Some substances cause more damage if vomited back up (acids, bleach, petroleum products). Call your vet first, describe what was eaten, and follow their specific instructions.
How do I know if it's a real emergency or if I can wait until morning?
When in doubt, call the emergency vet and describe the symptoms. They'll tell you whether to come in now or monitor until morning. The red flags listed above always warrant immediate vet attention.
My cat fell from the balcony but seems fine. Should I still see a vet?
Yes. Cats are good at hiding pain and internal injuries. Adrenaline can mask symptoms for hours. See a vet within 24 hours for x-rays and an examination, even if your cat appears to be walking and eating normally.
What should be in a pet first aid kit?
Gauze pads, bandage wrap, saline solution, a digital thermometer, clean towels, a spare carrier or pillowcase, latex gloves, and your vet's emergency phone number. For a full list, see our pet first aid kit guide.
Does pet insurance cover emergency vet visits?
Yes. Oyen covers emergency vet visits at any licensed clinic in Malaysia. Accident claims are covered from Day 1 with no waiting period. You pay the vet bill first and then submit your claim for reimbursement. Keep all receipts, test results, and documents.
How do I perform CPR on my cat?
Only if your cat is unconscious, not breathing, and has no pulse. Lay them on their right side, compress the chest 100-120 times per minute using your thumb and fingers, and give short rescue breaths into the nose every 4-5 seconds. See our full CPR guide for detailed steps.
What's the most common pet emergency in Malaysia?
Poisoning (from household items, plants, and human food), falls from height (cats in condos), urinary blockage (male cats), and heatstroke are among the most common emergencies Malaysian pet parents face. Vomiting and diarrhoea from infections are also very frequent.
Should I muzzle my injured pet?
If your pet may bite during transport, a soft cloth muzzle can protect you. But never muzzle a pet that is vomiting, having difficulty breathing, or is a flat-faced breed. Only use a muzzle during transport, and remove it as soon as possible.
Can I use a pet taxi for emergencies?
If you don't have a car, a pet taxi can help. But for life-threatening emergencies where minutes matter, driving yourself or having someone drive you is faster. Call while you're on the way so the clinic is prepared.
Protecting Your Pet Starts Here
The best emergency plan is one you make before you need it. Save your nearest emergency vet's number, keep a first aid kit ready, and make sure your pet is insured so you never have to choose between your pet's life and the cost of treatment.
Oyen covers cats and dogs at any licensed vet in Malaysia. Accident claims are covered from Day 1, and coverage goes up to RM10,000/year.
Check your pet's eligibility now - it takes less than 2 minutes.
