What To Do in a Pet Emergency

Similar to humans, animals may encounter emergencies where immediate medical attention is required. Emergencies may result from sudden and unanticipated illnesses, accidents, or injuries that leave them in desperate need of veterinary help. Knowing how to provide immediate support could potentially make the difference between life and death, no matter the cause of the emergency. Whether you are a pet owner taking the responsible step of preparing yourself for emergencies, or you have come across an animal that clearly needs medical help, here is our guide on what you should do in a pet emergency.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The most important thing to remember is to stay calm. A flustered individual is no good to a distressed animal, since they may pick up on your emotional climate and become more stressed or anxious. Take a few deep breaths and carefully assess the situation. Is it an external or internal injury? Is it a burn, wound, broken bone, or something else? What symptoms are they displaying? The more you are aware, the more you can relay to the vet when you call them for advice or to arrange taking the animal in for professional support.

Speak to a Veterinarian

It is extremely valuable to have the contact number of your regular and/or emergency vet stored in your phone, just in case an emergency does arise. It could save you valuable minutes, which could make all the difference during a pet emergency. Contact the vet straight away, providing them with as much information as you can. This will enable them to perform a triage service over the phone and advise you on what to do next. This may involve providing immediate first aid or taking them directly to the veterinary office for assessment and treatment. Always follow the vet’s instructions. If you do not have the contact details of a vet on hand, a quick online search for “vets near me”, with your location share enabled on your cell phone, will bring up options.

Secure Your Pet for Transport

Transporting a sick or injured animal to a veterinary clinic can be a challenge, particularly if they are seriously distressed or unable to move. Your emergency vet will be able to provide advice on the best way of transporting an animal in a pet emergency. Try and ensure that they are as comfortable and secure as possible in your vehicle, and if you can, see if you can have someone travel with you.

For more information on what to do in a pet emergency, visit Philadelphia Animal Specialty & Emergency at our office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. You can call us at (267) 727-3738 to learn more today.