Ten Common Situations which Require Emergency Care
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizuring
- Bleeding
- Hit by car
- Painful eye
- Temperature above 103.5 degrees Fahrenheit
- Ingestion of any possibly toxic substance
- Severe lameness in any limb
- Inability to pass urine
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
Ten Steps to Assist your Veterinarian in an Emergency
- Keep a file with your pet’s records and bring it with you.
- Be a good observer; know when your pet last ate, drank, urinated or defecated.
- Bring a sample of any abnormal stool, vomit, or urine.
- If seizures or fainting occur, time the length of these episodes.
- Control bleeding with firm, direct pressure on the way to the veterinarian.
- Start cooling overheated pets by applying cold water on the way to the veterinarian.
- Bring containers of any possible ingested toxins to the veterinarian.
- Check with a veterinarian before giving any home remedies or human medications.
- Be aware that a pet who is in pain may bite even its owner.
Above all, remember to keep your head. You may need to make important decisions regarding your pet’s care.
Source: Pet Specialists of Monterey Bay, Inc