We all know that emergencies can happen, particularly with our pets. Knowing what to do can make all the difference. Whether it’s a sudden illness or an unfortunate accident, staying calm and being prepared can help you keep your pet safe until you reach a vet.
I’ve put together this guide to help you identify the most common pet emergencies. It also covers off how to recognise the most urgent symptoms, and what immediate actions to take straight away.
This is a collaborative post.
How to handle a pet emergency
It seems silly to say, but we all lead busy lives so not all pet illnesses or injuries are obvious. There are some signs that you might spot which will underline that your pet might need some medical attention from an emergency vet near you. Here are some symptoms to watch out for.
Laboured or rapid breathing, wheezing, or choking.
Seizures or collapse, especially if they are coupled with a loss of consciousness, twitching, or convulsions.
Excessive vomiting or diarrhoea
Animals eating toxic substances like chocolate, harmful plants or even human medication.
Broken bones, deep wounds, or heavy bleeding.
Sudden weakness or inability to stand
As we are coming into summer, it’s also important to recognise heatstroke symptoms. These include heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, or collapse.
If your pet is showing any of these symptoms, you’ll want to act quickly.
Immediate steps to take before reaching the vet
Stay calm as panic can make the situation worse for both you and your pet. It’s best to take a deep breath and evaluate the severity of the emergency.
Injured or sick pets may act aggressively due to pain. Approach your pet with caution, and if necessary, use a muzzle or towel to prevent being bitten. Keep children away from sick or injured animals.
If you find that your pet is bleeding heavily, you’ll want to apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. Try and elevate the injured area if that is possible.
If you find your pet is unresponsive and not breathing, you may need to perform CPR:
– Lay them on their side on a flat surface.
– Check them. Are they breathing and do they have a heartbeat? If the answer is no, you can give chest compressions (one per second for large dogs, more frequent for small dogs and cats).
– Provide rescue breaths by sealing their mouth and breathing into their nose.
– Continue until professional help is available.
If you believe your pet has eaten something poisonous, you shouldn’t induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet. Call your vet immediately. When you take your pet to the vet, try and bring the packaging or item that your pet has eaten.
Heatstroke
This is more common than you think. You are best to move your pet to a cool area, provide them with fresh drinking water, and use wet towels or fans to lower their body temperature gradually. Do not use ice-cold water, as this can cause shock.
Time is critical in a pet emergency, so it’s always a good idea to have your vet’s contact information readily available either on your phone or somewhere where you can easily direct someone else to it. It’s a good idea to have an idea of the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic, like Veteris.co.uk. That way you don’t waste precious time looking this information up.
For an emergency, you could create an emergency pet care kit which includes the following :
– Your vet’s phone number and address
– A pet first aid guide
– Bandages and antiseptic wipes
– A thermometer
– Tweezers (for removing splinters or ticks)
– Activated charcoal (only use if directed by a vet)
– Muzzle (for handling an injured pet safely)
Being prepared for an emergency or accident can often mean the difference between life and death for your pet. Recognising urgent symptoms and taking calm but concise action can help to ensure that your pet gets the earliest treatment possible.