DISCLAIMER:
This information is intended to help you deal with emergency situations that
arise with your pet. It is not intended to replace professional veterinary
care. The information presented will help you handle your pet's condition well
enough to get them to a veterinary clinic for an exam and further treatment. The
best way to manage an emergency is to be prepared - know where to take your pet
and what numbers to call when you have questions. Research this information now
(before you need it) and write it where you can find it easily.
TO APPROACH AN INJURED ANIMAL
Approach the animal slowly while talking in a calm, soothing voice. ALWAYS
muzzle an animal in pain or have someone restrain the head before examining the
injured area. Try to assess the nature of the emergency as quickly as possible.
Use the information here to help stabilize and transport the animal. Call a
veterinarian as soon as possible and seek professional care for your pet
immediately.
FIRST AID KIT
Carrying a few basic items can ease the stress of simple emergencies when
away from home. Start with a small collection of the following:
Sterile saline (contact lens solution)
Roll gauze and gauze sponge
HOUSEHOLD MEDICATIONS TOP
DO NOT give your pet any medications (Advil, Tylenol, aspirin, etc.) without
checking with a veterinarian first. Many human drugs are toxic to animals and
could preclude use of important medications to help your pet.
ABDOMINAL PAIN
SIGNS: Whining, listless/restless, lethargic, arching back, unable to
get comfortable, vomiting/diarrhea, bloated or distended
abdomen.
ACTION: DO NOT give your pet food or
water - this may induce
vomiting and make the condition worse. Abdominal
pain can
be very serious and is often life threatening if not addressed.
Limit the activity of your pet; carry them, if possible. You
can put small pets in a box or carrier. Call a veterinarian
immediately and seek professional help as soon as possible.
ALLERGIC REACTIONS
SIGNS: Fever; vomiting/diarrhea; hives; scratching; chewing at feet;
swollen face or puffiness around eyes; trouble breathing.
ACTION: Call a veterinarian immediately. Allergic reactions should be treated
as soon as possible to prevent shock. An exam by a
veterinarian should still be performed on your pet, even if
the reaction gets better. It may be appropriate to give the
animal over-the-counter antihistamine, Diphenhydramine,
IF you have spoken to your veterinarian in advance and have
received approval.
BITE WOUNDS TOP
ACTION: As always, approach the animal slowly. Injured animals
often communicate their pain through aggressive or
defensive actions, especially after a bite injury. MUZZLE the
animal or have someone restrain the head. Examine the entire animal for
bleeding, lacerations, or pain. Multiple bite wounds can be hard to find under
thick coats. If you cannot quickly reach a veterinarian, flush each wound with
saline (if not available, clean water will do). Wrap large wounds as best as
possible, small wounds can be left uncovered. DO NOT use tourniquets to stop
bleeding - use firm pressure if needed. Seek veterinary care IMMEDIATELY - bite
wounds often need to be flushed extensively or sutured to help prevent
infection. Wounds that are managed within 6 hours of the injury require
less-intensive care.
BURNS
ACTION: First aid for chemical, electrical or thermal (heat) burns. Immediately
flush the area with cool water for 5 minutes. After flushing, apply a cold
compress to the area for 10 to 15 minutes. NEVER apply the ice pack directly to
the skin. Wrap the pack in a thin towel or available material. Call a
veterinarian immediately and seek professional help and examination. Burns do
need to be addressed immediately and can be life threatening when severe.
CARDIAC EMERGENCIES
SIGNS: Collapse, weakness, bluish or gray gum color, rapid/slow heart rate.
ACTION: Call and seek veterinary care immediately. Such emergencies should not
be taken lightly, as they are often life threatening. Limit your pet's
activity; carry them if possible. If your pet stops breathing or loses
consciousness, consult the pet CPR section.
COLD EMERGENCIES TOP
SIGNS: Shivering (excessive, relentless), lethargy, weakness, inability to
use limbs.
ACTION: Remove your pet from the wind and cold into a warm place. Wrap your pet
in warm (woolen) and dry blankets or clothing. DO NOT rub your pet with the
blankets. This can damage cold tissue and make frostbite worse. Try to raise
your pet's body temperature slowly over the course of 20 minutes. Hot water
bottles (wrapped in towels to avoid direct contact with skin) can be used under
the blankets to help increase your pet's temperature. To take your pet's
temperature, use only an approved rectal thermometer. Normal temperature should
be 100 to 102.5 degrees. If an area is discolored (bluish or pale), the body
part or skin may have been frozen and is exhibiting signs of frostbite. Take
the animal out of the cold and transport to the nearest veterinary hospital. DO
NOT use electric heat in any form!
