Pet Emergency Preparedness: How to Keep Your Pet Safe in a Crisis

Emergencies can happen at any time, and being prepared can mean the difference between life and death for your pet. Whether it’s an accident, sudden illness, natural disaster, or household hazard, knowing how to react and having a plan in place can prevent panic and ensure your pet gets the care they need as quickly as possible.

At Carolina Virginia Animal Hospital, we want every pet owner to be ready for the unexpected. In this guide, we’ll cover common pet emergencies, how to prepare an emergency kit, when to seek veterinary care, and what steps you can take to prevent emergencies in the first place.

Recognizing a Pet Emergency: When to Seek Immediate Care

Pets can’t tell us when something is wrong, so it’s up to owners to recognize the warning signs of a true emergency. If your pet shows any of these symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately:

  • Difficulty breathing (gasping, excessive panting, blue or pale gums)
  • Collapse or inability to stand
  • Excessive bleeding that won’t stop within five minutes
  • Seizures lasting more than a minute or occurring in clusters
  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea (especially if blood is present)
  • Sudden bloating or a swollen abdomen (a sign of GDV, which is life-threatening)
  • Heatstroke symptoms (excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting)
  • Poison ingestion (medications, toxic foods, household chemicals)
  • Straining to urinate with no success (especially in male cats, which could indicate a fatal blockage)
  • Eye injuries or sudden blindness
  • Severe pain (crying out, shaking, aggressive behavior when touched)

If you are unsure whether your pet needs emergency care, call your veterinarian or an emergency pet hospital immediately.

Use this AAHA guide to determine if it’s an emergency.

Creating a Pet Emergency Kit

A well-stocked pet emergency kit ensures you have essential supplies ready in case of an accident, evacuation, or disaster. Every pet owner should have a dedicated emergency kit, easily accessible at home and ready to grab in case of an evacuation.

What to Include in Your Pet’s Emergency Kit

  • Medical records & vaccination history (keep digital and printed copies)
  • A list of emergency contacts, including your veterinarian and a nearby 24/7 animal hospital
  • A two-week supply of pet medications
  • Pet first aid supplies, including bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and a digital thermometer
  • Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting, ONLY if instructed by a veterinarian)
  • A supply of pet food and bottled water (at least three days’ worth)
  • A leash, collar with ID tags, and a secure pet carrier
  • Familiar comfort items (blanket, favorite toy)
  • A muzzle (even the most well-behaved pet may bite when in pain)

Keep your kit updated and easily accessible so you can grab it quickly in an emergency.

Poison Prevention: What to Do If Your Pet Ingests Something Toxic

Household toxins are one of the most common pet emergencies. Many everyday items—including certain foods, plants, and medications—can be deadly to pets.

Common Household Poisons for Pets

  • Human medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antidepressants, ADHD medications)
  • Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum, peanut butter, and baked goods)
  • Chocolate and caffeine
  • Grapes and raisins (toxic to dogs)
  • Onions, garlic, and chives
  • Alcohol and marijuana products
  • Antifreeze (even a small amount is fatal)
  • Rodenticides and insecticides
  • Household plants (lilies, sago palms, philodendrons)

What to Do If Your Pet Is Poisoned

  1. Stay calm and remove the source of poisoning.
  2. Call your veterinarian or a pet poison control hotline immediately.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a vet.
  4. Bring any packaging or a sample of the substance to the vet.

Call ASPCA Poison Control for immediate guidance.

How to Prevent Pet Emergencies

Many pet emergencies can be avoided with proactive care and home safety measures.

Prevent Choking and Foreign Body Ingestion

  • Supervise pets around toys and chew items.
  • Avoid feeding bones, corn cobs, rawhides, and small objects that can cause blockages.
  • Keep trash bins securely closed to prevent pets from eating harmful scraps.

Prevent Heatstroke and Hypothermia

  • NEVER leave your pet in a hot car, even for a few minutes.
  • Always provide access to shade and water in hot weather.
  • In winter, limit outdoor exposure and use pet-safe ice melt on walkways.

Prevent Trauma & Accidents

  • Keep cats indoors or in secure outdoor enclosures.
  • Always leash your dog in unfenced areas.
  • Pet-proof your home: secure toxic plants, wires, and small objects.

Learn more about preventing pet emergencies here.

Emergency Preparedness for Natural Disasters

In the event of hurricanes, floods, wildfires, or evacuations, your pet should be part of your disaster plan.

Disaster Preparedness for Pets

  • Ensure all pets are microchipped and wear ID tags.
  • Have a pet-friendly evacuation plan in place.
  • Pack an emergency go-bag with food, medications, and important documents.
  • Know the nearest pet-friendly shelters or hotels.

If you are told to evacuate, NEVER leave pets behind. If it’s unsafe for you, it’s unsafe for them.

Be Prepared, Stay Calm, Act Quickly

Emergencies happen, but being prepared makes all the difference. Knowing the signs of an emergency, having a well-stocked emergency kit, and preventing hazards can save your pet’s life.

At Carolina Virginia Animal Hospital, we’re here to help you prepare, prevent, and respond to emergencies. If your pet ever needs urgent care, contact us immediately or visit the nearest 24/7 emergency clinic.

Schedule a wellness check to keep your pet healthy and safe.