First aid for collapsed pets

Overview

• Collapse can be caused by many different problems including: heart disease, low blood sugar, pain, breathing difficulties, Addison’s disease, blood loss and seizures.
• If your pet has collapsed, make sure they are safe, check them over and call your vet.

What to do if your pet has collapsed

Step one: Make sure they are safe

• Make sure your pet is in a cool, safe, quiet place.
• If necessary, use a blanket, board or towel to move them.
• Keep your pet calm by reassuring them in a soft voice.

Step two: Check them over

Check your pet and call your vet practice immediately if they are:

• Collapsed and not responding
• Not breathing - also start CPR
• Struggling to breathe
• Very pale (white/blue gums)
• Very painful or unable to move
• Developing a swollen belly

If your pet seems to be coming round, calmly reassure them while they recover.

Step three: Call your vet

• Call your vet for an emergency appointment if your pet doesn’t improve quickly or if they have any of the signs above.
• Even if your pet recovers quickly from their collapse, call your vet for advice afterwards. Your vet may want to check them over to understand why it happened.

Published: March 2020