Emergency tools
Tools for when it's happening
Timers and checks your vet will ask about. They work without signal once you've visited this page, and the timers keep your screen awake.
Fit timer
Time a fit (seizure). It alerts you at 5 minutes, when a fit becomes an emergency.
- Keep them away from stairs, water and furniture edges.
- Keep your hands away from their mouth. They won't swallow their tongue.
- Dim the lights and keep things quiet. Film it on your phone if you can, as it helps your vet.
Labour timer
For dogs and cats giving birth. It alerts you after 30 minutes of strong straining with no baby, or 2 hours between babies.
This starts when you press "A baby was born".
Breathing counter
Tap each breath for 30 seconds while your pet is resting or asleep. Over 30 breaths a minute at rest is worth telling your vet about.
Count when they are resting or asleep. One breath is one rise and fall of the chest.
Gum colour guide
What healthy and unhealthy gums look like, and how to do the refill test.
Gently lift the top lip and look at the gum above a back tooth, in daylight or with a torch. Compare it with these. These are drawings, so colours are a rough guide.
Refill test: press a fingertip on the gum until it goes pale, then let go. The pink should come back in under 2 seconds. Slower than that can mean shock: go to a vet now.
Some pets have naturally dark gums. If so, gently pull down a lower eyelid and check the colour of the inside instead.
Dog eaten chocolate? Try the dog chocolate toxicity calculator.
These tools help you give your vet clear information. They don't replace a vet. If you're worried, call your vet or find an emergency vet.