{"id":3349,"date":"2017-10-03T06:25:25","date_gmt":"2017-10-03T11:25:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dev.diamondpet.wearewoodruff.xyz\/?p=3349"},"modified":"2026-02-17T10:08:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T16:08:19","slug":"pet-health-emergency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/blog\/health\/safety\/pet-health-emergency\/","title":{"rendered":"Are You Prepared for a Pet Health Emergency?"},"content":{"rendered":"

No one wants to think about his or her pet being injured in a fire<\/a>, poisoned or suddenly sick. Unfortunately, accidents and health crises happen \u2014 all too often after<\/em> your regular veterinary clinic has closed for the evening or weekend. (Some dogs and cats just seem to know<\/em> when the clinic is closed!) But if a medical emergency involving your best furry friend does occur, being prepared is not only the best way to deal with an emergency but can make all the difference for your pet.<\/p>\n

Here are five things you can do that will help you handle the unexpected.<\/p>\n

Know where to find 24-hour emergency pet care \u2014 before<\/em> you need it.<\/h2>\n

Before you actually have to deal with a pet medical emergency, talk with your veterinarian about what you should do if one occurs. You\u2019ll want to know if your veterinary clinic provides 24-hour services, has an on-call veterinarian to handle after-hours emergencies, or refers evening and weekend emergencies to a nearby emergency veterinary hospital.<\/p>\n

Keep your veterinarian\u2019s name, clinic name and phone number as part of your emergency contacts sheet at home \u2014 along with the names and phone numbers for your doctor, hospital and human poison control hotline \u2014 and in your phone\u2019s contacts list. If your veterinarian refers evening and weekend emergency cases, you\u2019ll want the name, address and phone number of that hospital listed in the same places. Having these phone numbers as well as one for a pet poison control center listed in one location and programmed into your phone before they\u2019re needed may help lessen some of the initial anxiety you feel when addressing your pet\u2019s urgent health situation.<\/p>\n

And don\u2019t forget about your car\u2019s navigation system (if it\u2019s equipped with one). You can get to the nearest emergency clinic quickly if the hospital\u2019s address is already programmed into your GPS.<\/p>\n

Keep your pet\u2019s medical history in an easily accessible and portable file.<\/h2>\n

If you need to seek emergency care, you\u2019ll want to bring your pet\u2019s medical records and possibly their\u00a0medications with you. A quick call to the clinic prior to leaving home will not only alert them to your pet\u2019s condition but also gives the veterinary staff a chance to direct you on what to bring with you.<\/p>\n

When you arrive at the emergency veterinary hospital, one of the first things you\u2019ll do (while your pet is being assessed and\/or stabilized) is provide the staff with critical information about your dog\u2019s or cat\u2019s health, including chronic diseases, current medications and vaccinations. It will be easier for you to complete this paperwork under stress if you have your pet\u2019s medical records handy.<\/p>\n

Have a pet first-aid kit. Actually, have two \u2014 keep one at home and one in your car.<\/h2>\n

You should keep a well-stocked first-aid kit at home and one with only the essentials in your vehicle, especially if your dog frequently visits parks or travels with you. A first-aid kit can help you treat your pet prior to getting them\u00a0to a veterinary clinic.<\/p>\n

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual for Pet Owners<\/a> and Pet Poison Helpline<\/a>, your pet first-aid kit should include:<\/p>\n

\"An<\/p>\n