Emergencies are rare, yet minutes matter. A written plan, a simple kit, and spine-safe handling reduce panic and protect your dachshund on the way to the vet. Use this guide to prepare before you ever need it.
Your emergency plan
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Contacts
- Regular vet
- Nearest 24 hour clinic
- After hours phone number
- Poison helpline if available in your area
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Addresses and routes
- Save clinic addresses in your phone
- Drive each route once so it feels familiar
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Share the plan
- Put a printed card on the fridge and in the glove box
- Show family or pet sitters where the kit is stored
Warning signs that need urgent care
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Back and nerve signs
- Sudden yelp, tense belly, reluctance to move
- Wobble, knuckling, toe dragging, loss of balance
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
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Breathing and circulation
- Collapse, pale or blue gums, fast or laboured breathing
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Heat and weather
- Heavy panting, drooling, weakness, confusion, vomiting after heat exposure
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Gastrointestinal
- Repeated vomiting, black or bloody stools, swollen tight belly
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Toxins
- Chocolate, grapes or raisins, xylitol, snail bait, medications not prescribed
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Seizures or trauma
- Seizure over two minutes or repeated events
- Falls, car impact, dog fight wounds
If you see any of the above, call the clinic while you prepare to leave.
Spine-safe handling and transport
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If back pain is suspected
- Do not let your dog walk to the car
- Slide arms under chest and under hindquarters so the back stays level
- Place on a firm, padded surface in a crate or box that prevents rolling
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Crate setup
- Line with a non slip mat and a folded towel
- Keep the head and hips supported on the same plane
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Car placement
- Secure the crate with a seatbelt or cargo tie points
- Keep the cabin cool and quiet
Heat stress steps
- Move to shade or air conditioning
- Offer small sips of cool water
- Wet the belly, armpits, groin, and paw pads with cool water
- Use the car air conditioner on the way to the clinic
- Do not use ice baths
Poison exposure
- Note the substance, amount, and time
- Bring packaging or a photo
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet instructs you
- Call your vet or a poison advice line on the way
Bleeding and wounds
- Apply firm pressure with clean cloth or gauze for 5 to 10 minutes
- If blood soaks through, add layers without removing the first pad
- For painful dogs, apply a soft temporary muzzle if it is safe to do so
- Cover large wounds with a non stick pad and bandage lightly
- Seek vet care for deep, dirty, or puncture wounds
Seizures
- Time the event and clear furniture away
- Keep lights low and voices calm
- Do not hold your dog or place anything in the mouth
- If a seizure lasts over two minutes or repeats, leave for the clinic at once
Suspected IVDD flare holding pattern
- Confine to a crate or pen
- Carry for toileting on a short leash
- No stairs, no furniture, no ramps until cleared
- Call your vet for same day assessment
First aid kit essentials
- Vet wrap, gauze, non stick pads, adhesive tape
- Saline pods, blunt tip scissors, tweezers, tick remover
- Digital thermometer and water based lubricant
- Disposable gloves, alcohol gel
- Soft muzzle or bandage material for a temporary muzzle
- Spare harness, short leash, towel
- Copy of recent medications and doses
- Printed contact card
Store one kit at home and a compact version in the car.
After hours checklist
- Charged phone and car fuel
- Flashlight or head torch
- Spare lead and slip leash
- Clean towel and a small crate
- Payment method and ID
Practice makes calm
- Rehearse a gentle lift with a healthy dog once a month
- Practice loading the crate and securing it with a seatbelt
- Drive to the emergency clinic during the day so the route is known
What not to do
- Do not give human painkillers
- Do not wait overnight for severe signs
- Do not let a painful dog pace or jump
- Do not remove a deep object from a wound unless instructed
Information to hand the vet
- What happened and when
- Changes you observed and how they progressed
- Any foods, meds, or potential toxins involved
- Video clips if you safely captured gait or behaviour
Prepared owners make faster, clearer decisions. Keep this guide printed with your kit, refresh supplies every six months, and update contacts after any move or vet change.