DIARRHEA
ACTION: A few episodes of diarrhea can be due to stress or change in the
animal's diet. Make sure that your pet continues to drink water, but withhold
food for 12 to 24 hours. If the diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours, seek
veterinary care immediately. If your pet is showing other signs of illness
(vomiting/lethargy/weakness) do not wait 12 to 24 hours, seek veterinary care
as soon as possible. Diarrhea can often be a symptom of more serious illness or
disease.
EAR EMERGENCIES
SIGNS: Scratching at ears, shaking head, whining, head tilting,
swollen/puffy earflap, strange odor or discharge from ear(s).
ACTION: MUZZLE your pet or have someone hold the mouth closed while you examine
the ears. Look for signs of redness, swelling of the earflap, discharge, or
unusual odor. Look for any obvious foreign body (plant material, etc.) and pull
it out, if possible. If the signs of ear problems persist, call a veterinarian
and have your pet seen as soon as possible. If the ear needs flushing, it is
advisable to have your veterinarian do this. Regardless, it should only be done
with sterile saline solution. Try to prevent your pet from scratching at the
ears or shaking the head excessively as this can make the problem worse. Always
avoid getting water in your dog's ears. Ask your family veterinarian for an ear
"drying" agent if your pet loves playing in water and/or frequently experiences
ear infections.
EYE EMERGENCIES TOP
SIGNS: Squinting, discharge/tearing, redness, swelling, bleeding, different
pupil size.
ACTION: If there is an obvious laceration or foreign object in or around the
eye, seek veterinary care immediately. DO NOT try to bandage the laceration or
remove the object. If the source of the irritation is known to be chemical or
fine debris/dirt, flush the eye(s) with sterile saline (or clean water)
immediately for 5 to 10 minutes and then seek veterinary care. Eye injuries and
infections can get worse very quickly. IMMEDIATE diagnosis and treatment is
critical in the preservation of your pet's eyesight.
FRACTURES
SIGNS: Pain; not using a limb; limb looks bent or swollen.
ACTION: MUZZLE the animal or have someone restrain the head. Check the limb for
open wounds or bleeding. If excessive bleeding, wrap the area with a towel or
other available material while trying not to move the limb. DO NOT pull on the
limb in an attempt to align the fracture. Such action can result in further
injury and increased bleeding. Stabilize the limb as best as possible (carry
your pet if possible) and seek professional help immediately. DO NOT give any
pain medications to your pet (some are toxic to animals) unless instructed to
do so by a veterinarian. Avoid wrapping the leg, as it is easy to impede blood
circulation.
HEAT EMERGENCIES & DEHYDRATION
SIGNS: Panting (excessive), lethargic, unable to stand, uncoordinated
movements, vomiting or diarrhea.
ACTION: Move your pet to a cool area as soon as possible; seek shade or the
indoors. Keep them calm and still. DO NOT try to get them to stop panting. This
is how your pet expels heat. If water is nearby, encourage your pet to stand or
lay down in cool water. Put small amounts of water on the tongue, or offer them
ice cubes to eat. If not vomiting, your pet should respond rapidly (10 to 15
minutes). If your pet does not seem to respond to the cooling therapy, if they
lose consciousness or have great difficulty breathing, or the skin on the back
of their neck does not spring back to normal position immediately when pulled,
seek veterinary care immediately. Light-colored animals can get sunburned just
like people. Encourage them to stay in the shade and ask your veterinarian for
a recommendation on sun blocks for your pet.
INSECT BITES & TICK REMOVAL TOP
ACTION: Like people, animals vary in their reactions to insect venom. The
response can range from mild irritation to allergic shock. Check the area for
any remaining stinger or insect, remove them and cleanse the area with soap and
water. Cool wet towels or gauze can be used (for 20 to 30 minutes) to soothe
the area. Watch your pet for signs of allergic reaction (see allergy section
and follow the instructions if needed). Be particularly mindful of difficulties
breathing.
When returning from a park or a hike, check thoroughly for ticks by running
your fingers through your pet's entire coat, and inspecting the paws, pads,
between toes, and inside floppy ears. If you find a tick, place a small amount
of tick spray (alcohol, mineral oil or petroleum jelly can also be used) on a
cotton ball and hold it over the tick. Typically the tick will back out in
30-60 seconds allowing you to grab it with tweezers and dispose of it. Apply
alcohol or an antibiotic ointment to the site of the bite.
