Essential Emergency Safety Tips to Protect Your Pet

Emergencies can happen anywhere and at any given time. It can come in different natures like floods, hurricanes, heatwaves, landslides, earthquakes, etc. Most people make emergency plans for themselves but forget to include their special furry friends in these plans. In this article, we are going to take a look at emergency pet safety tips for your special furry friend. It is vital to take precautions to avoid accidents and have a plan of action to contain emergencies with your pet.

First, we will take a look at what you will do before an emergency, then, look at some of the things you should do during an emergency and what to do during an emergency. We will also discuss a few emergencies and how to deal with them.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE AN EMERGENCY

This step is all about making plans for you and your special furry pet. The first step is to ensure that your pet has a tag. Preferably, it should be a tag with GPS tracking. It is also essential to locate a vet nearby and a pet shelter that can help in case of an emergency. This removes the time that will be spent looking for a vet in a crisis.

Make a list of your pet’s allergies and any other medical condition that will be relevant to avoid giving incomplete or inaccurate information amidst confusion during an emergency.

The next step is to make a little pet first aid box which should contain the following:

• Pet’s data: Name, vaccination record, emergency contact number, contact details of the owner, allergies (if any).
• Food and water for a week or two
• Pet meds like analgesics, ointments.
• Bandage
• Cotton wool
• Harness

WHAT TO DO DURING AN EMERGENCY

The first thing is to stay calm and assess the situation. Ensure that you are able to move. Look for your pet. Assess its condition. If there’s anything wrong with it, locate your emergency pet kit and do what you can before getting further help.

You either take your pet it to a vet or pet shelter. Look for a place shelter than can accommodate you and your pet if necessary. Put your pet in a carrier or on a leash.

Try to maintain calm in all situations. Making a panic will not help you or your furry friend.

HERE ARE SOME PET FIRST AID TIPS

WOUND CARE:

1. Place pressure on the wound with gauze or clean cloth to stop the bleeding.
2. If there is debris, flush the wound with clean water or saline.
3. For severe bleeding or deep wounds, keep pressure until you can get the pet to a vet. Try to estimate the amount of blood loss.

SEIZURES:

1. The most important thing to do is to protect your pet from inflicting pain on itself.
2. Don’t put anything in your pet’s mouth.
3. Clear the area around your pet during the seizure to avoid injury.
4. Don’t attempt to restrain your pet. But you can put your hand on the body to guide its movement.
5. When the seizure has stopped, contact your vet for further instructions.
6. If the seizure doesn’t stop within 3-5 minutes or if your pet comes out of the seizure and goes back again within an hour, transport the pet immediately to the vet.

POISON:

1. If you suspect poisoning, seek immediate care.
2. If you can’t, or you find yourself stranded, call the National Animal Poison Control Centre at 1-800-548-2423.

CHOKING:

1. If choking, hold the upper jaw with one hand, and look for a foreign object.
2. Unless you can clearly see and grasp the obstruction, don’t put your mouth in the pet’s mouth.
3. Lift smaller pets’ legs into the air so gravity can help dislodge the obstruction.
4. If you can remove the foreign object using the heel of your hand, deliver 4-5 sharp blows on the pet between the shoulder blades.

WHAT TO DO AFTER EMERGENCY

On returning home, check for spillages, sharp objects, and exposed wiring. Your pet may feel that the place has changed.

You should know that some pets can experience PTSD. If your pet seems to withdrawn and cowers a lot or you notice a change in his behavior that is too obvious, call the vet for help.

Do you have an emergency plan in place for your pet? Let us know in the comment section below!