Stay Calm, Act Fast: Key Strategies for Dealing with Pet Emergencies
Do you think that you have it in you to keep your cool when dealing with pet emergencies? With MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital’s pointers in mind, we think that you can learn to handle the heat when your pet is in need of emergency vet care.
How to Assess the Situation
No one wants anything bad or scary to happen to their pets, but sometimes emergencies occur. Whether it is an injury, an allergic reaction, an illness, or something else altogether, pet crises can be scary. Your pet is counting on you, though, to get them the help that they need. So how can you help?
When it comes to dealing with pet emergencies, staying calm is key. The last thing that you want to do is stress or scare a painful or scared animal. Staying calm helps you to pay attention to detail and make good choices. If you find yourself in a pet emergency, taking a deep breath is the first step.
Next, it is important to assess the problem. Look around and be sure that you are in a safe space. Once you have looked at your surroundings, take a look at your pet and see if you can tell what might be going on. A large cut or an open package of a toxic substance might be the main clue that you need.
Many times, though, things are not that obvious. Take note of things like how your pet is breathing, if they seem alert, if their gums are nice and pink, or if they seem disoriented. Being able to describe these observations are key.
Pointers for Pet Emergency Preparedness
In a true pet emergency, you don’t want to spend too much time assessing the situation or trying to help as chances are that time is essential. Sometimes, though, being prepared for a pet emergency can help you to stabilize your pet until you can reach emergency vet care.
Pet owners should take some measures at home to help themselves be equipped to handle a pet emergency. Be sure to:
- Put together a basic pet first-aid kit
- Learn basic pet first aid such as how to stop bleeding
- Teach yourself skills like pet CPR
- Keep a few references for basic pet care on hand
- Know where your local emergency vet care options are
How to Get Emergency Vet Care for Your Pet
Getting your pet to the veterinarian is usually the most important part in a pet emergency as there is often not very much to be done. If you are not sure if something is an emergency, call us and ask.
If your pet is conscious, it is important to keep them calm. Remember that animals who are scared or hurting may bite or scratch even if they would not normally. Using a muzzle (if the pet is breathing okay and not vomiting) or a blanket or towel can offer some protection.
If at all possible, ask a responsible friend or family member to join for help. Having someone sit with the pet on the ride over can help to keep them calm as well.
Bring along any medications that your pet is taking as well as any packaging from potential toxic items that the animal has been exposed to.
If at all possible, call to let us know that you are on your way. Focus and drive safely. A car accident will not get your pet there any quicker.
Having a pet emergency is no one’s idea of a good time. Being prepared and knowing how to handle yourself, though, can help things to go as smoothly as possible.