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Travel Tips
Emergency Situations
In cases of an emergency, remember that first aid is not a
substitute for veterinary treatment. However, on the way to the vet,
a basic knowledge of pet first aid can be beneficial.
An animal that is sick or hurt can be easily startled and may react
aggressively. The first thing you must do when handling such
situations is to protect yourself. Using gloves, wrapping a cat in a
blanket, or muzzling a dog, are good safeguards during an emergency.
A primary objective in responding to an emergency is to relieve
suffering and to instill a sense of calmness in your pet. Try and
keep the animal warm and quiet.
Always have a plan in place when traveling with your pet. It is a
good idea to bring along or find a regional guide for pet related
services for the province you are traveling in or check with your
Pets Can Stay host to ensure that you have access to daytime and
emergency veterinary services in your destination area. This may
also be a good time to explore the possibility of purchasing pet
medical insurance.
First Aid Tips for emergency use while travelling:
Preparation is critical when it comes to dealing with a pet
emergency. Be sure you know where you can access the services of a
veterinarian 24 hrs a day while travelling.
Here are a few tips and treatments that can assist you during an
emergency. However, always seek veterinary care immediately
following the administration of first aid.
Bite Wounds
Approach the injured animal cautiously as it may be scared and/or in
pain. Muzzle the animal with a strip of soft cloth, a stocking or
similar material. Clean the wound by flushing it with copious
amounts of a saline solution. (You can make this yourself with a 4:1
ratio of sterilized water and salt if necessary.) Alternatively, use
clean (boiled and cooled) water alone. Wrap wounds with gauze to
keep clean. Apply immediate pressure to bleeding wounds. Seek
medical attention.
Bleeding
Apply firm pressure directly over the area until bleeding ceases. Do
not use tight bandages in covering, as it will cut off circulation.
Seek medical attention.
Burns (Electrical, chemical, heat burns)
Flush continuously with large amounts of cold water and apply a
clean ice pack, which has been covered with a clean cloth. Do not
apply ice directly to an open burn. If the animal has been in
contact with dry chemicals, they cannot be brought into contact with
water at the risk of activating the chemicals and incurring further
burns. Always brush the chemicals off carefully. Seek medical
attention.
Diarrhea
Give only water for 12-24 hours. Do not self-diagnose or treat
diarrhea except on the advice of a veterinarian. Seek medical
attention.
Fractures
Approach the injured animal cautiously as it may be scared and/or in
pain. Muzzle the animal with a strip of soft cloth, a stocking or
similar material. Check for any signs of bleeding. Transport the pet
immediately to the veterinarian while supporting the injured area.
Poisoning
Pets are often exposed to many toxic sources on a daily basis.
Natural sources, such as certain plants, are poisonous when
ingested. Artificial sources of poison, including weed killers, lawn
sprays, fertilizers, ant powders, bug sprays, etc., are commonplace
in many neighbourhoods.
If you think that your pet has ingested a poisonous material:
Try to determine exactly what was ingested, when it was ingested,
and the amount ingested (if possible). Remember that animals can
also absorb chemicals through their paws or lungs, particularly as
they are so low to the ground. It is irresponsible to allow a pet to
walk on chemically sprayed or treated lawns (lawns that have been
treated with "weed and feed", etc.)
- Keep a supply of activated charcoal and/or milk of magnesia on
hand in case of an emergency. If possible, administer only after
contacting the local poison control centre or veterinarian.
- If you are able to get your pet to a veterinarian, bring along the
container or label of the offending substance.
- Always keep emergency contact numbers for your veterinarian and
nearest poison control centre handy. |
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