If there is one thing every pet owner fears, it is an emergency. Nevertheless, If we know what to do, we can deal with these situations properly. Being prepared will give us the clearness and calm necessary for such times. Knowing how to react to these times can make a substantial difference in your pet’s life.
The first thing you need to know in these scenarios is your primary veterinarian’s emergency number. The second thing you need to know is an after-hours vet’s emergency number. Always have a backup in case your main vet is unreachable.
How to Handle Emergencies Well
Stay Calm and Evaluate the Issue
If your pets show any abnormal behavior or have an accident, calm both of yourselves down. It will be clearer to see that this is an emergency for injuries such as deep lacerations or broken bones. Check this surgery page to know what vets can do. If your pet has signs of sickness and you can not tell what, you need to observe them.
Loss of appetite and lethargy are non-emergency signs and might go away the next day. If they do not, check if other symptoms might tell you that this is an emergency situation. Such symptoms to look out for are:
- Trouble breathing
- Stomach distention
- Serious vomiting and diarrhea
- Abnormal gum color
- Seizures
Make the Call
The moment you feel that this is an emergency, make the call. Be prepared to describe your pet’s situation and to listen. The veterinarian will give you instructions on administering first aid and preparing your pet to travel. The veterinarian will let you know if this is an urgent matter or not.
Calling the emergency veterinary hospital prior to the trip likewise will help them prepare the necessary equipment they need to have. As quickly as you walk through their doors, immediate action can be taken. Do not forget to tell them if your pet is under any medication, too.
Give First Aid
Your vet can walk you through what to do, such as dressing an injury, tweezing out a bee stinger, or checking if there is something lodged in your pet’s throat. First aid does not always imply that the issue is fixed; however, it may mean that the situation is managed well enough for travel. Having the ability to do this might save your pet’s life.
Prepare Your Pet to Travel
If your pet is in pain, they may respond negatively to you. For the pet dogs, calm them down enough to put a muzzle on them. If your pet is a cat, clothe a towel on its head to avoid bites. If they will be carried, wrap them in blankets, or ensure that their crates are comfortable.
If your pet consumes anything they aren’t supposed to, like human food or medications, bring wrappers or labels so the vet knows what to do. If someone is available to assist you throughout the journey, do not hesitate to look for help.
Make the Trip
Now that you have done all the very best, you can make the trip. Make certain you and your pets are correctly restrained. Calmly drive to the veterinarian. If you have done all the steps above, take comfort in the fact that the veterinarians are waiting on you. Visit Animal-General.com for directions to an Edgewater vet hospital.
The Bottomline
The very best defense is still preparedness and prevention. Supervision is something that we can do as much as we can. However, accidents can still take place, and you will be glad to know how to react. However, for illness, prevention is key. Prevent these surprise visits as much as you can by going on regular checkups faithfully. Whatever takes place, though, it is up to you to step up.
