Many situations can occur where your beloved pet is ill, injured or in need of emergency or urgent care. A basic knowledge of first aid and knowing when and where to call for help can be essential during these times. Examples of emergencies include situations like bite and fight wounds, bleeding, trauma, a fracture or broken leg, severe vomiting and diarrhea, heat stroke, collapse, shock, seizures, trouble breathing or trouble urinating.
First, it is important to find and keep a relationship with a veterinary clinic in order to have someone to call when things are not going well and you need help. Your veterinary team will generally see you during their office hours for urgent and emergency care and will have resources in order to provide out-of-hours care options such as emergency and urgent care centres as well as telemedicine out-of-hours. You should keep a copy of these important numbers close to your phone with other emergency numbers.
Emergency and first aid kits can be very helpful and can be acquired from your veterinarian, as well as online from trusted organizations such as St. John’s Ambulance, Canadian Safety Supplies, ASPCA and even Amazon. A first aid kit should include supplies such as gloves, basic wound dressing and bandaging materials, gauze, scissors, tweezers and tongue depressors, flea combs and tick removal twisters, a thermometer, sterile saline, clean water and a bowl, syringes and antiseptic soap or wipes.
First aid resources can be printed in a booklet or kept on your personal device library to access easily. Pet First Aid courses are available through several organizations to help you deal with emergencies while en route to an emergency or urgent care centre.
Helpful Resources:
St. John Ambulance: Pet First Aid Courses
Canine RECOVER CPR and Emergency First Aid Training
Red Cross: Cat & Dog First Aid Training Online
Kurgo: First Aid Guide Download
Local Emergency Options:
Pet First Aid Kits Available at IPH!
Be prepared for the unexpected – pick one up at the clinic for just $40 + tax.
Stay prepared and while we hope these resources are not needed, it is always best to be ready for any situation for our furry family members.
Dr. Kim Anderka BSc DVM
*This article was originally featured in The Ilderton Villager.
