What to Do in an Emergency
No matter how careful and responsible you are with your dog, emergencies will probably arise. It's a scary prospect, but you can decrease your stress level and make your dog safer by having a game plan. Most emergencies happen when we least expect them, so know where vet care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Keep those telephone numbers handy, along with the poison-control hotline numbers.
It helps to know your dog's normal vital signs as well. Its temperature should be between 101 and 102 degrees, respiration rate 15 to 20 breaths per minute, and heart rate 80 to 120 beats per minute. You should learn how to take your dog's temperature, too. This procedure is much easier if you have a helper to keep the dog standing while the thermometer is in place.
Using the same type of thermometer you would use on a person. Shake it down to 96 degrees and lubricate it with petroleum jelly. Holding up your dog's tail, place it inside the dog's anus. For a small dog, it should be inserted about an inch inside the anus. Hold it in place for one to two minutes. After removing it and reading the temperature, wipe the thermometer with alcohol and store it in a safe place. Do not use this thermometer for any other purpose.
When your dog is ill, knowing such information can help the vet make a diagnosis. You should also note when the symptoms first appeared and how often they have occurred. As a responsible dog owner, having a basic knowledge of pet first aid is most helpful. Many excellent books and videos are available on this topic in stores and online.
Keep your dog's health records handy. In an emergency, the vet caring for your dog may need to have immunization records and other health data when coming up with a diagnosis and treatment plan.
In any emergency, remain calm. Call your vet or the emergency clinic to inform them of the problem. They may tell you to come right in or offer advice on handling the situation at home. Of course, getting your dog to the hospital is up to you. It is enormously helpful to have a friend or family member accompany you. If your dog cannot be placed in a crate, put it on a blanket for the ride. For your dog's sake, remain calm and drive safely.
At the hospital, you will probably not be allowed to accompany the dog into the treatment area. Just as you would at a human hospital, you'll remain in the waiting room for word on your dog's condition while emergency care is administered. Be prepared to pay for the emergency services at the time of the visit.
