Pets are loyal and reward you in so many ways. They can provide an oasis of calm and help combat loneliness, depression and anxiety. To repay pets for the important role they play in the lives of their owners, it is crucial to look after them and prepare for any emergency health issues or accidents that arise. How can you do this?
Natural disaster/fire
No one wants to think about what they would do if a natural disaster were to occur, but it is wise to have a plan of action for your family and pets. Some areas are more prone to disasters than others so be sure identify the likeliest risks to you.
Always make sure your pet has an up to date collar and tag for identification purposes. Without a microchip or collar if your pet escapes or gets lost during a disaster you may never get him back.
Always keep leads and carriers near the door in case you need to escape in a hurry. You should also check that your car is fully equipped for safe travel. Put together an evacuation plan – you want to act swiftly and thinking it through beforehand will ensure you do not lose precious time in the moment. Be familiar with your pets hiding places so you can quickly locate them in an emergency. Once out of the building keep your pet close, they are likely to be scared, so keep them with you so they do not run off.
First aid
Even if you are a sensible pet owner and pay close attention to preventing accidents, animals can be unpredictable and sometimes accidents will occur. You must have the right kit in case you need to administer immediate assistance, you can look at this website for information on which 23 items you must have in your pet first aid kit and how to implement them, such as cleansing pads, thermometers, gloves and antihistamines.
Just as with humans if your dog gets an injury try giving him an anti-inflammatory (you can buy in advance from the vets) or use an ice pack to bring any swelling down before getting him checked over at the vets. If your dog is limping but there is no obvious swelling examine the paw for foreign bodies. Remove the foreign body if you can and clean the wound with an anti-bacterial solution and warm water. Use an antibiotic cream to prevent infection.
A choking dog will look panicky and paw at their mouth, if you see your dog struggling carefully prise open their jaw, be cautious as they may bite out of distress. Look in the mouth and try to remove the object if you can, if you cannot you should get to a vet straight away. if your dog has lost consciousness you can use the Heimlich manoeuvre by wrapping your arms around the belly and squeezing just below the rib cage. You can also administer artificial respiration by using the mouth to nose resuscitation.
Even if you revive your dog you should take them to the vet to make sure there are no complications and to make sure no lasting damage has been done.