Emergencies of any sort are always stressful. Pet emergencies are no different. Not knowing what to do when your animal companion has suffered harm only adds to the frustration and fear for both owner and pet. So today, we are going to talk you through what to do in a pet emergency.
The first and sometimes hardest thing to do is to make sure it is safe to approach your pet. If they are on the road, make sure you don’t step in front of a car as your race out to help them. This seems obvious but when emotions are high, it’s easy to forget. Remember: if you are not safe, you cannot help your pet.
Although it is obvious to you what you are doing, it won’t be to your injured pet. A crisis will trigger their fight-or-flight response and they will be alarmed. You will want to rush and do things quickly, but your pet won’t understand why. Be sure to approach them calmly and reassuringly. If you have to lift them up, make sure their body is supported. If they are cold, wrap them in a blanket. Do what you can to make sure your pet is comfortable on the way to us.
Pets brought into the hospital are seen based on urgency and calling ahead lets us prepare for your arrival. But it does more than that. Our staff can give you advice on what to do in an emergency, including talking you through some first aid, to make sure your pet isn’t put in any more danger.
Calling ahead will tell you if we are open. You don’t want to waste time driving to either our vet practices both are shut. If it’s a public holiday, after 8pm on a weekday or during the night on a weekend, we will not be open.
If we are closed, don’t worry! You can take your pet to the Frankston Animal Emergency Centre. The Animal Emergency Centre work outside of hours and are nearby, just opposite Bunnings on McMahons Rd. If we are closed and you do take your pet to the AEC, remember to call them before you arrive as well. Their phone number is (03) 9770 5555.
If your pet is suffering from severe acute symptoms, or has been involved in an accident, call us. No matter what the animal or the emergency, our staff are highly trained in providing emergency care to any pet.
For more information, go to our Emergency Pet Care page, or contact us.