If there is something every pet owner dreads, it is an emergency. Nevertheless, If we know what to do, we can handle these situations efficiently. Being prepared will give us the clarity and calm necessary for such times. Knowing how to respond to these times can make a big difference in your pet’s life.
The first thing you need to have to know in these scenarios is your main vet’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 primary vet is inaccessible.
How to Handle Emergencies Well
Stay Calm and Assess the Issue
If your pets show any unusual actions or meet 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 and may need veterinary surgery. However, if your pet has symptoms and you can not tell why you must observe them.
Loss of appetite and lethargy are non-emergency symptoms and might go away the next day. If they don’t, check if other signs could tell you that this is an emergency. Such symptoms to keep an eye out for are:
- Difficulty breathing
- Abdominal distention
- Serious vomiting and diarrhea
- Abnormal gum color
- Seizures
Make the Call
The moment you feel that this is an emergency situation, make the call. Be prepared to discuss your pet’s situation and to listen. The veterinarian will provide directions on how to administer first aid and prepare your pet to travel. The veterinarian will let you know if this is an immediate matter or not.
Calling the vet before the trip likewise will help them prepare the essential equipment they need. As quickly as you walk through their doors, instant action can be taken. Do not forget to tell them if your pet is under any medication, too.
Give First Aid
Your Animal General veterinarian can guide you through what to do, such as dressing a wound, tweezing out a bee stinger, or inspecting if there is something lodged in your pet’s throat. First aid does not always imply that the problem is resolved. However, it may mean that the scenario is managed well enough for travel. Being able to do this might save your pet’s life.
Prepare Your Pet to Travel
If your pet is in pain, they might respond negatively to you. For the dogs, calm them down enough to put a muzzle on them. If your pet is a cat, clothe a towel on its head to prevent bites. If they will be carried, wrap them in blankets, or make certain that their cages are comfortable.
If your pet consumed anything they aren’t intended to, like human food or medicines, bring wrappers or labels so the vet knows what to do. If someone is available to help you during the trip, do not be reluctant to look for aid.
Make the Trip
Now that you have done all the best, you can make the trip. Make sure 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. For directions to an Edgewater vet, click here.
The Bottomline
The best defense is still preparedness and prevention. Guidance is the one thing that we can do as much as we can. Nevertheless, accidents can still happen, and you will be glad to know how to react. Nevertheless, for sicknesses, prevention is essential. Prevent these surprise visits as much as you can by going on routine checkups faithfully. Whatever takes place, however, it is up to you to step up.
