It can happen in an instant. A cat swatting at a bee gets stung. A dog chasing a rabbit darts into traffic and gets hit. While emergencies are stressful for both pets and owners, a little education can help put an animal on the road to recovery.
What might be a nuisance to one animal could be fatal to another, and a bee sting is a perfect example. Some animals could go into anaphylactic shock, while others may simply have an irritated bump. For the former, go to the vet immediately.
For the latter, Danielle Stokes, a veterinarian at Stack Veterinary Hospital in Syracuse, N.Y., recommends Benadryl. The vet will be able to provide the correct dosage.
Broken bones can be tricky. While they all most certainly require immediate attention from a vet, the owner’s response might vary. Owners can put a splint on a broken bone, says Sandy McDaniel, veterinary assistant program director at Great Lakes Institute of Technology in Erie, Pa. The method is the same as using a splint on a human, but on an angle for a rear leg. Then, the owner should lay the animal on a flat board, with the injured limb up, to transport. Do not splint or wrap if you are inexperienced.
McDaniel also recommends having someone sit in the back seat on the way to the animal hospital to help keep the pet calm and safe.
Stokes advises caution when a pet is bleeding. Wrapping the wound too tightly can cut off the blood supply or do damage to the tendons.
“Use an old towel, and apply firm pressure,” McDaniel says. “Wrap another towel or wide tape or a belt around the area to keep the pressure firm. Do not tie anything too tightly.”
Many times, a pet owner doesn’t see the injury occur. While not every injury or illness requires a rush to the vet, McDaniel advises erring on the side of caution.
“If you’re not sure what could have happened, make an appointment,” she says. Pay attention to changes in the animal’s behavior.
“You know your pet. You know what’s normal and what’s not normal,” she says.
While some situations require immediate attention, such as trouble breathing, others can be approached with a wait-and-see attitude.
While many injuries can be handled at home, a call to the vet is always prudent, Stokes says.
“Every pet is individual. They react differently to different things,” she says. “Find out whether what you’re doing is going to hurt them or help them.”
