Being Prepared

BEING PREPARED DURING YOUR EMERGENCY CAN HELP REDUCE STRESS FOR BOTH YOU AND YOUR PET

When your pet has an emergency, it can be very stressful. The key to alleviating that stress is being prepared. However, DO NOT search online for treatments you can perform at home during a pet emergency. At-home first aid is NEVER the answer and definitely not a substitute for expert medical advice or care. To help you be prepared, we are happy to provide you with a few recommendations for your dog or cat to be cared for until proper medical attention can be obtained. You also need to understand that there are complications that can arise if proper medical care is not obtained in a timely manner.

WARNING! If your pet is injured or in any type of distress, PLEASE APPROACH THEM WITH CAUTION !!!! Even the nicest pet may bite when they are in a stressful situation or in any type of pain.

SEIZURES

Do not place your hands, arms, or legs near your pet’s mouth, and do not try to restrain them. During a seizure, your pet is not aware of their surroundings and exactly what is happening. They will bite down on anything that is near their mouth. Place blankets and pillows around them to protect them. Time how long the seizures take and any thereafter. Try recording the seizure on your cell phone so you can show it to the vet if needed.

*Loss of control of stool or urine

*Loss of consciousness

*Violent Muscle twitching

*Salivation

All signs of seizures

BITE WOUNDS

Animal mouths are full of bacteria that can cause infection. So if your pet is bitten by another dog or cat, wild animal, etc. please seek immediate veterinary care. Untreated wounds can turn even worse in a very short time. Untreated wounds can quickly turn into an infection called an abscess. If this occurs, your pet's pain level will elevate and they may need to be sedated to have the area drained, cleaned, and be prescribed medications for infection and pain.

BLEEDING

If your pet is bleeding from an open wound apply firm and direct pressure to the area for at least 10 minutes until the bleeding stops. Please avoid trying to apply any type of bandage that may cause circulation to be cut off and SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

BREATHING STOPS

If your pet stops breathing due to choking on a bone, toy, etc. please call our office immediately and drive to our clinic. While you are on the phone with us, we will have you explain the situation in-depth and assist you as best we can until you arrive at our clinic.

BURNS

VOMITING

CHOKING

Signs of chemical, electrical, or heat burns are blistering, redness of skin, swelling, and singed hair. If this occurs, DO NOT attempt any first aid. ALL burns should be treated by a veterinarian so that infection does not occur. PLEASE, keep in mind that a chemical burn to your pet can also affect you. Protect yourself while handling a situation such as this. Approach your pet cautiously as they may be painful or not thinking correctly.

CHOKING

VOMITING

CHOKING

Difficulty Breathing, pawing at the mouth, blue lips, and/or tongue, these are all signs that your pet needs to get to the vet as soon as possible. Please keep your pet as calm as possible, as they will probably be frantic and more likely to bite, but be sure to protect yourself also. If you can, try to locate whatever your pet is choking on in their throat. Call us as soon as possible and begin transporting your pet to our clinic.

VOMITING

There can be numerous reasons and medical conditions that can cause vomiting. Contact us for advice and a possible trip to our clinic.

DIARRHEA

HEATSTROKE

VOMITING

If your pet has been having excessive diarrhea, you will want to withhold all foods but not water, for the next 12 to 24 hours. If your pet is squatting and straining, this could be caused from the soreness the diarrhea is causing or constipation. If you try to administer home remedies without first contacting a vet, you could make things a lot worse. Contact us for advice and a potential trip to our clinic.

FRACTURES

HEATSTROKE

Signs of pain, unable to use a limb, or a limb that looks to be at an odd angle are all signs of a potential fracture. Try to support the injured limb gently and seek veterinary attention immediately. Please do not attempt to splint the fracture yourself as it may cause more damage and extreme pain to your pet.

HEATSTROKE

If your pet exhibits signs of vomiting, rapid or labored breathing, collapsing, or a high body temperature, these are all signs of heatstroke. Immediately put them in a shady spot, place a cold towel on their body, and seek veterinary attention immediately.

POISONING

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING YOURSELF, as some toxins can pose a danger if anyone else were to come in contact with them, such as insecticides, oils paint, and other irritants. Vomiting, salivating, weakness, convulsing, diarrhea, muscle tremors, or being depressed are all signs of accidental poisoning. Make sure you have information as to what your pet ingested, the amount, and when, then call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 and follow their instructions.

HOW TO TRANSPORT YOUR PET

If your pet is too injured or weak to walk, you can use a blanket as a sling stretcher or a board as a stretcher to transport your pet. If your pet is trying to bite, due to pain, you can muzzle them by using a strip of cloth, necktie, rope, nylon stocking, or roll gauze. Wrap it under their chin and then tie behind the ears. However, be very cautious! Do not muzzle a pet if they have a nasal obstruction or are vomiting. Let them pant after handling or moving them by loosening the muzzle or taking it off. Cats should be put in carriers or a box when bringing them in.