Life is always full of surprises, both good and bad. Your pet may become very ill or be injured while at home but the risks are higher when outside, whether it’s while walking, in a park or if you’re out hiking.
You should always be repaired for all emergencies. Store your vet and emergency numbers in your mobile phone and wallet/purse so you can call them while enroute so they can be there ready to give assistance immediately.
Get a pet first aid manual that covers everything you should do in the event of something happening to your beloved pet. You should also have a first aid kit in your home and/or car for your pet with all the necessary requirements. Make sure it’s clearly marked because it will have different items compared to a human first aid kit.
You should also buy Rescue Remedy, a flower essence formula that can calm your pet instantly in case of any stressful situation or to help him overcome behavioural or emotional issues. I.e. scared of loud noises such as fireworks or backfiring cars, excessive barking or separation anxiety.
Such homeopathic remedies are effective and act fast. Here are some others you may wish to stock:
Pet essences diarrhoea & colitis and vomiting are digestive remedies to ease acute digestive issues. Although diarrhoea and vomiting are rare, when they do happen, these essences can help ensure your pet’s comfort whilst enroute to the vet.
Pet essences pain relief helps with anxiety caused by injury or sickness and calms your pet so the vet can work on him much easier.
Pet essences emergency helps with traumas including bruises and bumps and more serious traumas.
Here are tips every owner must know about in the event of emergency situations:
Bleeding.
Muzzle your pet if he’s stressed. If it’s only minor, (e.g. a toenail) a styptic pencil can fix it. If the wound is a lot more serious, cover it with gauze, a clean cloth or even a folded newspaper and then apply firm pressure to stop your pet from bleeding. Maintain pressure for three minutes or until you know the clots can stop the blood on their own.
Choking.
If your pet is pawing at his mouth, finding trouble breathing or you hear choking noises while he’s coughing or breathing, he may be choking. Examine his mouth to look for foreign objects. If you see something, gently remove it with tweezers or pliers or put a spoon in and flick it out. Be very careful or you may push it further down his throat and make the problem much worse.
You can try a modified version of the Heimlich manoeuvre. Put him onto his side, put your hands on his ribs and apply quick, firm pressure a few times. Your aim is to push a big burst of the air out and that should also expel any objects lodged and preventing him from breathing. If you can’t get it quickly, ring the vet and tell him to expect you immediately.
Sprains or Fractures.
Your pet may bite if he has a sprain or fracture, especially if you touch or move him. Put his muzzle on to protect yourself from such bites. Put him on a blanket on a flat surface and try to splint his leg (if possible) so he’s easier to transport. The blanket can be used as a sort of sling to carry him. Then get him to the vet if you can.
Points to remember.
Emergency treatment is no substitute for the care of a good vet but there are times when it’s necessary and, in fact, it may very well save your pet’s life, even whilst on the way to your vet’s office or emergency animal clinic.
Any injured or sick pet may be in pain, be confused and scared. This makes him unpredictable. If he’s sore, he may bite, even if he has never bitten you before. Treat him with kindness and gentleness but avoid his mouth and, if necessary, use a muzzle for safety and as a precaution.
Poisoning
The majority of foods that are harmful for people to eat are also bad for pets. In addition to those foods, extra foods that are harmless to people are toxic to pets. This list includes: macadamia nuts, raisins and chocolate. Drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen are also dangerous. Never give your pet a human drug unless you have asked your vet.
If you know or even suspect that your pet has consumed a toxic substance, ring the emergency vet clinic, your vet or the Animal Poison Control Centre hotline. Don’t try to make your pet vomit without being told to do so. If he has already done so, collect some of it for examination and take it with you to the vet.
If a toxic substance (such as cleaning products) has gotten onto your dog’s skin or into his eyes, wash with lots of water and a mild soap if necessary. Don’t use soap in the eyes and if they‘re affected, flush them with cold water.
Seizures
If your pet has a seizure, keep him calm. Don’t restrain him or put your hands near his mouth. However, move him away from all furniture and other objects or he may hit them and hurt himself. Time how long the seizure goes for and watch him closely so you can tell the vet exactly what happened in great detail. Ring the vet as soon as possible and ask what to do.
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