It doesn’t matter how seasoned a pet owner we are – if our pet gets into a health crisis, we are likely to lose our cool. The team at VetMed want the best for your animal in a time of crisis. We have three handy locations in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, and we treat animal emergencies as first priority during our clinical hours. Outside of our operating hours, our 24-hour phone referral service will redirect your call to an emergency animal hospital that we trust so you’ll be taken care of.
But there are a few things that you can do before any emergency strikes to make sure you’re prepared. Here are some ideas.
Be Prepared and Have a Plan
It pays to be prepared in an emergency. You should have a first aid/emergency kit prepared in advance so you know what to do if something happens. Being prepared makes sense and will familiarise you with the process of looking after your pet in an emergency and give you a bit more peace of mind if an emergency strikes.
Essentials
Here are a few things to include in your pet emergency kit:
- Phone numbers – it’s important to have the phone number, location and operating hours of an emergency vet clinic on hand to save time if things go awry.
- Pet information – your name, address, phone number, your pet’s name, registration information, description (with a photo preferably), prior medical history and vaccination certificates, care requirements, etc. to help the vet move quickly and effectively
- Food and water containers for your pet
- Leads, carriers etc. – even if your pet is never in a carrier, you might need one in case of emergency
- First aid items and essential medications
- Blankets, bedding, towels
- Kitty litter trays if you have a cat
Other Things to Remember
In time of emergency, remember to take deep breaths and follow the vet’s instructions. It’s important to get your pet to the vet as quickly as possible. While it might be tempting to try and figure out the problem yourself, you should simply do the basic things that you can do and don’t waste any time researching the internet for solutions. Get your pet to the vet!
If your pet is having an emergency procedure, it’s natural to get anxious and start to fret. Reach out to a friend, have someone there to keep your mind occupied, and don’t be afraid to cry – even if you know your pet is going to be okay – it’s an emotional time!
Choose an Emergency Vet You Can Trust
In case of emergency, bring your pet straight to the team at VetMed for priority treatment, or else call our after-hours referral line – and see your friend back on their feet!