Pet care in an emergency

In the case of pet emergencies it is important to know what temporary measures to take before you can get them medical attention. One must also know the signs that indicate that there is something wrong with your pet.

In South Africa one of the most common drugs pets are poisoned with is Aldicarb, and some of the symptoms include disorientation, weakness, seizures and diarrhea that eventually lead to death if left untreated.

Veterinarian Tony Reid from the Weltevreden Park Veterinary Clinic said in the case of an emergency the first option is always to get your pet medical assistance.

Dr Reid said that Aldicarb, which is known as two step, is commonly used to by robbers to distract dogs.

“I would advise pet owners to rush pets to a veterinary clinic where there are products we use to help pets vomit the poison out their system as quickly as possible,” said Dr Reid.

In the case where a pet has been hit by a car, Dr Reid said the first thing to check for is any visible bleeding. The bleeding can be stopped by putting pressure on it with a cloth. He also encouraged a pet owners to take the pet to a veterinarian for treatment even when the injuries are not visible.

Veterinarian Dr Adam Quigley from Radiokop Veterinary Clinic said that animals that are bitten by ticks have been brought in for treatment.

“Dogs that have been bitten by ticks show symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting and gums changing colour, to name a few,” said Dr Quigley.

Dr Reid added that tick-bite fever in dogs can be prevented by giving pets tick-control products, which are oral tablets that is given to a dog once a month.

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