WHAT TO DO IN A PET EMERGENCY

Emergencies normally happen when you least expect them and at the most inconvenient time. Below are some guidelines you may find helpful.

This advice is NOT a substitute for a proper consultation with a vet and is only intended as a guide.

BLEEDING

Apply a clean cloth to the area and apply firm pressure to the wound during transport.

SEIZURING

Avoid touching your pet, especially around the mouth as they may bite you unintentionally (they have no control over their body during seizures).
Make a note of the time the seizure started, so you can time how long the seizures last for. If seizuring stops, note how long it takes for your pet to recover.
Try to keep your pet as cool as possible, do no not wrap in towels or blankets, as they can overheat during seizures.
Above all keep yourself safe.
If possible, you may be able to put a blanket under your pet to ease lifting into the car for transport.
Often seizures are caused by slug/snail bait. If you have laid bait in your garden, please bring the box with you.

UNCONCIOUS

Monitor breathing and keep the neck extended to open the airway during transport.
If possible (and safe) pull the tongue out to the side of the mouth.

HIT BY CAR

Try not to panic!
Keep your pet warm by wrapping them in a blanket, keeping the nose and mouth exposed and carefully transport them to the clinic.
If you think they may have broken bones, keep them as still as possible and place them on a hard moveable surface, such as a piece of wooden board (covered with a blanket).
Do not give any medications eg Paracetamol or any other kind of human medication (as these can be toxic to most pets)

ATTACKED BY DOG

Keep your pet calm and warm in a blanket.
Try not to handle any more than necessary, as your pet may be in pain even though there may not be any visible wounds.
If your pet is small enough place in a washing basket or a box lined with a towel for easy transport.
If your dog is large place them on a blanket for easy lifting.

TOXICITY

Act fast, as time is critical in these situations.
Bring with you any packaging of toxin ingested by your pet.