Are You Prepared for An Emergency?
Quick: Your curious pup was just bitten by a snake during a hike – what do you do? Emergencies happen, are you ready for the unexpected?
Our pets find so many opportunities for mischief. Many are naturally curious and may gobble up just about anything – from medication to rat poison, to a bag of chocolate chips from the counter when you least expect it. From road injuries to allergic reactions, animal attacks to accidental falls – or even natural disasters – it’s important to be prepared.
How to Handle Pet Medical Emergencies
Taking your pet to the vet as soon as possible is vital. What if you’re camping or traveling? Even if you live close to the vet’s office, First Aid for pets may be crucial to saving your pet’s life until the vet can take over. But, how can you care for your pet before reaching the vet?
The first step in Pet First Aid is to remain calm. Becoming agitated or yelling can upset your pet and even cause them further harm. Assess the situation calmly and carefully, call your veterinarian immediately, and then begin Pet First Aid.
Packing a Pet First Aid Kit:
To avoid panicking and to properly care for your pet, it’s essential to have a few First Aid Kit supplies on hand for emergency situations.
General Emergency Supplies:
- Gauze and nonstick bandages
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Ice pack
- Disposable gloves
- Oral syringe or turkey baster
- Small flashlight
- Liquid dishwashing detergent for bathing
- Towels
- Extra leash and collar
- A travel water bowl like this Kurgo Zippy Travel Bowl
- Emergency Contact Info: Keep the phone number, clinic name and address of your veterinarian readily available, as well as a list of local emergency vet clinics that offer 24 hour emergency visits.
For Vomiting and Diarrhea:
- NaturVet Pooch Pops Electrolytes for Dogs: These doggy popsicles help your pet to maintain hydration and replenish minerals lost during diarrhea or vomiting.
- Fruitables Pumpkin SuperBlend Digestive Supplement: These supplements support healthy GI tract function for loose stool or constipation; additionally they help soothe your companion’s upset stomach.
- Carna4 Flora4 Ground Sprouted Seeds Probiotic Supplement: These digestive enzymes help to manage occasional diarrhea and indigestion.
For Injuries and Pain Management:
- Vet Aid Enzymatic No Sting Animal Wound Care Spray: This sterile animal wound care solution is hypoallergenic and fragrance free. It provides immediate soothing relief to wounds, eyes, abscesses, cuts, bites, or rashes.
- Glacier Peak Holistics HerbAprin & Inflapotion: HerbAprin is an herbal dog aspirin which can be used as needed for pain & discomfort. Inflapotion is an herbal remedy used to reduce inflammation from overexertion, age-related stiffness & other minor injuries.
- Skout’s Honor Prebiotic Pet Balm: This antimicrobial balm with manuka honey provides instant relief for dry, itchy paws and noses
Check your Pet First Aid Kit every few months to make sure nothing has expired or needs to be replaced. And, of course, keep the kit out of reach of any children.
Learn More
Having an emergency preparedness kit for your pet is vital. Learning to properly use its contents and understanding basic pet first aid procedures is a good idea for your pet's safety and wellness. To learn more about Pet First Aid, check out these resources:
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)/Healthy Pet: Pet First Aid
- The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: Basic First Aid for Your Pet
- American Red Cross: First Aid for Pets
- VeterinaryPartner.com: First Aid and Emergency Care
For more information or any pet first aid questions, drop by the Barkery and ask away – we're always glad to help. You can also contact us online!
