How to Handle a Pet Emergency Trauma

Protecting your pet from a traumatic injury can often be a challenge, especially when you and your pet have an active lifestyle. Unfortunately, accidents do happen and in many situations when an emergency occurs, it is difficult for pet parents to make rational decisions. A trauma means your pet has experienced a physical injury or wound that was caused by violence or an external source, such as being hit by a car. Traumas are generally unexpected and require attention from the animal hospital in Chapel Hill. Talking with your emergency veterinarian in Durham about an emergency protocol will help you to be somewhat prepared in the cause of a trauma.

Most Common Causes of Traumatic Injuries

A traumatic injury occurs when you least expect it. A common example of a trauma may be if you are taking your dog for a walk and he breaks free from you then gets hit by a car. Some of the most common causes of trauma and injury include:

• Being attacked by another animal (wild or domestic)
• Being stepped on, dragged and/or hit
• Being in a vehicle during an accident
• Lacerations from a sharp object
• Jumping out of a moving vehicle
• Falling from a high place
• Weapons injuries, such as stabbing, gunshot or bow and arrow

Signs Your Pet Should go to an Animal Hospital

Your pet may need emergency treatment caused by trauma, heatstroke, an insect sting, and poisoning, choking or other serious situations. Some signs to be aware of that indicate your pet should be seen by an emergency veterinarian in Durham include:

• Rapid breathing
• Pale gums
• Difficulty standing
• Change in body temperature
• Weak or rapid pulse
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Apparent paralysis
• Excessive bleeding
• Possible broken bones

What to Do In an Emergency

It is extremely important to keep in mind that if your pet has been severely injured, they may act aggressively toward you, so it is essential that you protect yourself from injury.

• Dog injuries-approach your dog calmly and slowly, kneels down and call him by name. If your dog shows aggression, call for help; however, if is calm, make a stretcher with a blanket or piece of cardboard and gently lift him onto it. Be careful to support the back and neck in case there are spinal injuries.
• Cat injuries-approach your cat slowly and calmly, place a blanket or towel gently over the head to prevent them from biting, then slowly lift your cat and place them in a box or open-topped carrier. Be careful to support the head and avoid twisting the neck in case there is a spinal injury.

Once you have safely secured your pet and are comfortable transporting them, immediately bring them to an animal hospital.

Do You Have A Pet Emergency? Contact Us Right Away!

If your pet has been involved in an accident, contact New Hope Animal Hospital in Durham or Chapel Hill as soon as possible.