- For our emergency services, walk-ins are welcome,
however, we recommend that you CALL FIRST so that we may be best prepared for your pet's emergency.
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Although it may not normally be in your pet's nature, any injured or scared animal can potentially bite.
Please use extreme caution when approaching or moving any injured animal!
however, we recommend that you CALL FIRST so that we may be best prepared for your pet's emergency.
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Although it may not normally be in your pet's nature, any injured or scared animal can potentially bite.
Please use extreme caution when approaching or moving any injured animal!
If your pet is injured, it could be in pain and is also most likely scared and confused.
You need to take extreme care to avoid getting hurt, bitten or scratched.
- Don’t panic! Rapid response is important, but panicking can interfere with the process of helping your pet.
- Call your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic before you move your pet so they can be ready for you when you arrive.
- Never assume that even the most gentle pet will not bite or scratch if injured. Pain and fear can make animals unpredictable and even dangerous.
- Don't attempt to hug an injured pet, and always keep your face away from its mouth. Although this may be your first impulse to comfort your pet, it might only scare the animal more or cause them pain.
- Perform any examination slowly and gently. Stop if your animal becomes more agitated.
- If necessary and if your pet is not vomiting, place a muzzle on the pet to reduce the chances you'll be bitten.
- Dogs may be muzzled with towels, stockings, rope, a shoelace, or gauze.
- Cats and other small animals may be wrapped in a towel to restrain them, but make sure your pet is not wrapped in the towel too tightly and its nose is uncovered so it can breathe.
- NEVER muzzle your pet if it is vomiting!
- Typically, it is unnecessary to stabilize injuries before moving an injured animal. Improperly applied splints or bandages may do more harm than good. Most mobile pets will take care in not provoking an injury in the short time it will take you to transport them to a veterinary clinic.
- While transporting your injured pet, keep it confined in a small area to reduce the risk of additional injury. Pet carriers work well, or you can use a box or other container (but make sure your pet has enough air). For larger dogs, you can use a board, toboggan/sled, door, throw rug, blanket or something similar to act as a stretcher if they are unconscious, seizuring or unable to walk.
- Seizing pets can be particularly difficult and dangerous to transport. Please see our page dedicated to transportating a seizing pet.
- You should always keep your pet's medical records in a safe, easily accessible place. Bring these with you when you take your dog for emergency treatment.
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