How to handle pet emergencies

As a pet owner, you may find yourself in a situation where your pet requires emergency treatment.  Please read the following provided by the South African Veterinary Council and be well prepared for any pet emergency.


What is an emergency ::

Any situation you believe is potentially life-threatening for your pet within a short period of time, or that may lead to permanent health problems if not attended to immediately.  Your pet may show any of the following signs:

  • Sudden weakness
  • Sudden difficulty walking
  • Severe bleeding
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Collapse
  • Ongoing seizures
  • Sudden and ongoing pain (yelping, shaking, hiding, refusing to interact)
  • Vomiting 

Do you have an emergency action plan ::

As a responsible pet owner, it is advisable to have a plan in place should your pet require emergency care.  Prepare yourself by doing the following:

  • Have your local veterinarian's number handy or save it on your cellphone
  • Find out if they are available after hours; if not, who you can contact in the case of an emergency
  • Your veterinarian's after hours contact number, if available
  • The contact number and address of the nearest after-hours veterinary practice
  • If you own a less common pet that needs specialised care (bird, hamster, snake etc) make sure you find an emergency facility which can deal with that species
  • Keep your records up to date at all veterinary practices you may use to avoid wasting time on administration when there is an emergency
  • Find out what the consukting hours are for your local practice
  • Find out if your local veterinary practice has an ambulance service
  • Make sure you know the way to the veterinarian 
  • Save the coordinates of their address on your GPS

When you have an emergency ::

  • Stay calm when phoning the veterinarian
  • State your name
  • State the nature of the emergency; explain what is wrong with your pet and how long it has been going on for
  • Listen carefully to any instructions from the vet, preferably write them down
  • Provide your contact details
  • Should this not be your regular veterinarian, provide the name and contact details of your regular veterinarian
  • Handle the pet with care as pain could cause unexpected bites
  • Put a small pet in a carrier and use a blanket to carry a big dog
  • Get you and your pet to the vet safely
  • Give your full cooperation to the veterinary health team (let go of the patient)

How to transport your pet ::

  • For small pets, keep a secure basket or pet carrier within easy reach
  • Make your pet used to the carrier by making plesant associations with the carrier e.g. using treats or toys
  • For larger pets, keep an old blanket handy so that you can carry the patient in it
  • Make sure your pets are used to riding in the car when they are healthy and make it fun for them - this ensures that the trip to the vet is less stressful for them
  • If you do not have your own transport, ensure that you have some options available in case of an emergency, e.g. a helpful neighbour or family member

What to take with you ::

  • Your drivers license
  • Your identity document
  • Your phone
  • Your wallet
  • Your house keys

How will you pay for the treatment?

As a pet owner, you are responsible for all aspects of your pet's care, including veterinary services.  Veterinary facilities are private businesses that do not receive subsidies and therefore have to charge for their services.  The standards of veterinary care are the same as those fir human health care.  To maintain excellent standards, practices need to charge realistic fees and, in some emergencies, this could amount to thousands of rands.  Most practices work on a cash basis i.e. requiring immediate payment for services rendered, therefore it is essential that you make provision for unexpected veterinary costs.

Here are some ideas:
  • Keep a pet emergency fund on hand at home
  • Budget for veterinary expenses every month
  • Join a pet health insurance scheme

Don't let worries about money become an issue when your pet's life is hanging in the balance.

First aid for pets ::

  • Keep in mind the following basic first aid principles
  • Stay calm - this keep sthe pet calm
  • Animals in pain may bite - be careful and use a muzzle if you have one
  • Avoid touching the patient - when in pain, they do not appreciate patting and stroking
  • Acute bleeing - apply direct pressure with a clean towel
  • Seizures - leave an animal that is having a fit - do not try to pull out the tongue - just make sure that the environment is safe for your pet
  • Do not give any uman medicine to your pet, unless specifically instructed to do so by your vet
  • Get the patient to the vet as quickly as possible