Have you ever seen a dog be hurt in a fight or hit by a car? You might be able to shake your head and walk away from the situation. Not because you were careless, but because you didn’t know how to approach and evaluate the dog or what to do next. You’ll want to be prepared, especially if you have a dog because your dog relies on you for aid in an emergency.
What to do during a pet emergency?
Follow these steps if your pet is in an emergency.
Impacted by a Car
An animal in distress is more likely to bite. Gag it with a scarf, belt, or towel first if it isn’t vomiting. Remove the animal from the road by gently transferring it to a towel or blanket (both of which should be in your vehicle’s first-aid kit). Avoid picking up the animal. Because it may be in shock, make sure it’s warm. Try not to move it that much if it appears to have smashed bones.
Poisoned
Antifreeze, insecticides, aspirin, raisins, and sugar-free gum among the many hazardous household items for dogs and cats. But don’t worry. Many of them have antidotes. Contact Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6780 as soon as possible. They can most likely help you before you even get to the veterinarian. If you have a bird, simply look up “bird vet near me”
Choking
If your pet is unconscious, try opening its mouth with your fingers and removing the object. A modified Heimlich maneuver should be performed if the animal is conscious. Place the animal on its side and press precisely under the rib cage with your hands forward. This may assist in the removal of the object. Finish this job while someone drives you to the vet and if you don’t know any vets in your area, simply look up “veterinary surgeon near me” .
Seizures
A seizure often lasts less than three minutes. It is your responsibility to safeguard the animal’s safety during the process. Move any moving furniture out of reach of the pet. Touch or remove the animal’s tongue. Call the veterinarian immediately after the seizure.
Dog Bites
Bandage your dog if it is assaulted and bleeding. As previously indicated, an animal in pain bites more. As a result, muzzle it with a scarf, belt, or towel first. Please report to the veterinary clinic as soon as feasible. Dog bites can cause a lot of hair and dirt to go into the wound. If it is not cleaned promptly, it may become infected.
Venomous Bee and Wasp Stings
Bee and wasp stings typically result in relatively minor swelling and itching. If the stinger is visible, remove it with tweezers or a credit card. Some symptoms can be relieved by antihistamines such as Benadryl, but you should consult your veterinarian for dosage guidelines. If you glimpse any swelling on the face or neck or hives all over the animal, take it to the veterinarian and if you don’t have a vet, visit this website. .
Heatstroke
If your pet is heavy-breathing, drooling, having difficulty breathing, or exhibiting other symptoms of heat stroke, get it to a cool place right away. Wrap a warm, damp cloth around its neck and head (not its face). You can also gently spray the animal with cool water, particularly on the tummy, before taking it to the clinic. Cooling your cat quickly can be dangerous.
To summarize
Most people would desire not to think about the potential of their beloved pet being in an accident or suffering a catastrophic injury. Still, the reality is that the more you think about and plan for the possibility, the more prepared you will be if the event occurs. Prepare a pet first aid pack and an emergency plan, and you will be ready to help your pet in an emergency.