Staying Prepared in a Pet Emergency

April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to make sure you’re prepared with first aid basics, and to make sure you’re ready to handle any unexpected situations for your furry friends.

The most important thing in any emergency is to stay calm. Don’t panic! You staying calm helps your pet stay calm and allows you to better assess the situation and ensure your safety and your pet’s safety. It’s also important to handle injured animals with care, as they may lash out if they’re scared or in pain.

Keeping a pet first aid kit on hand can help immensely in any unexpected situation. Make sure you have items like gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, scissors, tweezers, and a pet thermometer, as well as a comfort item such as a blanket or toy that can help keep your pet calm in stressful situations.­­

Most importantly, don’t delay veterinary care! Even if your pet seems fine after an incident, it’s essential to seek veterinary care immediately to ensure there are no hidden injuries or complications. Keep a list of emergency vet clinics and poison control hotlines in your area, along with a copy of your pet’s medical records, including vaccinations and any existing health conditions.

In any emergency, The Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Tualatin is here for you. We are local, privately owned, and open 24 hours, 365 days a year, including all major holidays, nights, and weekends. Call us at 503-691-7922 or visit us on the web at www.evcot.com .