Car Accidents: A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) that has been hit by a car needs to see a vet immediately. Internal bleeding is common, and outward signs of distress may not show for several hours. A puncture wound that closes rapidly can cause a life-threatening infection later on if left untreated. Slide a heavy towel underneath your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) to help move him. You may also need to cover his face with another towel to keep him from getting overwhelmed. If your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) only seems dazed by the experience and you see no outward signs of injury still take him to a vet immediately for an examination.

Bleeding: Using direct pressure, apply a clean, dry cloth to the wound. If blood soaks through the first layer of fabric, add more without disturbing the first layer so you do not disrupt any clots that may be forming. Use a tourniquet only as a last resort, and make it just tight enough to significantly reduce the flow of blood. Loosen it every five minutes, and do not keep it on for longer that 20 minutes. Transport your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) to the vet as soon as possible.

Choking: When a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) is choking it may breathe loudly, drool, paw at their mouth, cough, gag, become anxious, or faint. If this happens, gently open your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's (dog's/pet's) mouth to locate and manually remove the object. If your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) is not breathing and you cannot find what is obstructing its windpipe, perform a modified Heimlich maneuver. With your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) facing away from you, clasp your hands around its waist, just beneath the rib cage. Compress the abdomen three to five times with quick upward thrusts. Repeat as necessary. If that does not work, take your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) to the vet immediately.

Loss of Consciousness: If your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) exhibits signs of cardiopulmonary arrest -- unconsciousness, a weak or irregular pulse, no heartbeat, and no obvious signs of breathing -- begin CPR. The techniquest used on humans can be modified easily to work on animals. If possible, enlist someone else's help -- it's best to perform CPR on your way to the hospital, so that resuscitation can be continued there.

Poisoning: Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, excitability, difficulty breathing, disorientation, poor coordination, twitching, convulsions, and collapse. Common sources are medications, household cleaning products, rat poisons, antifreeze, insecticides, and plants. Not all poisons are treated alike, so if you think your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) may have ingested something dangerous, head to the vet immediately. Try to bring any plant material, vomit, or toxic substances with you.

As you transport your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) to the hospital, provide a cover for warmth and talk in a soothing voice. That way, your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) will know it's in good hands.

• Phone number and directions for the closest 24-hour clinic
• Tweezers, to remove ticks, burrs, and splinters
• Antibiotic ointment for wounds
• Gauze bandage and bandage tape
• Wound disinfectant
• Heavy towel or blanket to use as a stretcher
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), for allergic reactions
• Sterile saline, for flushing eyes
• Disposable latex gloves
• Muzzle