HANDLING YOUR PET IN AN EMERGENCY

HELPING A PET SURVIVE AN EMERGENCY
An emergency with your pet can happen anywhere and at any time. In most cases, you will not expect to be prepared for the situation. If your pet is injured in any way, it is an emergency situation and you need to seek veterinary care immediately. Furthermore, the actions you take before getting to the veterinarian will help increase your pet’s chances of surviving the crisis.

STAY CALM
It can be very frightening when your pet is involved in a health crisis. It is important to take a deep breath and remain as calm as possible. This will not only help you keep a clear mind, so you can take the proper steps to find aid, but also lessen the anxiety your own pet is experiencing.

SURVEY THE SCENE
Before approaching your injured pet, be aware of the surroundings and keep your own safety in mind, as well. If there is a fir, make sure the flames are extinguished. If electrocution is suspected, make sure the electrical current has ceased. And if your pet has been hit by a care make sure traffic has cleared.
When you feel it is safe to do so, gently move your pet away to prevent further harm. Avoid too much movement, as you could worsen a spinal injury.

BE CAUTIOUS
In an emergency, conscious or semi-conscious pets are most likely frightened and possibly in pain. In this type of situation, any pet can potentially bite and/or scratch, even those that are normally friendly. You may require the use of a muzzle. However, a muzzle should never be used if there is any bleeding from the nose, as this can lead to a breathing obstruction. Also, for cats and certain dog breeds (e.g. Pug, Bulldog and Shih Tzu), the use of a muzzle may not be possible, due to their flat facial structure. Instead, cover your pet with a thick blanket as a barrier between you.

PRIMARY SURVEY
In a safe environment, quickly observe your pet. Check for consciousness by gently petting and talking to it in a quiet voice. You can check for breathing by watching the chest area, looking for movement and listening for breathe sounds near the nostrils.
To check for a heartbeat, place your hand on the chest at the point where the elbow meets the ribs, as this is the approximate location of the heart. If you cannot feel a heartbeat, try to listen for one by placing your ear in the same location.
The primary survey is also the time to notice if there is any excessive blood loss

CALL A VETERINARIAN
After a quick assessment, call a veterinary office immediately; keep the number with you for this purpose. You should be prepared to explain who you are, the nature of the event that has occurred your pet’s condition and your estimated time of arrival.
The veterinary team can coach you about what first aid measures to initiate. Calling ahead also allows them time to prepare for your pet’s arrival and then provide emergency treatment much more quickly.

FIRST AID
There are initial first aid steps you can initiate before arriving at the animal hospital, but it is important to note these should not be used in place of proper veterinary care. No matter how minor the injury may seem, you should seek a veterinary examination immediately.
If there is excessive external bleeding, apply pressure to the wound with a gauze square or a clean towel. If the blood soaks through, do not remove the cloth, as this will disturb the clot you are trying to form. Just add another layer.
Elevate any wounded limbs higher than the heart to help reduce bleeding. Do not use a tourniquet, except as a last resort.
While internal bleeding cannot be seen, it can result in noticeable symptoms. Mucous membranes in the gums and under the eyelids, which are normally a healthy salmon pink colour, may become pale or white. The legs, ears or tail may feel cooler than normal. Your pet may become either extremely excited or unusually subdued.
If a broken leg is apparent, you can attempt to stabilize it with a splint. Use a rolled magazine or newspaper, broom handle or hockey stick, secured with a long thin piece of material. The joints above and below can be helpful. You are not trying to set the leg, just prevent movement and pain.
During a seizure, your pet will be unaware of its surrounds. Do not touch, as the animal may bite, but keep it safe by preventing it from falling off furniture, down the stairs or into water. It is common for pets to lose bowel and bladder control or vomit during a seizure.
Record when the seizure happened and how long it lasted. If a seizure lasts longer then 5 minutes, do not wait for it to end-take your pet to the veterinary hospital immediately.
If you suspect your pet has ingested poison, record the time of ingestion, the nature and quantity of the substance and any subsequent symptoms. Bring the label from the package of poison to the veterinarians, so it can be identified and treatment can be initiated rapidly.
If your pet has come into external contact with poison (but not oil-based or caustic), put on a pair of gloves and rinse off the animal with water. This will prevent it from licking the toxin off its coat and thus accidentally ingesting poison.
If your pet suffers thermal or chemical burns, apply cold water compresses to help cool the affected tissue. You should continue applying the compresses while on route to the animal hospital. Avoid applying any ointment, cream or sprays to the burn, unless advised to do so by your veterinarian.
Be stings and insect bites can cause swelling, redness and itching. If possible, pull out the stinger with tweezes, then apply a cool compress. A paste of baking soda and water can be applied to help neutralize the acidic venom.
In severe reactions, facial swelling and fainting may occur. In these situations, do not waste time trying to remove he stinger – get to your vet immediately or it could be fatal for your pet.

TRANSPORTING YOUR PET
When pets are unconscious, semi-conscious or unable to walk, it is critical to transport them to the veterinarian’s office with as little movement as possible. This helps prevent further damage in case of a head or spinal injury.
Keep your pet positioned on its side, if comfortable, and slide it onto a makeshift stretcher. This can be a wooden or plastic board, cardboard or-if nothing solid is available- a large blanket.
Make sure to support the body under the head, neck and hip areas, keeping it parallel to the board. The head should be in a natural position to allow easy breathing and prevent airway obstruction.
You can secure your pet to the stretcher by tying or taping it to the board. Then move them quickly to the car.
When your pet has difficulty breathing, it may be uncomfortable to lie on one side. In this situation, allow your pet to lie in the position it finds most comfortable and provides the least breathing resistance.
Pets fortunate enough to be conscious and walking may still need assistance getting into a comfortable position, as they can be weak, disoriented and in pain. If appropriate use your pet’s regular traveling crate or carrier
When you have arrived safely at the veterinary hospital, announce your arrival. Ask for assistance moving your pet from the car to the hospital, where staff can then perform an assessment and begin the treatment

"Reproduced with permission of PETS Magazine (www.petsmagazine.ca)."
Author: Kristina Cooper, RVT 

Chippawa Animal Hospital is a veterinary hospital in Niagara Falls which has served cats and dogs since 1991. 

Our vet clinic offers the following veterinary services:   free puppy classes to our clients, acupuncture, cat & dog general surgery, dentistry, wellness treatment and prevention, perscription diets and housecalls.  Our animal medical centre employs 1 vet, 2 Receptionists/Assistants, 2 Registered Veterinary Technicians and 1 Veterinary Hospital Manager.  As a Veterinarian in Niagara we welcome your business.