If you're reading this article because your pet has had an accident or is exhibiting signs that she is in distress, stop reading and contact your veterinarian immediately.

"As wonderful as the Web is, it is not a substitute for real life veterinary advice, diagnosis and treatment," says Dr. Lara Marie Rasmussen, also known as Dr. Razz at Rescue Critters in Van Nuys, Calif.

Secrets Your Vet Keeps | Pet Industry Secrets

Before an emergency strikes, be sure you know how your veterinarian handles emergencies or where you should go in case of an emergency. If your vet does not have someone on call 24 hours a day, you should know the phone number and location of the closest after-hours emergency clinic before an emergency strikes.

First Aid Kit Checklist

Be prepared for emergencies by putting together a pet first-aid kit. .

HealthyPet.com suggests you stock your pet's first-aid kit with:

• Your veterinarian's phone number along with the telephone number of your nearest 24-hour emergency clinic
• Latex gloves to protect you while you attend to the animal
• Gauze to wrap wounds or muzzle animal
• Adhesive tape for bandages
• Nonstick bandages to protect wounds or control bleeding. Towels and cloth
• Hydrogen peroxide (3 percent)
• Milk of Magnesia or activated charcoal to absorb poison (Call vet or poison control center first. Do NOT induce vomiting!)
• Large syringe without needle or eyedropper (to give oral treatments)
• Muzzle (soft cloth, rope, necktie or nylon stocking) or use a towel to cover a small animal's head. Never muzzle an animal if it has been vomiting.
• Stretcher (A door, board, blanket or floor mat)

You should also have contact information for a friend or neighbor who can help you transport your pet to the doctor or emergency clinic if you cannot do it alone.

If your pet is injured, think about your safety first as injured animals may bite when they are in pain. Muzzle your pet using a necktie, stocking or any other soft strip of cloth at your disposal.

If she is bleeding, use a clean towel or T-shirt to apply direct pressure on the wound.

Before moving an injured animal, place him on a makeshift stretcher. Do not attempt to bandage or set a broken limb.

Bite Wounds

If your pet has been bitten by another animal, approach the pet carefully. Muzzle her to avoid getting bitten. Clean the wound with a saline solution or regular water. Wrap large open wounds to keep them clean. If bleeding, apply pressure. Avoid bandages or tourniquets that cut off circulation.

Bleeding

Uncontrolled bleeding is always an emergency.

Apply firm, direct pressure over the area to control the bleeding. Hold the pressure for at least 10 straight minutes.

Breathing or Respiratory Difficulties

Breathing difficulties should always be considered an emergency.

Symptoms include labored breathing, shallow breathing or breathing at a faster rate than usual, continuous sneezing or coughing, no pulse or heart beat, bluish or white gums or tongue.

If your pet stops breathing, try mouth-to-nose ventilation. The Animal Channel advises the following: Place the animal on a firm surface with its left side up and listen for a pulse in the area where the elbow touches the chest. If the animal has a pulse but is not breathing, close its mouth and breathe directly into its nose until the chest expands. Repeat 12 to 15 times per minute.

If there is no pulse, apply heart compression. The heart is located in the lower half of the chest, behind the elbow of the front left leg. Place one hand below the heart to support the chest and the other hand over the heart. Compress gently.

In small animals, compress the heart with the thumb and forefingers of one hand. Apply compression 80-120 times per minute in large animals and 100-150 times per minute in small animals. Alternate between heart massage and the breathing technique described above.

Choking

Symptoms include difficulty breathing, excessive pawing at the mouth, blue lips and tongue.

According to the TheAnimalChannel.com, your pet will likely be frantic and more likely to bite. If the pet is breathing, keep it calm and go to the veterinarian as quickly as possible. Check to see if a foreign object is visible. Carefully clear the airway by removing the object with pliers or tweezers. Do not push it farther down the throat. If it is lodged too deeply or the pet collapses, place your hands on both sides of the rib cage and apply firm, quick pressure. Or, place the animal on its side and strike the side of the rib cage firmly with the palm of your hand three or four times. Repeat this procedure until the object is dislodged or you arrive at the veterinarian's office.

Poisoning

Symptoms include vomiting, convulsions, diarrhea, salivation, weakness, depression and pain. Vomiting blood could also be a sign of poisoning.

Immediately call your veterinarian or poison control center. Do not induce vomiting.

Seizures

Symptoms include: Salivation, loss of control of urine or stool, violent muscle twitching, loss of consciousness.

Move the pet away from objects that could be harmful during the seizure. Do not attempt to restrain the pet during the seizure. Seizures usually last only 2 to 3 minutes. Keep the animal calm and quiet until you can get it to a veterinarian or emergency clinic.

Emergencies Are Not Always Obvious

You know your pet best. Any sudden change in his behavior should be monitored closely. If he is exhibiting any symptoms that are not normal for him, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

According to Dr. Holly Nash of the Veterinary Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc., "If your dog is sick or injured and you are unsure of the severity of the condition, it is always best to err on the side of caution and contact your veterinarian or emergency clinic right away." More Resources

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