What To Do in a Pet Emergency? – Being faced with a pet emergency can be a really scary experience – from your cat cutting itself by accident to your dog choking on something it should not have munched on. To make sure both you and your precious furry friend make it through the incident as unharmed as possible, you must stay calm and know what to do should worse come to worst. So, to help you prepare and do what is best for your little friend, we have put together this handy blog for you, including all the main questions you might have, as well as a complete guide on What To Do in a Pet Emergency.
What Are Some Common Pet Emergencies?
Before we get into what to do in a pet emergency, let us first answer the question: What is a pet emergency first. A pet emergency is any case in which your pet is at risk and might need instant medical attention. Some pet emergencies include –
- Ingestion of toxic things or poisons
- Out of control bleeding
- Choking or other breathing issues
- Serious burns
- Broken bones
- Seizures
- Uncontrolled diarrhea or vomiting
- High fevers
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Trouble urinating
- Physical distress
- Blankness
- Coughing or continuous retching
- Penetrating eye injury
- Heart failure
- Serious allergic reaction
- High impact injury like road traffic accident or falling from a great height
Should your pet be experiencing one or a lot of the things listed above, you might be in a pet emergency and should take quick action.
Steps To Take In The Time Of A Pet Emergency
If you have a pet emergency on your hands, it is essential to immediately take the right steps to ensure your pet will make it via as unharmed as possible. Here are some of the most important things for you to do in a pet emergency –
Stay calm
It might seem obvious, but one of the most essential things throughout a pet emergency is for you to stay calm. However, the more level-headed you are, the better you can react to the emergency and the better your pet will survive.
Understand the situation
Before you can help, you first need to understand what is wrong. In most cases, like bleeding, choking, or a broken bone, this will be fairly easy and quick to understand. If your cat is in obvious physical distress but you don’t know why exactly, try and take note of any symptoms you see so you can give your vet all the information possible when you call or visit. The more urgent the emergency, the less time you should spend on this; gaining help quickly is key.
Call your vet
Your next step should be to call a vet so you can tell them what you have seen and get professional suggestion and help. Once you have described the issue, your vet will tell you what next step you can take right away at home and what else to do, for example, come to the emergency pet clinic right away.
Take any next steps you can right at home
Some emergencies might be handled by you under the guidance of your vet on the phone without a required trip to the pet emergency hospital, such as staunching light bleeding or saving your pet from choking. In other pet emergencies, you may need to take first steps right away before you transport your pet to an emergency pet hospital near you, such as controlling bleeding or giving natural emetics. The vet you contact will let you know what to do and how to do it. Never give your pet medication without before veterinary advice!
Keep your pet as calm as possible
If your pet is conscious during the emergency, you will also want to keep them as calm as possible so you do not risk being bitten or scratched or for your pet to hurt itself even further. If your pet is agitated, put a muzzle or a leash on it before approaching. Consider putting a towel or a blanket over your cat’s head to avoid scratches.
Preparation For Your Emergency Visit
If your pet’s emergency requires you to go to the pet emergency clinic, be sure to prepare completely –
If it’s safe, hold your pet with care.
Make sure you are supporting your pet’s back and neck before putting them in a transport box, or lift heavier pets by placing them on a blanket and asking someone to help you pick them up and put them into your car. If your pet is stressed, you can talk to them to make them feel as comfortable, safe, and calm as possible.
Bring everything relevant
If your pet ingested toxic things or poisonous plants, bring the things or plants or any relevant packaging. If possible, note the quantity sniffed. Get your pet’s vaccination pass and recent medical records with you, and if your pet is taking any medicine, bring that, too.
If your pet needs urgent care, consider calling in a few minutes before arriving so the emergency staff can meet at the door or help bring your pet into the pet emergency room.
Conclusion
Understanding when to seek instant care for your pet can be the difference between life and death. Whether it is breathing issues, uncontrollable bleeding, or a quick change in behavior, do not hesitate to reach out to your vet or an emergency animal clinic.
FAQs
What do you mean by pet emergency?
Severe bleeding or bleeding that is uncontrollable within five minutes. Choking, difficulty in breathing, or nonstop coughing and gagging. Coughing up blood or blood in urine; bleeding from the nose, mouth, or rectum.
What to do if an animal is having an emergency?
If it is a pet emergency, immediately call your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital, or an animal poison control center if you want any veterinary advice about your pet.
When do I go to the emergency vet with my dog?
Seek emergency veterinary attention if your dog shows any of these signs –
- Pale or white gums.
- Collapse.
- Inability to use their back legs.
- Instability.
- Head tilting, circling, or turning.
- Seizures.
- Difficulty in breathing.
- Bluish or dark color of tongue and gums.
