Pet Emergencies--How To Be Prepared for Any Emergency Your Pet May Have

We all know the story--you bring home that cute and adorable fluffy puppy or kitten

. Everyone is delighted and loves playing with the little baby. But there is another side to this scenario. By bringing in a pet, you have just added to your responsibility. This new pet will depend on you for everything and will expect you to keep it healthy and safe.

One thing you need to do before you get a pet is learn everything you can about pet ownership. Too many people simply "fall in love" with a kitten or puppy and then discover once they bring it home that they have no real idea what to do with it. Pets need a lot more than just food and water. So, before that little bundle of energy sets its paws on your floors, do some reading and research. Maybe pet ownership is not really for you right now.

All pets can get into things that they shouldn't. Just like small toddlers, they are an accident waiting to happen and as the pet owner, you are supposed to prevent them before they happen. Even an eagle-eyed parent can miss sometimes and an emergency can occur. The outcome is directly related to the response, so preparation is everything.

First, you need to get information on various ways to deal with pet emergencies. There are many free resources on the web and there are numerous books and online classes that provide excellent information.

Take a critical look at the environment from the pets eye level. Cords look like tasty toys to dogs and blind cords dangle just like toys for cats. Plants, though beautiful, can be potentially toxic and should be out of the pets area. Chemicals should always be stored away from the pet's area.

Look into the various ways available to pay for emergency services without breaking your pocketbook. Ask at your vet for applications for credit cards specifically for veterinary care. If that is not an option for you, look into the various programs that give you an immediate reduction on your bill. Some of these programs can actually save up to 25% of the cost of care.

Learn how to do pet CPR and how to help a choking pet. There are numerous good videos online that show how to do this and knowing this one thing can save your pet's life. Dogs especially are prone to choking due to their habit of gobbling down their food without chewing.

Make sure that your pet is current on all necessary vaccinations. The rules have changed quite a bit on frequency and the types of vaccines needed, so you need to keep up with this part of your pet's routine care to prevent emergencies in the future.

Pay careful attention to the food you feed your pet. Just like humans, a good diet will go far in maintaining good health. Not all pet food is good just because it is sold at the store. Read those labels to make sure you are giving your pet adequate nutrition. You could even look into making your own pet food; there are numerous websites devoted to recipes that are healthy and quick.

Make sure you know what foods, medicines, plants, and insects can be poisonous to your pet. If you suspect poisoning, seek help immediately at your veterinarian's. Know in advance where the Emergency Vet or 24 Hour Vet is in your community and get to know them.

Before your pet gets to be what is considered a "senior"--usually age 6 or 7--get regular pet insurance to help with costs of possible health care as your pet ages.

There really is quite a lot to know and do before you consider pet ownership. The very least you can do for your pet is be prepared. Getting a pet is for life and you need to plan their care well. Being prepared really is the best way to make sure you keep your pet for life.

Pet Emergencies--How To Be Prepared for Any Emergency Your Pet May Have

By: Shirley Williams

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