Emergency Care
Get your pet to a vet
If you’re away from home, go to the nearest vet in an emergency. We are not fussed if you don’t come to us, just get your pet the help they require.
It’s best to ring ahead so the vet you choose can prepare for an emergency case. This will also help you to determine if they are open or not.
It’s best to ring ahead so the vet you choose can prepare for an emergency case. This will also help you to determine if they are open or not.
Give your pet first aid
Constantly reassure your pet that they are okay, talk to them or hold them if possible. If you can’t try to make their transit as calm as you can.
Remember that the first rule of first aid is to keep yourself safe so do not put yourself in any danger to help your pet or any animal.
The best first aid is to call the vet.
Other things you can do to help are to constantly reassure your pet that they are okay, talk to them or hold them if possible. If you cannot try to make their transit as calm as you can.
If the vets are closed
Always call your vet in any emergency. Even when closed, all vets provide an out of hours service either directly or through another provider.
At Croft you will automatically be directed to Vets Now.
Recognise an Emergency
If you are worried, always call your vet for advice. You know your pet better than anyone but if your pet is displaying any of the following signs or symptoms then we recommend that you call immediately or come straight down, ideally letting us know you are on your way so we can ensure we are prepared for your pet and any emergency arising
- are not breathing or are having difficulty breathing
- are unresponsive
- may have broken bones
- are having a fit/seizure
- are having difficulty moving or coordinating movements
- may have eaten something toxic
- have collapsed and cannot get up
- have been vomiting or passing diarrhoea for more than 24 hours.
What to do Next
Don’t panic
We know it’s scary but if your pet is injured, you’ll be more help to them if you can stay calm.
Call the vets
Explain what’s happened and let them know that you’re on your way and when you’ll arrive.
Be Aware
Animals can lash out when they’re in pain which can injure you and cause more complications for them.
No food or water
Don’t give your pet any food or water unless your vet has specifically told you to do so.
Animals can suffer from Heatstroke too!
Pets can quickly overheat in hot weather.
Avoid heatstroke by:
- Never leave your pet in a hot car. Remember it is a criminal offence to subject your pet to preventable distress.
- Making sure they always have access to shelter and shade.
- Ensure that your pet always has access to water.
- Not walking dogs in the hottest part of the day – go before lunch or wait until it’s cooled down in the evening.
- Be aware of the state of their coat. If it’s moulting time help them out by grooming them regularly to remove old or matted fur.
- Let them rest, hot days are tiring for your pet too!
If you think your pet has heatstroke, treat it as an emergency. You’ll need to gradually lower their body temperature so they can recover.
- Move your pet into a shady, cool area.
- Pour small amounts of room-temperature water over their body. Don’t use cold water as this could put your pet into shock.
- If you can, wrap your pet in wet towels and put them in front of a fan.
- Let them drink small amounts of cool water.
- Keep pouring water over them until their breathing starts to settle. Don’t cool them down so much they start to shiver.
- Once they’ve cooled them down, take them to the vet as an emergency. They’ll need to be checked over.
Traffic Incidents
Assess the situation
- What’s the danger to you and others?
- Always make sure it’s safe to intervene.
- If vehicles are damaged or people hurt call 999.
- Direct the traffic around the accident if you can.
- It may be hard but ALWAYS help people before animals.
Keep calm and don’t panic
- Get someone to phone the nearest vet.
- Approach the pet from the front so they can see you.
- Avoid any sudden movements.
- Speak gently, using the pet’s name if you know it.
- Try to reassure the pet if you can.
Get them to a vet
- Don’t move the pet if you think they might have damaged their spine – unless your vet tells you to.
- If the pet can walk, gently coax them to a car and help them get in.
- If they can’t walk then lift them with one hand under their hind legs and the other around their chest. If they’re too big to carry, use a blanket, coat, rug or firm board as a make-shift stretcher.
- As you move them, make sure that their breathing isn’t obstructed.
Microchipping your pet gives them the best chance of being correctly identified and reunited with you if they were to become lost or stolen. Dogs, Cats and Rabbits can all be microchipped. Since April 2016 it has been a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped with the owner’s details up to date at all times.
First Aid Kit for Pets
Of course, it is always best to seek professional veterinary treatment when your pet gets hurt. However, you may find yourself in a situation where you cannot get to a vet as quickly as is ideal and, in this case, you may need to care for your pet initially.
Always call the vet as they can often give you advice and guidance on what to do.
If you wish to though you may wish to take a first aid for pets’ course, many of which are often available at local night classes.
