What to Do In a Pet Emergency

What to Do In a Pet Emergency

What to Do In a Pet Emergency

Emergencies usually happen when you least expect them and can be extremely distressing for both you and your pet. If you are unsure as to how best to react, this anxiety can become even more pertinent. Here are our tips on how to cope with a pet emergency.

NB: The advice contained in this article is not a substitute for medical advice from a vet. Always seek prompt treatment from a vet if you experience an emergency situation with your pet.

See a Vet

Your usual vet practice may not operate their own out of hours service, so check this and if you’re not sure where to go or how to contact them, ringing your vet surgery out-of-hours should direct you to the appropriate number for the recommended out-of-hours service.

Take your pet’s medical information with you on any visit to an out-of-hours vet service; they will not necessarily be able to access medical notes and this can avoid further problems.

Emergency First Aid

Depending on the emergency that has arisen, it may be necessary to do some basic first aid to help your pet’s recovery. Some situations in which this can be beneficial include:

Bleeding Wounds: Dirt can be flushed out of a wound with a warm saline solution. A clean dressing should then be applied, along with firm pressure to the wound during the journey to see a vet.

Seizures/Fits: Make sure that the room is as dark and quiet as possible.There is a risk of overheating during a seizure so you will want to keep your pet as cool as possible throughout. Clear obstacles that might cause injury. Monitor, check the time and call your vet for advice.

After Being Hit By a Car: Wrap your pet up warm in a blanket and if it is safe to do so, transfer them to a hard surface that could be transported (such as a wooden board covered in a blanket). If you suspect that your pet has broken bones, keep them still.

[Photo Credit:Pets4Dawn]