If you suspect your pet has consumed or been exposed to any toxic substances or think that you are having an emergency, the first step would be to immediately contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center [888-426-4435*] immediately. A fee may apply.
Here are some tips, links and emergency phone numbers that may help:
- Your vet’s emergency phone number
- The local emergency clinic number
- How to get to the veterinary clinic
- Poison Control number (888-426-4435)
- How to perform basic CPR on your pet
- How to stop bleeding/apply a basic pressure wrap
- How to muzzle your pet (to keep an injured pet from biting you)
- If addition to these seven things, you should also be prepared with methods of payment for your pet’s medical care. Emergency care is often more expensive than routine care due to the intensity of diagnostics, monitoring and treatment required, and it is your responsibility as a pet owner to pay for that care. Many clinics are unable to bill you for the services, or may require a deposit or payment in full at the time of service. Delaying medical care to avoid fees could put your pet’s life at risk. Planning ahead for financial coverage of emergencies – perhaps by having a separate account or credit card for emergency use only, or pet insurance – can save you a lot of stress when they do happen.
Source: AVMA
