Common Types of Pet Emergencies and How to Respond

Have you ever seen your pet wounded or involved in an accident and you have no idea how to handle the situation? It is essential to know the common pet emergencies and how you can administer effective first aid treatment before taking them to the vet. 

 

Below is a list of pet emergencies and how best to respond to them.

 

Seizures

Pets experience seizures just like human beings. Witnessing it happen can be very scary. It is essential to stay calm then remove any objects around your pet that can cause harm. Do not restrain your pet no matter what happens. Time the episode until it stops. After doing so, keep your pet calm, quiet, and warm, then call your vet. 

Bone Fractures and Broken Bones

Your pet can suffer from an accident such as a fall and get a fracture or broken bone. If the fracture exposes the bone, try to cover it with a moist bandage. Avoid trying to make a splint or setting the bone right. Try not to move the broken part to avoid further damage, and place your pet on a flat surface as you transport them to their vet.

Burns and Bleeding 

Some pets have a habit of following their owners to the kitchen. Thus, it is common to have pets suffer burns. 

Corrosive chemicals, fire, hot water, or oil can cause burns. If your pet gets a burn, place a cool compress or run some cold water over the affected area immediately for 10 minutes. Take your pet to the veterinarian with a cool compress applied to the burnt area.

Wounds can arise from abrasions or incisions that lead to bleeding. If your pet bleeds, use some water to wash the affected area. Use a cotton pad or a sterile wound dressing to apply direct pressure to the wound. Do so for a few minutes to restrict blood flow until it clots. Ensure you secure the dressing or pad with a bandage that is not too tight.

If the injured part is a limb, try to elevate it to enable clotting by restricting blood flow. If your pet continues bleeding, put a second pad on top of the first one and secure it as you take your pet to the vet.

Breathing Difficulties

Your pet can have trouble breathing due to the following reasons:

 

• Allergic reactions
   

• Heart failure
   

• Asthma
   

• Foreign objects stuck in their airways
   

• Poisoning
   

• Chest wall paralysis
   

• Aspiration pneumonia
   

• Brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome
  
   

Breathing difficulties can be life-threatening. But despite the cause, you need to treat it as a medical emergency. Should your pet have trouble breathing, keep them as calm and quiet as possible, then rush them to the veterinarian. If they stop breathing, administer CPR then take them to the vet.

 

Ingesting Something Poisonous

Pets are always curious to eat things that are not familiar. If you suspect your pet has eaten something poisonous, try to remove it from the mouth if you can. It is essential not to make them vomit as this can pose more danger.

Establish the amount your pet ate to contact your veterinarian with accurate information. If your vet asks you to rush your pet to the clinic, carry the packaging of the substance eaten to help your vet know how to go about the treatment.

For more on pet emergencies, visit Animal Hospital of Salinas at our office in Salinas, California. You can also call (831) 346-0600 to book an appointment today.

After regular business hours, visit The Pet Specialists of Monterey in Del Rey Oaks, California, or call 831 899 4838. You can also visit Monterey Peninsula Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center in Monterey, California, or call 831 373 7374.