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Step 1
Keep a copy of your pet’s medical history available, especially rabies vaccinations, in case you have to take your pet to an emergency clinic.
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Step 2
Keep the phone number and address of the closest after-hours veterinary clinic handy. Emergency clinics are normally open from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. on weekdays and from Friday evening through Monday morning. Google “Animal emergency,” “after hours vet" or "after hours pet" plus the name of your city to find emergency clinics near you. Or check Pets 911, a website that features a directory of emergency clinics that you can search by just putting in your zip code (see Resources below).
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Step 3
Have directions to the clinic close by and in an easily accessible or visible spot. This will be invaluable when rushing your sick pet out the door to get care.
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Step 4
If time may be of the essence and the emergency clinic isn’t that close or you are not sure if your pet will actually require emergency treatment, try asking for their advice over the phone first (which they are usually reluctant to give out). Phrase your questions in such a way that you might ascertain whether or not they perceive the situation to be a "dire emergency" or something that can wait until you can make it to your regular vet.
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Step 5
The American Red Cross teaches classes in pet first aid and they also offer pet first aid kits and a reference guide that teaches pet owners how to recognize an emergency, administer medications, perform CPR and first aid and treat common problems and emergencies (see Resources below).
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Step 6
Create your own emergency kit that can include basic supplies such as: gauze pads, rolls and bandages, thermometer, tweezers, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment, Q-tips, instant cold pack and rags/rubber tubing for a tourniquet.
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Step 7
If your pet has a specific medical condition, speak with your vet about possible treatments that you can administer yourself in the event of an emergency. For example, an EpiPen (epinephrine pen) may be good to have on hand if your pet suffers from severe allergic reactions to bee stings.














Comments
Desula said
on 5/25/2008 Thank you. It's always trying to keep my pups out of trouble and safe but they move quicker than me.
MidniteWriter said
on 5/23/2008 Good to know. Since my cat does not go outside I think I overlook a lot of these ideas, but I do need to have a "first aid" kit. Thanks!