If your dog or cat exhibits abnormal behavior or disease symptoms, sustains an injury, or ingests something toxic, you should seek immediate veterinary care. While your usual veterinarian may likely treat some mild infections and injuries during normal office hours, more critical ailments are considered true emergencies and require prompt treatment no matter the hour.
How to prepare for the animal ER?
The emergency room can be scary and overwhelming if your pet is injured or in danger. Follow these methods to see more information and reduce the stress of check-in and waiting.
Check-in
In case of an emergency, Try to remain cool when checking in with the receptionist so you can briefly explain the problem. Please provide the medical records for your pet. Do not leave the facility until you have been examined, and keep your phone charged in case the veterinarian has to contact you.
Investigate financial assistance.
Emergencies can be highly expensive unlike pet wellness exams. Consider the accepted payment methods if you anticipate needing financial aid. While you wait to be evaluated, investigate your financial possibilities.
Keep your cool.
Try meditating, eating a snack, or doing something else to divert your attention from your concerns. Avoid browsing internet forums about what may be wrong with your pet, as doing so may increase your anxiety. For the benefit of our animals, try to maintain your composure.
Keep your pet relaxed.
Move to a quiet waiting room corner and speak softly to your dog or cat to soothe them. If your pet will allow it, stroke them gently; if not, give them room and allow them to relax in a carrier or on a blanket. Ask the veterinarian staff for permission to give your pet some water. Request a cat-only waiting area or Feliway pheromone spray if your cat is anxious.
Be prepared to wait.
You could be there for several hours, depending on the emergency room’s volume of patients and the number of animals under its care. A veterinarian or technician will triage your pet based on the severity of his or her ailment when you arrive.
Priority is given to life-threatening crises, followed by less urgent matters. Before you visit the veterinarian, a nurse may take a history of your dog or cat and examine its vital signs.
Be courteous and respectful.
When our pets are ill, our emotions run high, but we must treat the veterinarian personnel courteously and with respect. They work relentlessly to ensure the wellness of your pet at their hospital. Be forthright and candid regarding finances with veterinary nurses and your emergency veterinarian.
Describe what happened to your pet and how long the issue has persisted. Be advised that your veterinarian may be called away for an emergency at any time during your appointment. Please be patient and recognize that veterinarians are doing everything possible to preserve the lives of all the animals in their care and make decisions appropriately.
Prepare for hospitalization or extended treatment.
Your pet may be submitted to a battery of diagnostic tests during your appointment, which may take some time. If your pet can return home, ask about any necessary home care or follow-up exams. The objective of the emergency room is to stabilize your pet. Therefore it may need to be hospitalized or transferred to your regular veterinarian for follow-up care the following day. Your dog or cat may be referred to a specialist for diagnostic testing or surgical procedures.
Conclusion
Your pets are fully dependent on you in both good and bad times, but especially in times of emergency. Therefore, it is essential to plan so that you have everything necessary to ensure their safety and security.
