Preparedness Advice From Our Emergency Vet Team

Pet owners in Durham & Chapel Hill should take the necessary steps to prepare themselves and their beloved companions for various kinds of emergencies, from natural disasters to household health crises. The more thorough your preparation, the more quickly you can take the necessary action without panicking. Our emergency vet team would like to recommend the following tactics:

• Make sure you keep the phone number of your emergency veterinarian next to phone or in another easily visible place. Our phone number at New Hope Animal Hospital is (919) 490-2000. It's also smart to keep the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control number handy: (888) 426-4435.
• Equip your pet with two forms of identification in case he gets separated from you. A standard collar ID tag enables quick identification by almost anyone. A microchip ID beneath the skin means your pet can still be identified with the aid of a special scanner even if the ID tag has come off.
• Prepare your household for a veterinary emergency by stocking up on bandages, antiseptics, and any other first-aid products our emergency veterinarian recommends for your pet.
• Prepare your household financially for the cost of a sudden veterinary emergency. You can do this by maintaining an emergency savings account, applying for a medical credit plan, or purchasing pet insurance.
• Plan how to evacuate your family (including your pets) quickly and efficiently in case of a disaster. Determine in advance which Durham or Chapel Hill accommodations will accept pets.

Emergency Prevention for Durham and Chapel Hill Pet Owners

Prevention is always the ideal approach to dealing with veterinary emergencies. Here are some preventative tips from our emergency veterinarian:

• Make your home's interior and exterior as non-toxic as possible. This means securing antifreeze, cleaning products, medicines, and other substances so your pet can't get at them. It also means ensuring that none of the plants in your garden or yard are potentially toxic to animals.
• Protect your pet from the dangers of the outside world. Keep your dog safely fenced or leashed, and try to keep your cat indoors as much as possible. Give your outdoor dog plenty of shade and cool water on hot days to avoid heat stroke, a dangerous condition characterized by hot skin, drooling, weakness, panting, and fainting.
• Loud noises may cause some pets to panic and possibly even run away. Bring your sensitive pet indoors during thunderstorms or fireworks displays (and never let him go anywhere near live fireworks).
• Talk to our emergency veterinarian about local wildlife threats such as poisonous snakes or dangerous four-legged predators, and ask about the smartest methods of protecting your pet against them. If you're planning a hiking trip or other outdoor adventure with your pet, ask about the need for Lyme disease vaccinations or other preventative measures.

New Hope Animal Hospital is always happy to offer guidance and help you ensure a safer, healthier life for your pet. Contact us with any questions!