When traveling with your dog, you’ll be doing everything you can to keep them safe. But what if an issue arises, whether it’s an illness or accident? We asked the experts from VCA Animal Hospitals for tips on recognizing and handling emergencies with dogs.

The first step is to have a plan.

Before you travel, be sure to pack your dog for the trip. Make sure to pack any medications your dog may need. Also, be sure to have access to their medical records, like digital copies from your veterinarian – just in case.

It’s also important to know where you can take your pet in case of an emergency. Know where several veterinary emergency hospitals are in the area you are traveling to, just in case. You can also ask if your veterinary hospital offers tele-triage or other virtual care options that you can use while on the road. For example, through the myVCA app, you can access 24/7 live chat with licensed veterinary professionals that will help answer questions and offer advice.

What’s the first step in an emergency with my dog?

First, be careful. An injured dog is scared and in pain. Be cautious and avoid getting bitten or scratched. Keep your face and hands away from an injured dog’s mouth. Move slowly and be very gentle.

Second, call your veterinarian or a nearby veterinary hospital. Describe what has happened and ask for advice about what to do and how to transport your dog if needed.

What should I do if my dog is bleeding?

Using a clean towel or cloth, apply pressure to the wound for several minutes, then check to see if the bleeding has slowed or stopped. If bleeding continues, keep up the pressure and add more towels if needed. Don’t keep removing the towel – you want to encourage clotting. Maintain pressure until you reach the veterinary hospital.

What should I do if I suspect my dog has heatstroke?

“Hot weather can pose many dangers for dogs, including heatstroke and burnt pads,” said Dr. Stephanie Sierra, VCA Veterinary Emergency Service & Veterinary Specialty Center. “If you’re concerned about heat-related injuries, it’s important to take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible.”

If your dog is overheated, you can help right away by immersing them in cool water in the sink or tub, hosing them down with a garden hose, or covering them with cool, wet towels. Don’t use ice or ice water, which could drop their temperature too quickly. Keep the dog wet while on the way to the veterinarian – the evaporation can help lower their body temperature.

What should I do if my dog has a seizure?

Don’t try to restrain your dog or stop the seizure. Instead, move away any objects that might cause injury and let the seizure play out. Keep your hands away from your dog’s mouth. Seizures usually last a few minutes. Once it stops, keep your dog warm and quiet and contact a veterinarian to discuss next steps.

What should I do if my dog seems to have broken a bone?

You’ll want to try to stabilize the injury before transporting your dog to a veterinary hospital. If your dog is small, place them in a sturdy box so they aren’t jostled while moving. If your dog is large, try using a blanket or other makeshift stretcher to support their body while moving. Be careful since your dog will be in pain and may try to bite.

What should I do if my dog is bitten by a snake?

Assume that any snakebite may be poisonous, and get your dog to a veterinary hospital right away. Don’t try to capture or kill the snake, but if you’re able to safely get a picture of the snake, it can help with identification and treatment.

What should I do if my dog is bitten by another animal?

Apply direct pressure to the wound to try to stop the bleeding. Get to a veterinary hospital for treatment and for intervention to ward off infection.

What should I do if my dog eats something dangerous or poisonous?

“Many different household items are potentially toxic to dogs, including pesticides, cleaners and medications,” said Dr. Sierra. “If you see your dog eat something suspicious, call a veterinarian immediately and keep the suspected toxin as well as its packaging.”

If you don’t see what your dog ate, but suspect poisoning due to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea or seizure, get veterinary care right away to help reduce absorption of toxins. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically directed to do so by a veterinarian.

In addition to your veterinarian, you can call the 24/7 ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

What if my dog isn’t breathing?

If your dog is unconscious, check their airway by grasping their tongue and pulling it forward out of their mouth. Look to see if there is anything blocking their throat. If not, you can perform rescue breathing, which is done for dogs through their nose, not their mouth. Hold the dog’s mouth closed with your hand and blow two to three breaths into their nose until you see their chest rise/expand. Keep giving rescue breaths until you reach veterinary care, providing about 20 breaths per minute.

Click here for more detailed information from VCA about rescue breathing and CPR for dogs.

VCA Animal Hospitals is a leader in veterinary care, delivering world-class medicine to more than 4.2 million pets each year through its national network of hometown hospitals. VCA is part of the Mars Veterinary Health family. For more information, visit VCA.com.