Pet Emergency 9-1-1

by Tina Knight

Most pet owners experience some sort of emergency health situation during the life of their pet.  If you are prepared ahead of time, it can make a stressful situation a little less so. This article will offer some good information to help you know what to do in the event you do have an emergency with your pet.

When you get a pet, one of the first things you should do (besides finding a good veterinarian) is to locate the nearest emergency veterinary clinic to your home. Some vets offer 24-hour emergency services, but many do not. Ask your vet if they provide, or know of a nearby veterinarian that provides around-the-clock services. It’s important to remember that “after hours” or emergency visits often cost more than regular, scheduled visits do.

What constitutes an emergency? You know your pet better than anyone else does. If you observe any abnormal behavior such as difficulty breathing, lethargy, any sort of sudden swelling, obvious signs of pain, etc. call your veterinarian immediately. They can advise you on whether you should bring the pet to their office or go to the closest emergency facility. Of course, if your veterinary office is closed, call the emergency facility right away and advise them of the type of emergency you are experiencing and let them know you are on your way. This way, they can be prepared to attend to your pet as soon as you walk in the door.

Caring for any pet can be expensive, but caring for a pet with emergent medical needs can be extremely expensive. Some emergency vets offer payment plans but many require payment at the time of service. One option that is gaining popularity among dog and cat owners is a “pet savings account”. Some banks and pet insurance companies offer specific savings accounts for pets, but any savings account can be used as an emergency pet fund.

Another way to save a lot of time and worry is to learn basic pet first aid. The American Red Cross offers classes in Pet First Aid and CPR. Visit their website at www.redcross.org to find a class in your area. However, first aid is not a substitute for qualified veterinary care, whenever you treat your pet for anything at home, it’s important to take the pet to your regular vet as soon as possible.

In addition to 24-hour emergency pet facilities, there are pet hospitals that specialize in services beyond the scope of routine veterinary care. They may specialize in areas such as oncology (cancer), orthopedic surgery or physical therapy among others. If your pet is ever in need of such treatment, your veterinarian can recommend a qualified specialist in your area. As with emergency treatment, any kind of specialized treatment is often very costly. Many pet owners face the heart wrenching choice of limiting care out of financial necessity. With a little forethought, you can plan and save for a rainy day; you won’t have to face that terrible decision with your pet.

Veterinary care has come a long way in the past few years as evidenced by the number of pet ERs and specialty hospitals that now exist. It is a comfort to most owners to know that these types of facilities are available if needed. To find an emergency veterinarian near you, visit http://acvecc.org/members.php.