Pet Emergency Information

Indiana (April 4, 2005) -- What if your pet was facing a health emergency, and his or her life depended on your quick decisions? Would you know what to do? Pet first-aid may be required for many unexpected injuries and conditions, including puncture wounds, poisoning, choking, heat stroke, breathing difficulties, electrical shock, and car accidents. Advance planning can make the difference between life and death for your pet. Indiana-PAW encourages Hoosiers to do five things to prepare for a pet emergency:

1.  ESTABLISH A PET FIRST-AID KIT.
Purchase a pet first-aid kit and pet first-aid manual from a pet store or online retailer. Keep the kit in an accessible location, and make sure you and family members are familiar with its contents and have read the first-aid manual in advance. The kit should include gauze, adhesive tape, nonstick bandages, antibiotic ointment, clean towel, cotton balls, hydrogen peroxide, isopropyl alcohol, latex gloves, scissors, tweezers, sterile eye wash, an instant cold pack, and a card with phone numbers for your veterinarian, animal poison control center, and nearest 24-hour emergency vet clinic.

2.  RECOGNIZE AN EMERGENCY.
You know your pet, and are in the best position to observe behavior and health changes that may signal an emergency. Look out for unusual crying or whining; coughing; bleeding; dizziness; confusion; vomiting; diarrhea; increased urination; excessive drooling; uncontrollable panting; and irregular or difficult breathing. If you observe any of these things, contact your veterinarian immediately.

3.  POST EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS NEAR YOUR PHONE. 
Your veterinarian, animal poison control center, and 24-hour emergency vet clinic can often provide basic first-aid instruction via telephone. It's critical that you have these numbers by the phone, so that in a life and death situation, you don't lose time. Make sure children and sitters are also aware of them. Familiarize yourself with driving directions to the nearest 24-hour emergency vet clinic. For a list of 24-hour Indiana emergency vet clinics, visit www.indiana-paw.com

4.  LEARN HOW TO TREAT COMMON PET INJURIES.
Many injuries can be treated with common sense and basic first-aid. Talk to your veterinarian about how to properly administer first-aid. Purchase and read a pet first-aid book (available via pet stores, book stores, online retailers and the Red Cross). Contact your local Red Cross Chapter and/or Humane Society to register for a pet first-aid course.

5.  PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE. 
Take steps to prevent emergencies from happening. For example, keep your pet indoors, in a fenced yard, or on a leash. Pet-proof your home and make sure medications and cleaners are out of reach and electrical cords are taped down. Keep your pet's vaccinations current. Include pets in your fire escape plans. Take your pet to the vet regularly, and in between visits, check them for health changes. Indiana-PAW is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to Indiana animal welfare education. Its mission is to use education and advocacy to reduce the number of companion animals who are euthanized in Indiana, and to cultivate in the community a sense of respect for the needs of those animals with whom we share our world. For more information, visit www.indiana-paw.com.