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What to do in an
Emergency
Assess before you react
Check the animal's level of consciousness. Use the "ABC's" of
first aid.
A stands for
airway
Note whether the chest is rising and falling while listening closely
for the sounds of breathing. If you're certain the animal is
unconscious, check for an obstructed airway by extending the head
and neck and pulling the tongue forward to look in the mouth.
Remove any saliva or vomit with a finger sweep.
B means checking for
breathing and
bleeding (and banding
as needed).
C means assessing
cardiovascular
issues: heart function, pulse, and capillary refill time.
Check capillary refill time by pressing on the pet's gums.
It's critical to call a
veterinarian if:
It takes less than one second or more than two seconds
for color to return to the gums.
You can't find a pulse or the patient isn't breathing
(you also may start CPR if properly trained).
You see obvious or life-threatening injuries to the eyes,
ears, nose, neck, chest, abdomen, back and extremities.
Plan Ahead
Keep emergency numbers near or programmed into the
phone.
Animal Emergency and Trauma Center (360)
697-7771
ASPCA (Animal Poison Control Center) (888)
4-ANI-HELP
Transporting Injured
Pets
When you're ready to transport your pet, encourage him to
lie on his side, but don't force. Putting a blanket over your
pet's head and body may also calm him! Encourage your pet to
hold still, and prevent heat loss. You can transport small
pets in a commercial carrier or cardboard box.
Don't put pressure on the stomach. If your pet is
unconscious, position its head in normal alignment with the body -
not flexed upward or downward as this could cause interference with
blood flow to and from the brain. If you vomits or appears to
have head trauma, position the head below the heart by angling the
backboard to keep the airway and lungs clear.
Once you secure your pet, call your veterinarian or the
emergency facility (if you haven't already).
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