Proper Response to Pet Emergencies
As a pet parent, you could be doing everything for your furry buddy to remain healthy. You know the relevance of regular exams, vaccinations, correct nutrition, grooming, etc. Bringing your pet to an animal hospital for emergency reasons is one thing you do not intend to experience. It’s very logical because no one wants to be in an emergency. Yet, an emergency can happen to anyone, and it would be best if you knew just how to take care of such trying times. Acting the right way spells a big difference during this crucial time.
Common Emergency Conditions
The following conditions require prompt treatment; these could be indications of injury, illness, or infections. If your family pet has signs and symptoms of any of these, bring them to an emergency medical facility right away. You may check this for more info regarding emergency response.
- Breathing difficulty
- Choking
- Constant coughing
- Heatstroke
- Unconsciousness
- Seizures
- Blood from nose, mouth, urine, or anus
- Severe bleeding that won’t stop
- Signs of severe stress and anxiety or pain
- Poisoning
- Refusal to drink for 24 hours and beyond
- Throwing up, severe diarrhea
- Eye injuries
- Bone fractures
Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest
Identifying heart attack symptoms is crucial, mainly if the episode occurs at home. Acting on them quickly is of utmost importance. These are the signs of cardiac arrest in dogs or cats.
- Breathing abnormalities – having difficulty breathing and respiratory distress
- Increased heart rate
- Discomfort in front legs and difficulty standing
- Mucous membranes become white or blue
- Unconsciousness
- Seizure
- Anxiousness
- Lethargy
The first recognizable sign and symptom of cardiac arrest is unconsciousness. If you can spot early signs of heart troubles in your pet, you might prevent a deadly heart attack from occurring. Visit websites like SWFVS.com for relevant information on cardiology.
What to Do in Case of an Emergency
Do not call 911, it’s reserved for human emergencies only; instead, try to reach an animal hospital with 24/7 service. If you can call a pet health center in advance, they could instruct you on some first aid you might do before bringing your pet to the emergency department.
You should be ready to answer some queries, so be watchful of all the details of the signs and symptoms or particular injuries your pet could have sustained. In case of a heart attack, the hospital might give instructions on how you can carry out mouth-to-nose resuscitation as part of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
How to Transport Your Pet to the Hospital
Be careful; any animal in pain tends to attack or scratch you. When transferring an injured animal, protect the head, neck, and spine from jerking movements. You can use a flat, firm wood surface for support. You may wrap a pet cat with a towel or place them in a box with holes large enough to see them. Maintain the head slightly raised if you observe your family pet acting baffled or disoriented. Prevent anything from putting pressure on the jugular veins or neck area. Bring your pet to a facility with 24/7 emergency response like Bonita Springs Animal Hospital.
Conclusion
The proper emergency reaction begins with a call to your primary care veterinarian or an animal hospital. Listen very carefully to the instructions they may give, such as administering first aid, how to transfer your pet to a hospital, how to stop bleeding, or how to administer CPR. You may be able to recognize life-threatening airway, circulation troubles, or shocks with the help of specialists on the phone. Calling in advance additionally gives enough time for your veterinarian to prepare ahead as they wait on your arrival. And it would help if you moved fast but not thoughtlessly. Try to remain calm while acting deliberately on the circumstance.