LACERATIONS
ACTION: As always, approach the animal slowly. Injured animals are often
aggressive or defensive. MUZZLE the animal or have someone restrain the head. Examine
the entire animal for bleeding, lacerations, or pain. Multiple lacerations can
be hard to find under thick fur. Flush each laceration with saline (if
unavailable, clean water will do). Wrap large lacerations as best as possible. Small
wounds can be left uncovered. DO NOT use tourniquets to stop bleeding; use firm
pressure if needed. Seek veterinary care IMMEDIATELY. Lacerations often need to
be flushed extensively or sutured to help prevent infection.
NEUROLOGIC EMERGENCIES
SIGNS: Inability to use limb(s); unable to stand; circling; seizures; head
tilt; abnormal behavior.
ACTION: Seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Neurological
disease is difficult to treat and is often very serious. If your pet is unable
to walk, carry them to the car. If they are too big to carry, use a towel
(under the abdomen, in front of rear legs) to support the hind end, or use a
heavy blanket as a stretcher to carry them to the car. Professional diagnosis
and treatment is recommended as soon as possible.
POISONINGS TOP
SIGNS: Disorientation; vomiting; seizures; weakness; retching;
salivating (excessive).
ACTION: CALL a veterinarian immediately. If the source of the
poisoning is known, have the container with you when you all. You will need
information on the packaging to determine the appropriate treatment. If the
source is unknown, seek emergency assistance IMMEDIATELY. Anti-toxin treatment
should be started as soon as possible to minimize absorption of the poison. If
professional medical help is unavailable, veterinary POISON CONTROL can be
reached at 888-426-4435. Please make a note of the case number provided by
poison control; your veterinarian will need it for reference. If possible,
bring the toxic agent with you to the doctor.
RESPIRATORY EMERGENCIES
SIGNS: Collapse; weakness; bluish or gray gum color; rapid or
shallow breathing.
ACTION: Call and seek veterinary care immediately. Such
emergencies should not be taken lightly, as they are often life threatening. Look
in your pet's mouth. Look for any foreign object that may be obstructing the
airway. ONLY try to remove the object (with tweezers or pliers) if it is
COMPLETELY stopping your pet from breathing. If they can still pass some air
(wheezing), get them to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible. If your pet
stops breathing or loses consciousness, perform CPR.
SEIZURES
SIGNS: Shaking (uncontrollably); tremors; strange facial movements;
unable to stand; paddling (swimming action) with paws; loss of bowel or urinary
control.
ACTION: DO NOT try to restrain your pet during an episode. Move
objects away that may cause injury during the seizure and, if possible, place
the animal onto a soft surface, such as carpeting. CALL a veterinarian
immediately. Try to get your pet to the veterinary hospital as soon as
possible.
URINARY EMERGENCIES TOP
SIGNS: Frequent urination or straining; blood in urine; difficulty
urinating; vomiting.
ACTION: Animals can develop urinary blockage and infections just
like people. Once you have detected the signs of a problem,
CALL your veterinarian and take your pet in as soon as possible. The problem
most likely has been going on longer than you realized. DO NOT wait and observe
the pet to see how they do.
VOMITING
ACTION: Look for signs or foreign material or strange food in the
vomit. When you call the veterinarian, let them know of any recent history of
your pet eating foreign objects or new foods (trash). Rest the stomach for 4-6
hours by offering no food and water. Then try small amounts of water and bland
food every two hours. If there is no further vomiting, you can return your pet
to a normal diet. If the vomiting persists, or if your pet shows other signs of
illness, seek veterinary care immediately. If your pet has unproductive
vomiting, see your veterinarian immediately.
VITAL SIGNS
TAKING A HEART RATE OR PULSE:
The heartbeat of a dog or cat can be felt at about the point where
the left elbow touches the chest (about the 5th rib). Place your
hand or stethoscope over this area and count the heartbeats.
Pulses can also be felt with a light touch on the inner thigh
approximately halfway between the front and back of the leg, just below the
wrist on the front legs or just below the ankle of the rear legs.
NORMAL HEART AND PULSE RATES: TOP
Small breed dogs (<30 lbs.): 100-160 beats per minute.
Medium to large breed dogs (30+ lbs.): 60-100 beats per
minute.
Puppy (until 1 year old): 120-160 beats per minute.
Cats: 60-220 beats per minute.
NORMAL BREATHING RATES:
Dogs: 10-30 breaths per minute and up to 200 pants per
minute.
Cats: 20-30 breaths per minute. (Note, panting in a cat can
be a sign of serious illness and requires immediate veterinary attention.)
NORMAL TEMPERATURES:
Dogs: 100 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit
Cats: 100 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit
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