“Be prepared.”  The Scouts live by it, and we love it for the simple reason that, even though we hope we never have to be, we are prepared for a pet emergency.

How do I Know if my Pet has a Medical Emergency?

Here are some tell-tale signs to look out for:

• Change in body temperature
• Pale gums
• Difficulty standing
• Excessive bleeding
• Seizures
• Rapid breathing
• Weak or rapid pulse
• Paralysis
• Loss of consciousness

What do I do in Case of a Pet Emergency?

1.     Chat With Your Vet Beforehand.

• Not many vets are open all hours, so chat with your vet now already about their after-hours and emergency procedures.
• Be sure to save their emergency number on your phone.
• Save your pet insurance details on your phone for easy reference. The last thing you want is to have to fumble through paperwork when your pet is in agony.

2.     Apply Basic First Aid

In almost all instances the vet will have to check your pet, but there are a few things you can do before you arrive:

Cut or a Wound:

• If the wound is dirty, flush it out with warm salty water.
• Apply a clean cloth and apply firm pressure on the wound.
• Elevate the wounded part of the body.
• Wrap your pet in a warm blanket and keep them calm.
• Go to the vet.

Choking

• Place your fingers in your pet’s mouth to see if you can remove the obstruction.
• If you cannot, try giving a ‘Heimlich’ by giving a sharp rap to the chest.
• Wrap your pet in a warm blanket and keep them calm.
• Go to the vet.

Swallowed Poison

• If your pet has swallowed something poisonous, like snail bait, rat poison, etc, then call the vet immediately.
• You can also contact the Griffon Poison Centre on +27 12 446 8946 and they will advise you on whether to induce vomiting or not, based on the age and size of your dog.

3.     Take Your Dog to the Vet

• Call the vet or ask your friend to call ahead to prepare them for your arrival.
• Many pets become aggressive when wounded. Your safety is crucial, so first check to see if your pet is acting aggressive or not.
  • If yes, call for help.
  • If not, carefully place your pet on a board or ‘stretcher’, taking care to support the neck and back, and go to the vet.

I hope you never have to use this advice!

But if you do, knowing that your pet has unlimited cover with us means the only thing you have to worry about is your pet getting better.

Enjoy your pets!

Brent