How to Care for Pets in an Emergency

If your pet is in a serious emergency, drop everything and bring the injured pet to a veterinarian immediately. A big part of pet care is looking out for pet health and well-being. Read on for tips to identify a pet emergency, caring for your pet following an accident and how to be prepared for an unexpected emergency involving your pet.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. If the pet was involved in a traffic accident, move him off the road using slow movements. Be calm and careful to avoid startling the scared animal or causing any further injuries.

2. Call a veterinarian as soon as you and the animal are at a safe location. Add the number of a local veterinarian to your cell phone. Do not give the animal fluids unless instructed to do so by the veterinarian. If you're on the road, look for a phone book to find the nearest veterinarian.

3. Stop bleeding by applying pressure with a towel or blanket. Use caution because the animal may bight in response to the pain. Use powdered pepper or turmeric to stop graze bleeding (such as road rash). If the animal's injuries are too severe to easily treat at home, take him to the nearest vet for treatment.

4. If the animal is freezing cold and in shock, wrap him in a blanket or other insulated material to warm him up. Wrap a heating bottle filled with warm water in a towel and place it next to or on the cold animal. Place the animal in a quiet and dimly-lit place.

5. Use a rug to transport larger animals or a cage/kennel lined with towels for smaller animals.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring your pet to the vet immediately for emergency pet care if any of the following symptoms are present:
• The pet is not breathing
• The pet has no heartbeat
• The pet is unconcious
• The pet may have broken bones
• The pet had a seizure
• The pet is choking
• The pet is having trouble breathing
• The pet is bleeding from its orifices
• The pet may have ingested something dangerous or toxic including antifreeze, poison or medication.
• The pet is whining and showing signs of severe pain
• The pet collapses
• The pet is having problems giving birth
• The pet has heatstroke (heavy panting, weakness, high body temperature)
• The pet's abdomen is hard
• Major trauma
• Not being able to bear weight on a leg
• Eye injury
• Even friendly animals may bite when in pain, injured, threatened or under stress. Wear protective (thick) sleeves if possible to avoid injuries.
• Ask your veterinarian for more tips to prepare for an emergency.
• Ask your vet what to use to clean your pet's wounds.
• Have a collar on the pet with name and contact information in case the pet is lost.
• Consider purchasing pet care insurance / pet insurance.
• Make a list of pet care resources in your town or the place you are traveling to.

[fcmosher]

on 12/4/2009 Smart article. 5* and recommended you. 5*

[mkh1958]

on 3/30/2009 How to Care for Pets in an Emergency - very important topic and well-written article. *****

[waters]

on 3/30/2009 Good article. I have 3 dogs and this is good to know. 5* and recommended