Emergency First Aid for Your Pet
Let me state without question, always consult with your veterinarian. No question is too trivial when it comes to keeping our pets safe and healthy.
Of course, prevention is what we need to strive for. Hopefully you will never have to encounter any of these situations.
Here are a few of the more common situations that may arise. Treat them as best you can, and then call or visit your vet. Please remember that injured animals may be afraid and in pain, and they may bite. Please be careful!
Cuts, bite marks, puncture wounds, etc. Gently clean the area with warm water.
Heat stroke. Watch for symptoms like uncontrollable panting, collapse, a blank or "fixed" stare, or even unconsciousness. Move your pet to a cool, quiet area and offer him or her some water.
Car accidents. Your pet is likely to be in shock; try to keep her quiet and warm, and try to stop any bleeding. Take your pet to the vet immediately - use a blanket or a board to get her there. Be very careful ... your gentle sweet pet may bite if she is frightened or hurting.
Bee or wasp stings. If you can see the stinger, take it out. Then wrap the affected area in a cool damp cloth. Watch for severe reactions - most pets should recover fairly quickly, but call your vet if yours does not.
Burns. Apply cold water to the affected area and call your vet.
Poison. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, call your vet immediately. Do NOT attempt to make your pet vomit. Your vet may be able to coach you over the phone, or may ask that you bring the pet to the clinic. Provide all the information you can. For example, if you know your pet has ingested a poison, tell the vet what it was, how much, and when it occurred.
Eye problems. If your pet is squinting and seems unable to open his eye, consult with your vet. The sooner, the better - eyes are a delicate organ and you don't want your beloved pet going blind or losing his eye!
Of course, prevention is what we need to strive for. Hopefully you will never have to encounter any of these situations.
Here are a few of the more common situations that may arise. Treat them as best you can, and then call or visit your vet. Please remember that injured animals may be afraid and in pain, and they may bite. Please be careful!
Cuts, bite marks, puncture wounds, etc. Gently clean the area with warm water.Heat stroke. Watch for symptoms like uncontrollable panting, collapse, a blank or "fixed" stare, or even unconsciousness. Move your pet to a cool, quiet area and offer him or her some water.Car accidents. Your pet is likely to be in shock; try to keep her quiet and warm, and try to stop any bleeding. Take your pet to the vet immediately - use a blanket or a board to get her there. Be very careful ... your gentle sweet pet may bite if she is frightened or hurting.Bee or wasp stings. If you can see the stinger, take it out. Then wrap the affected area in a cool damp cloth. Watch for severe reactions - most pets should recover fairly quickly, but call your vet if yours does not.Burns. Apply cold water to the affected area and call your vet.Poison. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, call your vet immediately. Do NOT attempt to make your pet vomit. Your vet may be able to coach you over the phone, or may ask that you bring the pet to the clinic. Provide all the information you can. For example, if you know your pet has ingested a poison, tell the vet what it was, how much, and when it occurred.Eye problems. If your pet is squinting and seems unable to open his eye, consult with your vet. The sooner, the better - eyes are a delicate organ and you don't want your beloved pet going blind or losing his eye!
How Do You Know if Your Pet is Sick?
Prevention is the medicine. Have your pet fully vaccinated every year; supervise your pet; and provide your pet with a proper diet and adequate exercise.
Even with all of the above, your pet may still get sick. While it can be difficult to know when to call the vet, here are a few guidelines in recognizing a sick pet:
Diarrhea.
Unexplained or sudden weight loss.
Significant loss of appetite or increased appetite.
Vomiting.
Pawing at ears or shaking head.
Lumps on body.
Significant fur loss (not just shedding, which is normal); dull, patchy coat.
Persistent sneezing or coughing.
Abnormal discharge from the eyes or nose.
Stiffness or weakness in any joints; pet moves with difficulty.
Straining to urinate or defecate. Inability to urinate is an emergency - get your cat to the vet immediately.
Injury.
Note: Keep the name and number of the closest emergency vet clinic (for after-hours pet care), as well as those of your regular vet, close by the telephone.
Even with all of the above, your pet may still get sick. While it can be difficult to know when to call the vet, here are a few guidelines in recognizing a sick pet:
Diarrhea.
Unexplained or sudden weight loss.
Significant loss of appetite or increased appetite.
Vomiting.
Pawing at ears or shaking head.
Lumps on body.
Significant fur loss (not just shedding, which is normal); dull, patchy coat.
Persistent sneezing or coughing.
Abnormal discharge from the eyes or nose.
Stiffness or weakness in any joints; pet moves with difficulty.
Straining to urinate or defecate. Inability to urinate is an emergency - get your cat to the vet immediately.
Injury.
Note: Keep the name and number of the closest emergency vet clinic (for after-hours pet care), as well as those of your regular vet, close by the telephone.
Pet Travel Tips
Here are a few pet travel tips to consider, pet first-aid items to take with you, and emergency contact information for pets should your pet become injured or lost:
Always take along information about your pet, including photos, breed, age, sex, color, and medical records.
Always take along information about your pet, including photos, breed, age, sex, color, and medical records.
If you are staying at a pet-friendly accommodation and your pet needs to be seen by a professional, check with the front desk about local veterinarian recommendations.
Pets often encounter minor gastrointestinal discomforts because of motion or eating prior to traveling. If your pet has diarrhea or is vomiting, try not giving food or water for several hours to see if the problem subsides.
If you observe a condition in your pet that you feel needs medical attention, you should make the appropriate contact with a local vet or pet hospital. Check these pet hospitals and emergency clinics or the local phone book in the town where you're traveling.
Pet Hospitals and Emergency Clinics
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