The best way to protect your pet from an emergency health issue is to be aware of the biggest potential threats. If you are proactive about mitigating your pet’s exposure to dangerous, deadly, and toxic threats, you can keep him safe and healthy. Here’s a look at three scary pet emergencies and how to prevent them.
Stings, Bites, & Allergic Reactions
Certain insects and animals can cause a severe allergic reaction in pets. When your pet is outside, be vigilant about snakes, bees, wasps, fleas, ticks, and other harmful animals and insects. If your pet is bitten, clean the area with soap and water, remove any stingers, and apply a compress of baking soda and water. Then take your pet to the veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital.
Toxicity & Poisoning
Certain foods, chemicals, and plants are toxic to pets. Be aware of the symptoms of poisoning, including vomiting and diarrhea, foamy vomit, seizures, loss of consciousness, extreme thirst, anxiety, panting, restlessness, trouble walking, disorientation, and refusal of food, water, or playtime. The most dangerous plants to pets are oleander, lilies, tulips, chrysanthemums, azaleas, hyacinths, aloes, daffodils, and poinsettias. The most dangerous substances are prescription medications, cleaning products, chemicals like antifreeze, and certain human foods like chocolate. If you suspect poisoning, take your pet to an emergency veterinarian immediately.
Trauma & Injuries
Keeping your pet safely secured when outside of your home can protect him from most trauma and injuries. Make sure your pet can’t get out of your home or yard on his own, and that other animals can’t get in. Keep your pet on a leash and keep a close eye on him when he is outside. Train your pet to respond when you order them to sit, stay, heel, or return. Be aware of local animals that may pose a danger to your pet, like stray dogs, unleashed dogs, feral cats, mountain lions, coyotes, bears, and animals that can carry rabies.
Be aware of the warning signs and symptoms of an illness, infection, disease, or injury in your pet. If you are in doubt as to whether something would be considered an emergency, it’s better to be cautious and take your pet to an emergency veterinarian.
