Emergency care for pets is a critical aspect of pet ownership. Whether it’s a minor injury or life-threatening situation, knowing how to respond can make a significant difference in the outcome for your pet. With over thirty years of experience and a lifelong dedication to animal welfare, insights from Dr. Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh are invaluable for pet owners navigating the complexities of emergency pet care. This comprehensive guide will delve into the nuances of handling pet emergencies, ensuring that pet owners are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to act effectively before reaching a veterinarian.
Recognizing an Emergency
Understanding what constitutes a pet emergency is vital. Some common signs that your pet needs immediate attention include:
- Excessive Bleeding: This can happen externally, and readily evident, or internally (harder to notice, but pale color to the gums and tongue can be clues). These conditions always require immediate attention.
- Difficulty Breathing: Watch for rapid or abnormal breathing patterns, which could indicate respiratory issues. A resting respiratory rate over 30 breaths per minute is abnormal in a dog or cat.
- Severe Injury or Trauma: Pets who sustain a fall, an attack from another animal, get caught in a doorway or those that have been hit by a vehicle all require veterinary evaluation, even if they initially appear fine.
- Loss of Consciousness: If your pet faints or cannot be woken, seek ER care.
- Seizures: Can indicate a brain or central nervous system problem OR an internal medicine disorder such as liver disease or diabetes – go to the ER.
- Sudden Collapse or Paralysis of Any Limb requires an emergency evaluation.
- Signs of Extreme Pain: These signs include whining, agitation, and restlessness, but may also include hiding and decreased interaction.
- Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea: Repeated vomiting, hunching the abdomen and inability to hold water down, require emergency intervention to prevent dehydration. If vomitus or diarrhea contains blood, go to the ER.
Initial Assessment
In an emergency, it’s crucial to assess your pet’s condition calmly but swiftly. Key steps include:
- Responsiveness: Check if your pet is conscious and responsive to your voice or touch.
- Breathing: Observe the rate and pattern of breathing. Irregular breathing, such as heaving the abdomen or laying in a position with the head extended, can indicate a serious problem.
- Injuries: Look for any signs of injury, such as bleeding, broken bones, or swelling.
- Gum Color: Normal gum color is pink. Pale, blue, or white gums can signal a critical condition.
Basic First Aid
Every pet owner should have a pet-specific first aid kit. Essential items include:
- Gauze and Nonstick Vet-Wrap Bandages: For wrapping wounds or creating a makeshift muzzle.
- Adhesive Tape: To secure bandages.
- Activated Charcoal: To absorb ingested toxins (use only under veterinary direction).
- Digital Thermometer: To check your pet’s temperature.
- Scissors with Blunt Ends: For cutting bandages or fur.
- Tweezers: To remove foreign objects like splinters.
- Sterile Saline Solution: To clean wounds or flush eyes.
Handling Specific Emergencies
• Bleeding
For minor cuts, clean the wound with saline solution and apply pressure with gauze. In cases of severe bleeding, especially on limbs, a tourniquet may be necessary. However, this should be used with caution and only as a temporary measure until professional help is reached.
• Fractures
Avoid moving the injured area. If you must transport your pet, do so carefully using a stretcher, children’s sled or board to immobilize the injured part.
• Seizures
During a seizure, ensure your pet is in a safe place where they cannot injure themselves. Avoid restraining them, and do not put anything in their mouth. Time the seizure’s duration and note any specifics about the seizure’s nature, such as loss of bladder and bowel control, to inform your vet.
• Choking
Approach a choking pet carefully. Choking means air cannot pass into the lungs and is NOT the same as coughing. Check inside their mouth for visible obstructions. If safe, try to remove the object with a gloved hand or by holding the pet’s back legs up. Be cautious not to push the object further down the throat.
• Transporting to the Vet
Transporting an injured pet requires care. Smaller pets can be placed in a carrier or a box. Larger pets may require a board or stretcher. Keep them confined and as still as possible to prevent further injury. Avoid getting bitten by placing a makeshift muzzle around your pet’s mouth and tying behind the ears, prior to moving your pet. You can use pantyhose, tights or rope.
Preventing Emergencies
Prevention is always better than cure:
- Avoid Hazardous Substances: Keep chemicals, medications, sewing needles, partially eaten toys and small objects that can be swallowed out of reach.
- Safe Environment: Regularly inspect your home and yard for potential hazards.
- Regular Vet Check-Ups: Early detection of health issues can prevent emergencies.
Training and Education
Pet first aid courses are invaluable. These courses often cover:
- CPR for pets.
- How to handle common emergencies.
- How to perform basic first aid procedures.
When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Attention
Some situations always warrant immediate professional care:
- Uncontrolled Bleeding
- Unconsciousness
- Ingestion of Toxic Substances
- Severe Trauma
- Difficulty Breathing
- Prolonged Seizures
- Repeated Vomiting or Diarrhea
The Importance of Quick Action
In emergencies, time is often of the essence. Keep the pet poison control phone number, and the phone number and address of the nearest pet ER clinic in your phone. Quick, calm, and informed action can stabilize your pet, prevent further harm, and even save their life. However, it’s important to remember that first aid is not a substitute for veterinary care. Always follow up with a vet visit as soon as possible.
Being prepared for pet emergencies is a critical component of responsible pet ownership. Regular care, a safe environment, and knowledge of emergency procedures are essential. Remember, while immediate first aid can be life-saving, it should always be followed by professional veterinary care to ensure the best outcome for your pet.
Author
Dr. Cynthia Maro – Integrative Veterinarian, Cynthia Maro, DVM, CVA, CAC, VMRT, VNAET