3 Common Pet Emergencies And How To Handle Them
You love your pet and do your best to take care of them. Unfortunately, sometimes health emergencies can strike without warning. It's important to be prepared for any crisis since prompt treatment can make all the difference in your pet's recovery. Here are three common pet emergencies and the steps you can take to manage them:
1. Your pet ate something they shouldn't have.
Sometimes it seems like pets find their way into everything, even things that are bad for them. If your curious animal has eaten something they shouldn't have, stay calm. The first thing you need to do is take the item away from your pet so they can't eat more of it. If your pet ate human medication, keep the bottle nearby, so you'll be able to tell your veterinarian what your dog ingested. Before you do anything else, you should call your vet and seek their advice. They may tell you to help your pet throw up or to bring the pet into the vet hospital.
2. Your pet is suffering from heat exhaustion.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are most common in dogs, since they may get sick from exercising outdoors in high temperatures. Learn the signs of heatstroke in dogs so that you will be able to tell if your dog is in distress. If your dog is panting more than usual or seems suddenly lethargic, that can be a sign of heatstroke, according to PetMD. Your dog may also vomit or lose control of their bowels. To treat heatstroke, get your dog out of the sun immediately. Put your dog into a cool bath and let them drink water. Once your dog is feeling a little better, you should take them to the veterinarian hospital for further treatment.
3. Your pet was attacked by another animal.
If your pet was attacked by another animal, keep yourself out of harm's way first and foremost. While you need to take care of your pet, you won't be able to help them if you get attacked yourself. If the animal that attacked your pet has an owner present, exchange information with them and find out the animal's vaccination status. Next, immediately take your pet to the veterinarian hospital. A vet can assess them for serious injuries and administer stitches or medication as necessary.
As a pet owner, it's terrible to see your beloved animal in pain. That's why it's a good idea to inform yourself about common pet emergencies, so you'll be well-equipped to handle them. It's smart to keep your veterinarian hospital's phone number saved in your phone in case of emergencies.