Pet Health & Behavior
What to Do in an Emergency…

Simple Steps that Could Save Your Pet’s Life

  1. Know the phone number of a 24-hour emergency veterinary center
    Most vet clinics are NOT open 24 hours. Know the number of the closest 24-hour clinic. You won’t have time to look for this if your pet is in a life and death situation.
  2. Treat until you can get to a vet.
    Although first aid is not a substitute for veterinary care, your quick action may save your pet’s life until you can get him medical treatment. You should have on hand a first-aid kit, which should include: two phone numbers (your vet’s and an emergency vet’s), gauze to wrap wounds or muzzle animal, adhesive tape for bandages, nonstick bandages, towels and cloths, hydrogen peroxide solution, muzzle (soft cloth, rope, necktie or nylon stocking), scissors, antiseptic ointment, thermometer, sheet (to serve as a stretcher, sling or make-shift restraint).
  3. Be careful and calm.
    Always approach an injured animal carefully—even a beloved pet. Animals in distress may act unpredictably. Keep the situation, and yourself, as calm as possible.
  4. Troubleshooting List (Always seek veterinary care as soon as possible)

    Bite Wounds
    Check for contamination or debris and flush with water or saline solution. Apply pressure to profusely bleeding wounds but do not use a tourniquet.

    Bleeding
    Apply firm, direct pressure on the bleeding area for at least 10 straight minutes. Do not bandage (this will cut off circulation).

    Burns
    Flush the burn with cool, running water. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 15-20 minutes. DRY chemicals must be brushed off the animal before moisture is applied.

    Choking
    If the airway is completely obstructed, try to remove a foreign body in the airway using pliers or tweezers.

    Diarrhea/Vomiting
    Withhold food for 12-24 hours. If your pet has diarrhea, encourage him to drink water to avoid dehydration. If vomiting, offer ice cubes two hours after vomiting stops. Bloody stools or blood in urine necessitate an immediate call to a vet.

    Fractures
    If an open fracture, try to control bleeding without causing more injury. Splint if possible and prevent jostling.

    Heatstroke (rapid or labored breathing, vomiting, high body temperature, collapse)
    Place animal in tub or wrap in cool, wet towel. Stop cooling when rectal temperature reaches 103 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Poisoning
    Note the substance that your pet ingested, call ASPCA Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. Do not induce vomiting.

    Seizures
    Keep your pet calm, pad the area. Do not attempt to restrain. Time the seizure and report this information to your vet.

    Shock from Trauma
    Gently restrain your pet with a blanket or towel, keeping the lower portion of the body elevated.

Remember, pets in pain may be frantic and confused. The calmer you are in dealing with an emergency, the more likely your pet will remain calm. First aid is not a substitute for professional veterinary care, but can be a critical first step in saving your pet’s life.

Source: American Veterinary Hospital Association, 2003.

Delaware Humane Association is supported by:  CAMP Rehoboth