Pet Emergencies; What You Need to Know

Holidays are a time of fun and relaxation, but emergencies can still happen. With your regular vet out celebrating, what do you do if your pet needs medical attention? Head to the vet ER.

It's smart to know in advance where your local vet ER is. Have the number and location in a handy place, like tacked onto your fridge or saved in your phone. According to PetsMatter, it's important to remember that sick or injured animals might not act quite like their normal, lovely selves. Even if they've never shown an iota of aggression in their lives, pets can bite or scratch if they're injured or not feeling well. They're hurting and scared, so instinct may come into play.

Sally Ryan, DVM, of Affiliated Emergency Service in Eden Prairie, Minnesota recommends that, if possible, you muzzle an animal you're taking into emergency care to avoid a bite. A basket muzzle (which allows them to pant) is best, but a scarf or belt can do the trick. However if the animal is having trouble breathing, is unconscious, or is vomiting, do not muzzle. Ryan also advises against splinting an injured limb. It might help humans, but in animals, it can actually cause more pain.


PetsMatter offers these other important tips for dealing with a pet emergency:

• Call ahead - Calling the clinic to let them know you're coming and what to expect can help facilitate admission. Keep in mind, though, that they really can't determine what is or is not an emergency over the phone. If you're concerned and can't get to your vet, they consider that an emergency.
• Bring meds - Either bring all medications the pet is currently taking, or keep a list ready with names and dosages. The emergency vet likely doesn't have the vet records for your pet, so this will help them avoid possibly harmful drug interactions.
• Double up - Bring a second person in the car, if possible (but don't spend too much time finding someone). They can keep an eye on your pet while you drive safely, or vice versa. Plus, they can park the car while your inside getting appropriate medical attention.
• Don't do this at home - Giving a pet human medications, even something as seemingly harmless as aspirin, can be very dangerous.
• Be prepared - A pet health emergency kit can be helpful when treating problems that don't require a visit to the emergency clinic. Recommended items include bandages, a topical antibiotic, Benadryl without Tylenol (Tylenol is toxic to cats and dogs), sterile saline solution to flush eyes or wounds, ACE®-type bandages for wrapping injuries, tweezers to remove splinters, and, if you have direct supervision from a medical professional, hydrogen peroxide, which can be used to induce vomiting.

Have you had to take a trip to the emergency clinic for your pet? Tell us all about it in the comments!

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Tags: emergency-clinic, injured-pet, pet, pet-emergency, sick-pet, vet, vet er, VetEr