Making sure your pet is happy and healthy is a top priority. You feed them the best food, make sure they get plenty of love and attention, and when they are sick you want them to receive the best care possible.
But what do you do in case of a vet emergency? Serious health issues and injuries can occur at any time of the day or night, and often happen without warning.
Let’s take a look at what you should do if your pet needs sudden emergency care.
Vet Emergency: When to Take Your Pet to an Emergency Veterinary Hospital in Eldersburg
Your pet’s health is a 24-hour concern and emergencies rarely happen during normal business hours. Here’s how to tell when you have a real vet emergency on your hands.
1. Know the Signs
The more familiar you are with your pet’s routines and normal behavior, the better you’ll be able to recognize when something’s wrong.
What might qualify as a pet emergency? Things such as seizures, changes in respiration, diarrhea, inability to urinate, and obviously behavior such as limping that tells you there might be broken bones.
2. Know How to Transport Your Pet
During a pet emergency, you’re going to need to safely transport your pet to receive care. Keep in mind that your pet will be in pain and thus very frightened, and might become aggressive or defensive.
For dogs, approach calmly and slowly. Gently say his name, and if he is aggressive you might need help carrying him. Use a makeshift stretcher to put him in the car.
For cats, place a towel or blanket over her head so that you don’t get bitten, and then gently place her in a carrier for the ride in the car.
Once your pet is loaded and ready for transport, call ahead to the emergency care facility so they know to expect you.
3. Know How Pet Emergencies Happen
Emergencies by their very nature are random and unexpected. They can happen at any time for any number of reasons. Your pet could eat something toxic, encounter an aggressive animal, or simply experience a natural traumatic health issue that requires emergency care.
4. Know How to Plan Ahead
It’s impossible to plan for every emergency, but you can pet-proof your home to minimize as many dangers as possible.
The key is to think ahead and be aware. There are steps you can take such as familiarizing yourself with the nearest 24-hour veterinarian hospital, and to keep this contact information easily accessible at all times in case you have emergency vet questions.
It’s also a smart idea to prepare a first aid kit for your pet and perhaps take classes for such things as pet CPR.
Getting the Proper Care For Your Pet
A vet emergency will happen when you least expect it. These can be stressful situations, so it’s important to have a plan in place and to be prepared to act quickly.
Your local late-night animal hospital has a well-trained staff, ready to care for your pet’s needs at a moment’s notice.
Click here to learn the importance of pet dental care.