We love our four-legged babies to the moon and back. As a responsible pet owner, you’ve probably already done your homework on how to best care for your dog. But when an emergency strikes, gathering your bearings and knowing what to do can be difficult.
So, here is a helpful step-by-step list of things you should do when your dog needs immediate care.
Don’t panic
The most challenging thing to do in an emergency is to remain calm.
It’s difficult to see your precious dog become sick or injured, but it’s essential to keep a cool head.
You want to stay focused so that you can give your dog the help it needs. Being calm around your dog will also help it relax.
Approach carefully
If you see that your dog is sick or injured, you must be careful how you first approach it.
Your first instinct is likely to want to hold them, kiss them, and comfort them.
Severe illness and pain can cause your dog to feel confused or even scared. This could result in them lashing out and possibly injuring you.
Even the gentlest dogs can become terrified, so approach your injured or sick dog very slowly and carefully.
Call your vet
You never know what kind of day your vet clinic might be having. It’s always essential to call ahead and ensure they have the room and time to take in your sick or injured dog.
If they do not, quickly look up other emergency vet care clinics near you. It is always best to call the clinic’s location before you head that way.
Depending on the severity of your dog’s sickness or injury, time could very well be of the essence. You want to ensure the clinic can take your dog in before you drive there.
Assess the situation and provide first-aid
Even the most diligent dog owners can find themselves in an emergency. It is always wise to keep a first-aid kit handy. This could save your dog’s life in the long run.
After calling your vet, your next step is to examine your dog as carefully as possible. If you find that your dog is scared and attempting to lash out, you can try to put a muzzle on its face to keep yourself protected while examining it.
If your dog is vomiting, do not put a muzzle on its face.
Once you can safely approach and examine your dog, assess the injury. It’s OK not to know exactly what you’re doing, but try to stabilize any injuries as best you can.
Bandaging or splinting them can help keep your dog more comfortable and possibly even save its life until it can be taken to the vet for further examination.
Find immediate transportation
If your dog is sick or injured, it might not be able to wait until it’s convenient to be seen. You’ll need to find immediate transportation.
If you don’t have a vehicle, call friends or family and ask about getting an immediate ride to the clinic.
Even some Uber drivers will pick up pets; you must inquire before accepting the ride.
Don’t wait. Depending on the severity of the injury, your dog might not have that time. So, find a ride for them as quickly as you can.
Confine your dog
When taking your dog to the vet clinic, keep it confined in a small, comfortable area. You can use a pet carrier, a box, or even hold it if your dog is calm enough and doesn’t mind being held.
This can help reduce the risk of additional injury.
Depending on what you put your dog in, ensure they are getting plenty of air. Don’t cover them up so much that it makes breathing difficult.
By all means, wrap them up in some blankets if that helps calm them, but be sure their nose isn’t covered and they can breathe easily.
Keep medical records handy
Pro tip: Having your dog’s medical records handy can be very helpful in situations like these, especially if you need to go to an emergency clinic that’s unfamiliar with your dog.
The records will inform your dog’s doctor of all its medical needs and current conditions, ensuring that it gets the best possible care.
Consider storing their medical records in an easily accessible place so you can grab them and go if necessary in an emergency.
Pay the vet bill
Paying for your dog’s health care can be challenging to navigate. Thankfully, there are a few options. You can apply to get a loan on the same day. This can help with smaller expenses and allow you to access extra money on that day.
You can also call your credit card companies to see if they will allow you a higher credit limit. You can even borrow cash from a trusted friend or family member.
Most vet clinics will work with you to create a payment plan that might help you cope with this ordeal.
If you have pet health insurance, make sure you know what it covers. Knowing what it covers can also help you pay for the care your dog needs.
Final thoughts on emergency care tips
Being prepared for a pet emergency is crucial for every responsible pet owner.
Following this step-by-step guide can ensure you can handle unexpected situations with your beloved dog.
From staying calm to finding immediate transportation and managing vet bills, these tips can significantly improve your ability to provide the best care for your furry friend during an emergency.
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