EMERGENCIES

Household medications

DO NOT give your pet any medications (Advil, Tylenols, aspiring, 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.

Aabdominal 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 and see professional help as soon as possible.

Allergic reactions

Signs:

Fever, vomiting/diarrhea, hives, scratching, chewing at feet, swollen face of puffiness around eyes, trouble breathing.

Actions:

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. Allergic reactions can result from a variety of causes, including insect bites or stings, food reactions and environmental issues.

Bite wounds

Action:

As always, approach the animal slowly. Injured animals often communicate their pain through aggressive or defensive actions. 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 or even bite wounds that appear superficial can cause extensive internal injuries (snake and spider bites are particularly dangerous). See veterinary care IMMEDIATELY – bite wounds often need to be flushed extensively or sutured to help prevent infection. Wounds that are managed within 6 hours require less intensive care. If you cannot quickly reach help, flush each wound with saline (clean water will do). Wrap large wounds, small wounds can be left uncovered. DO NOT use tourniquets to stop bleeding – use firm pressure if needed.

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 cool compress to the area for 10 to 15 minutes. NEVER apply an ice pack directly to the skin. Wrap the pack in thin towel or available material. Call a veterinarian and seek professional help and examination. Burns 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, increased respiratory rate or respiratory distress.

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 you pet stops breathing or loses consciousness, turn to the pet CPR in these emergency instructions.

Cold emergencies

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. Warm 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:

Diarrhea can be due to stress or change in the animal’s diet. (Diarrhea can often be a symptom of a more serious illness or disease.) Make sure that your pet continues to drink water. If the diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours, see veterinary care. If you pet is showing other signs of illness (vomiting/lethargy/weakness) do not wait, seek veterinary care.

Ear emergencies

Signs:

Scratching at ears, shaking head, whining, head tilting, swollen/puffy ear flap, 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 ear flap, 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 to obtain the appropriate solution. If you pet is experiencing frequent ear infections, please discuss this with your veterinarian as there are usually underlying causes, such as allergies. 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 the water.

Eye Emergencies

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, see 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, apply pressure 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. DO NOT give any pain medication 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:

Excessive panting or salivation, lethargic, unable to stand, lack of coordination, vomiting, diarrhea.

Action:

Mild Discomfort; Move your pet to a cool area as soon as possible. Keep them calm, DO NOT try to get them to stop panting, this is how your pet expels heat. If water is near by, encourage your pet to stand or lay down in cool water. Put small amounts of water on the tongue, or offer them ice cubes. If not vomiting, your pet should respond rapidly (10 to 15 minutes0.

Significant Discomfort: If you pet does not respond to cooling therapy, is depressed or anxious, great difficulty breathing, or the skin on the back of their neck dos not spring back to normal position immediately when pulled, seek veterinary care IMMEDIATELY. Dehydration of any cause can lead to shock or organ damage. Temperatures in your pet above 105.5 can be life threatening. Also, light colored animals can get sunburned just like people. Encourage them to stay in the shade and ask you veterinarian for recommendation on sun block for your pet.

Insect bites & tick removal

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 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 (clean water will do). Wrap large lacerations, small wounds can be left uncovered. DO NOT use tourniquets to stop bleeding, use firm pressure, if needed. Seek veterinary care IMMEDIATELY. Lacerations can involve extensive internal damage and often need to be flushed extensively or sutured to help prevent infections.

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. Neurologic 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

Signs:

Disorientations, 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 call. You will need information on the packaging to determine the appropriate treatment. If the source is unknown, seek emergency assistance IMMEDIATELY. Anti-toxin treatments should be started as soon as possible to minimize absorption of the poison. If professional medical help is unavailable, ANIMAL POISON CONTROL CENTER (\APPC) offers assistance at (888) 426-4435 for a fee. 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 your veterinarian.

Respiratory emergencies

Signs:

Collapse, weakness, bluish or gray gum color, labored, rapid or shallow breathing.

Action:

Call and seek veterinary care IMMEDIATELY. Difficulty breathing can result from heart failure, lung disease, and blockage of the airways. 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. Limit your pet’s activity - carry them if possible. If your pet stops breathing or loses consciousness, follow the pet CPR part of this emergency guide.

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. Call a veterinarian immediately. Try to get your pet to the veterinary hospital as soon as possible.

Urinary emergencies

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

Signs:

Look for signs of foreign material or strange food in the vomit. When you call the veterinarian, let them know if your pet has eaten any foreign objects or new foods. Rest the stomach for 4-6 hours by offering no food or water. They 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 your pet has unproductive vomiting (retching) or abdominal distension, see your veterinarian immediately.

Skunk recipe

Signs:

Awful smell and burning of the eyes.

Action:

Put on goggles or other eye protection.

In a bucket mix:

• 1 quart of  3% Hydrogen Peroxide

• ¼ cup baking soda

• 1 teaspoon of hand-safe dishwashing liquid

Stir ingredients briefly. The solution will fizz as the hydrogen peroxide decomposes and releases bubbles of oxygen. Have a friend hold the smelly pet in a washtub while you scrub in the solution with a soft brush. Rinse your pet with tap water. You may need to repeat the treatment on your friend LLLL.