Have you ever seen a dog wounded in a fight or by a vehicle? You may be able to shake your head and walk away merely. Not because you were unconcerned, but because you didn’t know how to approach and examine 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 help in an emergency.
What to do during a pet emergency?
Follow these steps if your pet has an emergency.
Impacted by a Car
A distressed animal is more likely to bite. Gag it with a scarf, belt, or towel first unless it’s vomiting. Remove the animal from the road by gently putting it onto a towel or blanket (both should be in your vehicle’s first-aid kit). Do not attempt to pick up the animal. Make sure it’s warm because it could be in shock. If it appears to have shattered bones, avoid moving it too much.
Poisoned
Antifreeze, insecticides, aspirin, raisins, and sugar-free gum among the many dangerous household items for dogs and cats. But don’t be alarmed. Many of them include antidotes. Contact Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6780. They can probably help you before you get to the veterinarian and if you still don’t have a vet in your area, click here. .
Choking
If your pet is unconscious, try opening its mouth with your fingers to remove the object. If the animal is conscious, execute a modified Heimlich maneuver. Place the animal on its side and apply pressure precisely behind the rib cage with your hands forced forward. This may aid in the removal of the object. Complete this task while someone drives you to veterinary surgical specialists.
Seizures
A seizure lasts less than three minutes on average. It is your obligation to safeguard the animal’s safety throughout the procedure. Take any moving furniture out of the pet’s reach. Do not touch or remove the animal’s tongue. Call the vet after the seizure.
Dog Bites
Bandage your dog if it has been attacked and is bleeding. As previously indicated, a distressed animal bites more. To begin, muzzle it with a scarf, belt, or cloth. Report to the clinic as soon as feasible. A dog bite can attract a lot of hair and dirt into the wound. If it is not cleaned soon, it can become infected. It would also be better if your pet has a dog vaccination against rabies.
Venomous Bee and Wasp Stings
Bee and wasp stings typically cause relatively little swelling and itching. If the stinger is visible, scrape it out with a credit card or remove it with tweezers. Some symptoms may be relieved by antihistamines such as Benadryl, but you should consult your veterinarian for dosage guidelines. If you detect any swelling on the face or neck or hives all over the animal’s body, take it to the veterinarian.
Heatstroke
If your animal is heavy-breathing, drooling, having difficulty breathing, or exhibiting other symptoms of heatstroke, move it to a shady area right away. Wrap a cool, wet cloth around its head and neck (not its face). You can also gently spray the animal with cool water, particularly on the tummy, before taking it to the veterinarian. Cooling your cat too quickly can be dangerous.
To Sum It Up
Most people would rather not 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 it and plan for it, the better prepared you will be if the situation arises. Prepare a pet first aid kit and an emergency plan ahead of time, and you’ll be ready to aid your pet in an emergency.
