Handling A Pet Emergency

Posted on: 7 April 2021

A health emergency with your pet can be a frightening experience for any owner. In addition to the pain of seeing a beloved pet sick or injured, an owner may also feel stress due to not knowing how they should respond in these situations to help their pet.

Consider The Value Of Having An Emergency Plan In Place For Your Pet

It may not be possible for you to effectively anticipate all of the potential health problems that your pet may encounter. However, you can still create an emergency plan that will allow you to rapidly get your pet the treatment and care that it requires to make a recovery. For example, you may want to have a special carrier that will be easier to move a sick or injured animal into without causing pain or discomfort. Additionally, having the contact information for an emergency vet readily available can allow you to quickly contact a medical expert to learn what your next steps should be or to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Contact An Emergency Vet Immediately

It is often the case that pet emergencies will occur during the overnight period or other times that are not normal business hours for vet clinics. Unfortunately, some pet owners may attempt to wait until normal business hours before seeking care for their pet, and this can increase the risk of complications occurring, the condition worsening, or the pet suffering needless pain. An emergency vet provider will likely be able to offer care at any hour of the day. This can ensure that your pet is able to rapidly get the treatment that is urgently required.

Be Careful When Handling And Transporting The Animal

While you may have formed a close bond with your pet over the years, it is a reality that a sick or injured animal can behave in an unpredictable manner. In particular, they may lash out at those that are attempting to move or transport them. Depending on the type of pet that you own, this may require you to invest in special handling gloves that will be resistant to the animal's bites or scratches. Otherwise, you may find that you may need stitches or other treatments for bites and scratches. As a result, it can be advisable to include these gloves in your emergency kit as they are unlikely to be items that you need regularly, but they can be essential for transporting your pet to get care.

Contact a company like South Seattle Veterinary Hospital for more tips.

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