Pet Emergency Guide
Luxembourg & Border Regions

If the animal remains prostrate, is bleeding, or has injuries following an impact after a car accident, take it for an emergency consultation. And take first aid measures: Apply pressure to wounds that are bleeding heavily and transport the animal on a makeshift stretcher (board, coat, etc.).

If the wound is bleeding, apply pressure to limit the bleeding and seek the advice of a veterinarian. Any wound should be examined if it appears deep or extends over several centimeters.

The normal temperature for a cat or dog is between 98.6°F and 105.6°F (38°C - 39°C). If the animal has a temperature above 105.6°F (39°C), it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Due to the presence of a stone or crystals, for example, the animal is unable to urinate at all or only in small amounts and with pain. You should consult a veterinarian within 24 hours, as the situation can rapidly deteriorate and irreversible damage can occur. 

• If the animal is struggling to breathe (seems to be gasping for air by stretching its neck, breathing with its mouth open, showing strong chest movements or noisy breathing), it is best to take it to a veterinarian.

• If your pet is choking

• Heimlich maneuver for dogs & cats 

• CPR for pets who have stopped breathing

Attention:

• ⚠️ It is extremely rare to have to perform CPR, and the chances of success are very low.

• ⚠️ CPR is a technique that can be used to keep blood and oxygen pumping around the body if the heart stops beating.

• ⚠️ CPR is not appropriate for every collapsed pet so it’s vitally important to check whether it’s the right thing to do before starting. 

• ⚠️ Never perform CPR on a healthy pet, or a pet whose heart is still beating (even if they are unconscious), as it could seriously hurt, or even kill them.

  • CPR for cats

  • CPR for dogs

If the animal is vomiting repeatedly and is lethargic, seek veterinary advice.

If the animal suddenly can no longer stand up or begins to stagger on its hind legs, this may be a sign of severe pain or a neurological problem. Contact a veterinarian.

Any epileptic seizure (or series of seizures) lasting more than 10 minutes requires urgent treatment by a veterinarian.

More info on what to do in case of seizures here.

This may be caused by an insect bite or an allergic reaction. Consult a veterinarian to prevent the swelling from reaching the respiratory tract.

If the animal has been in a very hot place such as a car) or has “exercised” when the outside temperature is high (e.g., during a walk) and is showing signs of difficulty breathing, blue tongue, drooling, or high rectal temperature, it must be cooled down immediately and taken to a veterinarian.

A twig or foreign object may enter the eye and become stuck or cause a corneal ulcer. Such an injury is very painful and can worsen without proper care.

If the female has contractions for 30 minutes without a puppy/kitten coming out, or if a baby seems "stuck," rapid veterinary intervention is necessary.

Call the poison control center or veterinary emergency services. Do not administer an antidote or milk without medical advice. When you take your pet to the vet, remember to bring the packaging or label of the product/medication ingested and make a note of the amount ingested and the time of contact with the toxic substance.

Consider stomach dilation-torsion syndrome. Notify the veterinarian immediately and get there as quickly as possible.