A Pet Emergency Guide: Prepare and Prevent

Nobody likes to think of their pet having an emergency and with them being an important part of the family, something bad happening can be incredibly upsetting. Unfortunately, just like with humans, our furry friends can suffer accidents, illnesses and injuries, so taking steps to prevent them, and being prepared for the worst to happen is very important. It will also keep you calmer and ensure that you provide your pet with the right care when they need it most.

How do I identify a pet emergency?

Without there being obvious signs of bleeding or trauma, it can be a huge challenge for a pet owner to know if there is something wrong with their pet. Animals have an instinctive, natural ability to mask signs of illness and being unwell. When we notice something is wrong, we have to make a decision regarding whether to take them to a wellness veterinary appointment or to an emergency veterinarian.


Here are a few examples of an animal emergency to help decide whether to seek immediate veterinary care:
 

• Breathing difficulties
   

• Bite Wounds
   

• Impalement or a lodged foreign object
   

• Bleeding
   

• Allergic Reactions
   

• Difficulty or cessation with urination
   

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
   

• Suspicion of poisoning
   

• Penetrating eye wounds
   

• Problems giving birth
   

• Trauma such as being struck by a vehicle
   

• Loss of ability to walk

If you are unsure, you can always call your veterinarian who will advise if you should seek immediate, emergency treatment for your pet.

Tips to avoid animal emergencies

As much as we would like to protect our furry babies from all harm, in the real world that is something that is just impossible. Fortunately, there are a few measures we can take to offer them the best protection possible. These include:
 

• Making sure vaccinations are up to date
   

• Protect them from dehydration
   

• Remove any potential hazards from the home/garden
   

• Do not let them get close to plants that may be poisonous
   

• Keep them in a secure yard where they can’t escape from, and risk vehicle strikes.
   

• Have regular check-ups with your veterinarian
   

• Keep them at a healthy weight and give them regular exercise
   

• Do not leave them near deep water unsupervised
   

• Keep them away from bonfires, firepits and barbecues
   

• Keep on top of any existing health conditions and medications your pet may have.
   

• Do not feed them human food unless recommended by your veterinarian
   

Be prepared for the worst

While we never want to think of an emergency happening, one of the best ways to be prepared is to have an animal first aid kit ready. Have one in your home and one in your vehicle for your dog, if you regularly take them out for exercise using your car. There are cases when immediate first aid can reduce damage and aid long term recovery. A prime example is burns, where running cold water over the burn site can reduce the damage sustained. Being able to administer treatment whilst calling the vet can be instrumental in helping your pet.


A first aid kit for pets has a lot in common with that we would keep for ourselves, and all are items that are affordable and easily available. Some of the things you should keep in your pet’s first aid kit include:
 

• Bottled water, to keep a pet hydrated, rinse eyes and to apply to burns
   

• Eye wash
   

• Scissors
   

• Medical Tape
   

• Absorbent Dressings and Gauze
   

• Bandages
   

• A Thermometer
   

Have the details of an after hours or emergency vet in Euless ready

Unfortunately, not all veterinarians offer 24 hours or fast access emergency service, so no matter how good and respected your own vet is, if they don’t offer an emergency service, having the details of someone who does is essential. In an emergency, where time could be critical, having to search or phone around for the right vet could make a huge difference to the outcome of their care. We strongly advise that you have the number of an emergency veterinarian like Airport Freeway Animal Emergency Hospital stored in your phone.



If you would like any more advice or have any questions about how to look out for animal emergencies, and how to prepare, call Airport Freeway Animal Emergency Hospital in Euless, Texas at (817) 571-2088 with any questions.