Emergency care helps pets recover faster

One of the most distressing events for pet owners is witnessing their pet being injured in a traffic accident or any mishap that causes injury.

When a pet is injured, here are some tips to increase a pet's chance of a speedy recovery.

•Get the pet out of harm's way. If the pet was involved in a traffic accident, move the animal to the side of the road with slow, deliberate movements. Don't scare the already frightened animal or worsen any injury that the pet may have suffered.

•Call a veterinarian. Add a veterinarian's phone number in a cellphone speed dial in case of emergency or, when traveling, the number of a local veterinarian. Do not administer fluids or food to the animal in case an anesthetic is needed, unless instructed by the veterinarian, as in the case of a diabetic with low blood sugar.

•Stop any bleeding. To stop heavy bleeding, apply firm pressure with a clean towel or cloth. This is usually better than a tourniquet, which can led to tissue death from lack of oxygen.

To stop graze bleeding, apply powered pepper or turmeric, which are good clotting agents.

•If an injured animal feels icy cold due to shock, wrap a plastic bottle filled with warmed water in a towel to avoid burning or overheating the animal. Never put a hot water bottle directly against the animal.

The animal can also be wrapped in insulating material such as a rug, thermal blanket or bubble wrap. If an animal is in shock, move it to a quiet, dimly-lit place.

•When a pet is not easily handled due to pain, use a large rug to transport dogs, or a cage or box lined with a towel for small pets.

In the case of fractures, a board can be used like a stretcher. Even a friendly pet may bite when in pain. A tie or soft rope can be used as an emergency muzzle or leash.

•Clean wounds can be washed with calendula herbal tincture, available at most health food stores. Put 10 to 20 drops in tepid water.

Infected wounds can be cleaned with tepid salt water. Use as much salt as will dissolve in water.

This article is provided by HomeoPet, a source for homeopathic pharmaceuticals in the veterinary field.