Your pet is part of your family. When your beloved animal companion has an emergency, you need to know what to do so you can get your pet the care he or she needs quickly. However, you can also learn how to prevent an emergency from happening in the first place.
Learn four tips on how to prepare for or prevent a pet emergency so you can enjoy as much time with your pet as possible.
1. Know the Risks of Your Breed
Whether you want to buy a pet or already have a pet, research the health issues that your pet may be predisposed to because of their breed or age.
For example, purebred breeds tend to carry extra risks, including problems with the teeth, back, heart, or eyes. Talk to breeders, veterinarians, and other pet owners of this breed to help you understand what your pet may face. That way, you can watch for early warning signs of problems and treat them before they become serious.
Additionally, as your pet ages, expect that your pet will have more health problems. Know what signs and symptoms to look for so you can catch any issues your aging pet may have and prevent an emergency health situation.
2. Watch Out for Your Pet
Many pet emergencies are caused by accidental injuries. You can prevent injury to your pet by pet-proofing your property and keeping a close eye on your pet.
If your pet stays indoors with you, one of their biggest threats will be eating something that either poisons them or blocks their digestive system. Keep dangerous items such as poisonous foods or small items they may be tempted to eat out of reach or out of sight.
Arrange your furniture so that your pet can easily jump from piece to piece — that way, your pet is less likely to get hurt attempting to make a long jump from the couch to their favorite chair. You can also prevent injury by making your furniture accessible via a ramp or stairs. If your pet has a high risk of back injuries, discourage jumping by blocking access to furniture.
If your pet is an outdoor pet, they’re more likely to get injured by getting out of your yard. If they roam, they could face unfriendly cars and unfriendly animals. Prevent your pet from leaving with a high fence that will deter or inhibit your pet from jumping. Keep your gates secure with well-maintained locks. Additionally, you can limit the time your pet spends outside or keep your pet in an outdoor area where you can easily see them.
If you take your pet out for a walk, keep your pet safe with a well-maintained leash. Have a long enough leash to allow your pet to explore and wander but also keep your pet within a small range so you can quickly reach your pet in case of another animal or oncoming car. Additionally, use a halter instead of a collar to avoid your pet receiving a neck injury or slipping out of the collar to run off.
3. Take Your Pet to the Vet Regularly
One of the best ways to keep your pet healthy and strong is to take your pet to the vet as often as you need to. If you have a young pet, vets recommend monthly visits until all vaccines are boostered. When your pet turns two or three, annual or bi-annual visits is sufficient unless concerns arise.
During these visits, the vet will ask you questions about how your pet is doing. Additionally, your vet will provide shots, dental cleanings, and other important services to check on your pet’s health and/or keep them healthy.
These visits will allow your vet to address specific concerns that you or the vet has. The vet can make recommendations for treatment and care.
4. Contact the Vet Straightaway If Your Pet Has an Emergency
If your pet has an emergency, get in touch with your vet immediately. Call or go in right away if your pet is badly injured, seems very sick, or has a sudden and drastic change in behavior.
In order to act quickly during an emergency, you’ll need to know where to go. Research your options for care in advance so you don’t have to spend time looking for help when you need it most. If your vet offers emergency care, bring your pet to the vet’s office. The vet will check up on your pet as quickly as possible.
If your vet does not offer emergency care, ask them now if they can recommend nearby pet hospitals or emergency clinics that you can rely on if you have a pet emergency after hours.
If your pet has an emergency and you take them to a veterinarian, make sure to relay the symptoms and signs of your pet’s emergency and listen to the information and instructions your vet or the emergency clinic gives you. This can include information about the extent of your pet’s injury, the illness that your pet has, and the treatment and care your pet requires to completely recover.
If your pet has an emergency, don’t delay. Bring your pet into 1st Pet Veterinary Centers today. We offer 24/7 emergency care and three locations around the Phoenix area to better serve you.
