Talking Tails - 4/4/17

In addition to the following emergency tips, have your vet’s name, address, and phone number available in a convenient location and entered in your cell phone. Do the same for your nearest pet emergency facility in the event you are dealing with an after-hours emergency.

Heat stroke is one of the most common dog emergencies. We mention this one first because it seems like summer is quickly approaching! We can’t sweat like humans, so we are much more sensitive to high temperatures. Remember that cars heat up quickly, so don’t leave us behind, no matter how short your errand. Symptoms of a possible heat stroke include heavy panting or difficulty breathing, inability or not wanting to walk, wobbliness, and deep red gums. The quickest way to address heat stroke is to cool your dog down with cold water from a hose, shower, or bath tub. Follow this up with an immediate trip to the vet to be sure internal organs are not damaged.

If your dog is bitten by another animal, contact your vet. No matter how minor the wound may appear, it needs to be checked out to prevent infection and to determine if there are internal wounds. Signs of poisoning include dilated pupils, drooling or mouth foaming, seizures or other abnormal behavior. In the event that an emergency situation results in your dog bleeding, use gauze and apply direct pressure to the wound until you get to the vet.

You may also want to check out the Red Cross Pet First Aid App, available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. The app provides instructions and videos for common first aid emergencies that you can follow until you get veterinary assistance.

Emergencies are unsettling for all involved, so take the time this month to educate yourself on what to do in case you find yourself facing this situation.

Talk to you soon!

Buster and Joey