This next post will highlight a few emergency situations that you might have during your pet’s lifetime.

You can click on the links to go to some of the best informational websites for veterinary animal care. You never know when you might need some help in a hurry for your pets.

For poisoning contact Animal Poison Control Center Hotline at 888-426-4435, available 365 days/year, 24 hours/day).

The American Veterinary Medical Association, AVMA, is designated by the U.S. Department of Education as the accrediting body for the 28 schools of veterinary medicine in the United States. The AVMA educational standards of excellence are recognized worldwide as the “gold standard” in veterinary care education.

Pet first aid – Basic procedures is one of the sections on the AVMA site which covers poisoning, seizures, fractures, bleeding, burns, choking, and heatstroke. You can check it out online and print out any information they provide for future reference.

Common Pet Injuries That Can Occur Almost Anywhere

Poisoning is a pet emergency that causes a great deal of confusion for pet owners. In general, any products that are harmful for people are also harmful for pets. Examples include cleaning products, rodent poisons and antifreeze. But you also need to be aware of common food items that may be harmful to your pet.

If you know your pet has consumed something that may be harmful, or if the animal is having seizures, losing consciousness, is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing, telephone your 24 hour Kansas City veterinarian, emergency veterinary clinic or the Animal Poison Control Center Hotline 888-426-4435, available 365 days/year, 24 hours/day) immediately.

Heatstroke, you’ve heard of it, you knew it affected people, and you were even vaguely aware that it could affect your pet. But how does it happen? And most important, how can you help your pet avoid it? Heatstroke is a deadly thing that can kill your beloved companion, even after emergency treatment. The best way to avoid this potentially deadly situation is to make sure it does not happen, it’s all up to you.

Everyone knows that the inside of a car on a hot summer’s day can be lethal. But your pet needs you to know more than that to keep him safe in the deadly sun. Days above 90 degrees, especially with high humidity, are inherently dangerous for your pet. Humidity interferes with animals’ ability to rid themselves of excess body heat.

When we overheat we sweat, and as the sweat dries it takes excess heat with it. Our four-legged friends only perspire around their paws, which is not enough to cool the body. To rid themselves of excess heat, animals pant. Air moves through the nasal passages, which picks up excess heat from the body. As it is expelled through the mouth, the extra heat goes with it.

The shape of an animal’s nasal passages can contribute to an animal’s tendency to overheat. Pug-nosed dogs are more prone to heatstroke because their nasal passages are smaller and it’s more difficult for them to circulate sufficient air for cooling.

We have touched on some of the more common animal emergencies. Something you should also be aware of is that some people foods can cause serious problems or even death for your pets. The ASPCA, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, provides a list of potentially hazardous  foods and spices for pets to avoid on their site.

To sum it up, being prepared is your best action to take to safeguard your pets. They are relying on you to watch over them and to be ready if things go wrong. We are encouraging you to use this information to help guide you, so that you will be ready when you need to treat your pet yourself or take them  for veterinary care.

Thanks very much for sharing your concern for pets in our area!
Scott