Prevention:  Keeping Your Pet Safe

It is important to know how to recognize some of the signs and symptoms that indicate your pet may be ill or need emergency care. However, adopting a proactive approach to keeping your pet safe is the best pet insurance you can have.

For example, be sure to keep household items (cleaners, pesticides, etc.) out of reach, choose non-toxic plants, and, if in doubt, keep all plants out of reach. New kittens or puppies, in particular, are notorious for getting into things and exploring the world with their noses and mouths. Be sure to provide safe toys and treats to occupy their time and keep them away from potentially dangerous household items.

Below is a brief list of just a few potential house plant and household dangers your pet might encounter. We've included a list of helpful links below that provide further information on potential dangers and how to keep your pet safe.

Toxic plants

The following plants and household substances may contain a wide variety of poisons. Most cause vomiting, abdominal pain, cramps. Some cause tremors, heart and respiratory and/or kidney problems which are often difficult for owners to interpret:

amaryllis

elephant ears

pot mum

chrysanthemum

poinsettia

asparagus fern

glocal ivy

ripple ivy

azalea

heart ivy

spider mum

bird of paradise

sprangeri fern

creeping charlie

jerusalem cherry

umbrella plant

crown of thorns

needlepoint ivy
dumb cane (highly lethal)

Poisonous household items

Acetaminophen        
Antifreeze

Lead
Aspirin

Lye
Bleach

Matches
Boric Acid

Metal Polish
Brake Fluid

Mineral Spirits
Carbon Monoxide

Mothballs
Carburetor Cleaner

Nail Polish & Remover
Christmas Tinsel

Paint & Remover

Chocolate

Cleaning Fluid

Perm Solutions
Deodorants

Phenol
Detergents

Photo Developer
Disinfectants

Rat Poison
Drain Cleaner

Rubbing Alcohol
Dye

Shoe Polish
Fungicides

Sleeping Pills
Furniture Polish

Soaps
Gasoline

Suntan Lotions
Hair Colorings

Tar
Herbicides

Turpentine
Insecticides

Windshield Fluid
Kerosene

Wood Stains  

Laxatives

Source: K9Web.Com: Canine Medical Information

Preparation and Quick Action

If you are a pet owner, here are 7 important things you should know before and when you're faced with a pet emergency. We've included a few steps you may be able to take immediately--before you arrive at the hospital--to make sure you and your animal arrive safely.

Be Prepared. Before you're faced with an emergency, be prepared!  Know how to contact your local emergency clinic. This simple guideline can help save the life of your pet. We've included a printable card with Affiliated Pet Services information here for you to keep handy and to include with your other important numbers.

Approach with Caution. As you approach any injured animal--even your own--pay attention to his body language and any sounds he is making. Dogs react instinctively to pain and even the sweetest dog can go from docile to aggressive. Use a soft, gentle, calming voice. Avoid direct eye contact since some pets will perceive this as a confrontation or threat. Muzzles, or hand made muzzles, are helpful in deterring bites if necessary.

Grab the Package. If your animal has ingested something potentially toxic, bring the package or container with you. This will help emergency personnel identify the toxin and treat your animal appropriately.
 

Stop the Bleeding. If there is an obvious source of bleeding, apply pressure (not a tourniquet) to control the hemorrhage. Pressure is best applied with a clean cloth or towel applied directly to the wound. Hold pressure for at least 10 straight minutes until bleeding has stopped.

Bandage. A bandage helps to cover or apply pressure to a wound to protect or control hemorrhage. Bandages can be fabricated from towels, washcloths, paper towels, or just about any piece of fabric. Bandages should cover the wound but not cut off circulation altogether. Promptly call us and transport your animal for further observation and treatment.

Cool Down. On hot days, animals can quickly suffer from heatstroke. If you notice signs of heatstroke such as high body temperature, labored or heavy breathing, or collapse, act quickly. Cool your pet down by soaking him with a garden hose or covering in a wet towel. If possible, place him in a cool tub. You don't want to over cool and should stop cooling when the rectal temperature reaches 103 degrees F. Promptly call us and transport your animal for further observation and treatment.

Call or Find A Friend or Neighbor. If possible, have a friend, neighbor, or someone help you with moving your animal and driving. In the car, it is best to have one person keep the pet calm or settled while the other drives to the hospital.

Bring Your Wallet, Identification, and Payment Options. Sometimes in an emergency, we're all guilty of forgetting the most basic things. So, be sure to grab your wallet, driver's license, checkbook, and credit cards, if you have them. If you get stopped driving without a license, your arrival could be delayed! In addition, it is our policy to require payment at time of service. Fees may be paid by cash, check, Visa^®, MasterCard^®, or Discover^®.  No delayed billing for fees will be authorized. For checks, we require a valid driver's license for identification and the person writing a check must have their name preprinted on the check/account. We also require a deposit--that will be applied to the final bill--for ALL hospitalized patients. Be prepared for any scenario. We will give you ample information and time to ask questions and understand proposed treatment, costs, and payment options once you arrive.

Transport. You can use any strong sturdy instrument such as a board, stretcher, hammock or strong blanket to help move or transport severely injured pets that are unable to walk. Gently roll or move the pet onto your device. You may need two people to pick up and move your pet once secured. Be careful as this procedure may cause pain to an injured pet or expose you and your helper to risk of bite injury. Be sure to "grab the package" if your pet has ingested something toxic. Call us immediately and be sure to drive safely to the hospital!