Dealing with an injured or ill pet is never easy. Our pets can’t tell us that they’re in pain or point to where it hurts. It’s up to pet parents to observe our animal’s behaviour and be on the lookout for any changes in the way they act, move, and go about their regular routine.
Pet parents can, however, be prepared for situations in which their pets find themselves under the weather or hurt — even if just to help tide you over until you can visit your vet.
Serious illnesses or injuries should always be attended to by your vet, but there are some short term health situations that pet parents can deal with at home.
We spoke with veterinarian Dr. Garrett Schuilenberg about how to prepare for potential pet emergencies, as well as actively working to keep your pet safe and prevent these situations in the first place.
Accidents with pets do happen — from irritated insect bites to manicure mishaps to upset stomachs.
These are minor “emergencies” or health situations that pet parents may be able to tackle initially and then carefully monitor to see if a pet’s condition improves or deteriorates. Sometimes these situations can be resolved at home, other times, you’re managing them temporarily, ahead of an eventual vet visit.
Dr. Schuilenberg recommends keeping a pet first aid kit on hand stocked with items like non-stick gauze and medical pads, a tick remover tool, Polysporin, styptic powder or cornstarch to stop a bleeding nail, and a cone to prevent licking and scratching or otherwise further irritating an injury.
Having first aid materials on hand can get you through those first moments of an “emergency” so that you can calm yourself and your pet before figuring out if a vet visit is necessary.
Long time pet parents know that upset stomachs resulting in vomiting or diarrhea can happen on occasion, especially for pets who spend time outdoors and accidentally (or on purpose) ingest something they aren’t supposed to.
This is where knowing your pet’s routine and paying attention to change(s) comes in. Does your dog have soft or runny stools on a monthly basis? Does your cat vomit every few weeks? Has the frequency of these events increased?
Dr. Schuilenberg advises pet parents to keep a few cans of gastrointestinal formula food on hand for these situations and to monitor your pet to see if they improve. If the vomiting and diarrhea continue or if stomach upset is not a common occurrence for your pet, book a visit with your veterinarian.
Keep your vet’s phone number, the phone number and address of a 24/7 emergency veterinarian office, as well as the number for an Animal Poison Control centre (you can find some options here) stored in your phone or saved somewhere easily accessible in your home.
Make sure that your dog walker, sitter, or anyone else who occasionally cares for your pet also has access to this information.
Some accident prevention is possible with the right tools and good training.
Taking your pet on a car trip? Make sure you have the right carrier, crate, or seatbelt harness. Have an escape artist pet with an urge to roam? Tracking devices like a GPS collar can help you keep an eye on or find your animal if they decide to pull a disappearing act.
Pet-proof your home by keeping dangerous items (think: chocolate, batteries, electrical cords, choking hazards, etc.) behind closed doors or otherwise out of reach of your pet.
And perhaps most importantly, keep your pet safe by staying on top of vaccination schedules and administering preventative medications for heartworm, ticks, and fleas. Regular vet care (including dental) can help pet parents avoid serious emergencies and escalated health issues.
Some pet parents choose to invest in pet insurance to help tackle the cost of vet care. If you go this route, be sure to do your research to compare plans and find the one that best meets the needs of you and your animal.
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