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Preparing for an emergency

Hopefully your pet will never have cause for emergency medical treatment but it is important for all pet owners to be prepared "just in case."

Here are some ways you can be prepared for potential emergency situations:

  • Know what is normal for your pet and monitor your pet's health on a regular basis to check for and identify any deviations from the norm
  • Keep your veterinarian's phone number and the number of the emergency clinic in your area in a location that all family members can access easily
  • Assemble a pet first aid kit suitable for home and travel. Be sure to learn how to use the individual components
  • Learn how to handle and transport a sick or injured pet
  • Learn basic facts about conditions that might affect your pet. For example, if you have a pregnant pet expecting a litter at home, learn about normal birth and how to recognize that there is a problem
  • Store poisons and medications out of the reach of pets
  • Do not administer any home remedies without first checking with your veterinary health care team. Some common over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin and paracetamol can be toxic to pets, as can many "Natural Remedies"