Vets Lobby

Bruno, a 6-year-old male Labrador (30kg), was fine last night. Now he can't breathe and won't lie down.

Mentation
Anxious, restless
Breathing
Tachypnoeic, heavy abdominal effort
Position
Orthopnoeic — refuses recumbency
Mucous Membranes
Pale pink
Handling
Worsens distress — minimize contact

Q1. A 30kg Labrador presents in acute respiratory distress, refusing to lie down and using heavy abdominal effort. What is the MOST appropriate FIRST step in managing this patient?