What To Do In A Pet Emergency

emergency - By Staff Writer on Tuesday, November 30, 2010 - 15:17

If your dog gets hit by a car or you found her licking up the remains of a bottle of antifreeze its east to get confused in panic and worry.  Knowing how to behave in an emergency could save your dog's life.

Stay Calm
With all emergencies the most important thing to do is not panic.  You need all your wits about you to think quick and act fast.  Take a few deep breaths if you need and just try to calm yourself.  If you are not able to stay calm try to reach help quickly.  See if a neighbor can assist you or another member of the community.  Having support will help you keep your cool.

Just Move
It is easy to freeze up in a emergency.  If you are not prepared you can get flustered and even if you are you might forget and freeze.  The key is to just move to get your dog help. Freezing up is a common reaction but just wastes time so do your best to move towards getting help.

Do Not Go Online
An emergency is not the time to be looking for answers online.  If your dog is seriously sick stay off the internet and get to the vet.  While we write about many illnesses and emergency situations, this is simply for you to prepare for the event.  You should get your dog immediately to your local veterinarian.  It is ok, however, to look up the address of the closest emergency vet if you must.

Call Ahead
If you are rushing in a seriously injured or sick dog it is always best to call ahead.  This gives the vet time to prepare and free up any veterinarians and vet techs that might otherwise be busy.   They will have supplies on hand and will be able to act much faster if they are ready for you and your dog.

Get To The Vet
If the situation is serious go immediately to a vet.  Do not bother with poison control or other services just get the dog and drive to the vet.   The faster you arrive at medical attention the more likely you will save your dog.   If you have two people one can administer first aid while the other drives to the vet.