New guidelines released by the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) on August 25, 2026, provide veterinary teams with a framework to educate pet owners and caregivers on vital first aid actions prior to veterinary care. These guidelines, described as the first evidence- and consensus-based standards for dogs and cats, were published in a supplement to the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care and address 16 critical clinical questions along with 50 treatment recommendations.
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Jamie Burkitt, DVM, DACVECC, co-chair of the guidelines and a professor at the University of California, Davis, emphasized the significance of these guidelines, stating that many animal emergencies occur before a pet reaches a veterinary hospital. Daniel J. Fletcher, PhD, DVM, DACVECC, the president of RECOVER, noted that the guidelines extend the organization’s mission to ensure that caregivers are better prepared to assist animals in distress.
The guidelines serve two main purposes: to prepare clients ahead of time for situations like diabetic emergencies and to guide them during moments of crisis, such as burns or toxin ingestions. They include specific “Recognize and Act” algorithms written in layman’s terms for veterinary teams to share with clients during phone triage, connecting observable symptoms to appropriate actions leading to veterinary care.
Key recommendations challenge common practices. For example, regarding toxin ingestion, the guidelines advise against inducing vomiting with hydrogen peroxide unless recommended by a veterinarian, due to potential risks. For choking, the document suggests administering up to five firm back blows to conscious pets before trying other methods, in line with evidence from human studies.
In cases of hypoglycemia in dogs and cats, the guidelines recommend applying syrup or honey inside the cheek as a temporary measure, emphasizing that this should not delay immediate veterinary transport. Recommendations for severe limb bleeding include using a tourniquet as a last resort, while dogs and cats showing respiratory difficulties are advised to receive supplemental oxygen if available.
The guidelines also highlight the importance of immediate veterinary evaluation after any first aid is administered. While 47% of the recommendations were based on expert opinion and many relied on low-quality evidence derived from human research, the authors state their intention to update guidelines as new evidence becomes available.
RECOVER plans to introduce a first aid course for veterinary professionals and caregivers in the future, reinforcing their commitment to enhancing emergency preparedness in veterinary care.