Dog heatstroke, trauma & injury emergencies
Heat and physical injury can overwhelm a dog quickly. Heatstroke can cause organ damage within minutes; a road accident or fall can hide internal bleeding behind a calm exterior; a sudden allergic reaction can swell the airway. The guides below explain the correct first steps — and the common mistakes to avoid — while you get veterinary help.
Guides in this section
When any of these is a go-now emergency
Treat collapse, non-stop vomiting or retching, a swollen hard belly, suspected poisoning, trouble breathing, a seizure lasting more than a few minutes, or heavy bleeding as a call-the-vet-now situation. When in doubt, phone an emergency animal hospital and describe the signs — they will tell you whether to come straight in.
Sources & standards
Emergency guidance follows AVMA, Merck Veterinary Manual, ASPCA Animal Poison Control, and small-animal emergency-medicine standards, reviewed by our veterinary advisory board.