Unexpected incidents involving the health and safety of pets can happen at any time, and knowing how to act is crucial to ensure their well-being.
Poisonings, burns, and falls are the most common incidents that require immediate action from pet owners. Ensuring that the animal receives professional care as soon as possible, preventing the situation from worsening, is essential.
Regardless of the severity of the incident, a veterinarian’s assessment should be the first step. Even if the animal seems fine after an incident, only a specialist can properly assess any potential complications.
Symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and behavioral changes, such as changes in walking or head posture, can indicate more serious problems. Any change in the pet’s condition should be considered a red flag.
“It is crucial that the owner, upon noticing any unusual behavior or suspecting an accident, seeks immediate veterinary guidance. Often, the severity of the symptoms is underestimated, which can lead to worsening of the situation. In cases of poisoning or injuries to internal organs, for example, delayed treatment can be fatal,” explains Eduardo Zaneli, Veterinarian and Business Coordinator for Royal Canin Brazil.
ROYAL CANIN emphasizes the importance of responsible pet ownership and has compiled some guidelines to help owners take action until the veterinarian arrives. Check out the following tips:
What to do immediately
When noticing unusual behavior or suspecting something is wrong, the first step should be to contact a trusted veterinarian. The professional can provide guidance on immediate measures to take until the animal is taken to the clinic. In critical situations, such as poisonings or severe accidents, quick communication with the specialist is vital, and attempting home remedies can be risky.
First Aid Kit
Having a first aid kit at home is a recommended practice for pet owners. This kit should include basic items such as gauze, bandages, and saline solution, which can help stabilize the animal in cases of minor injuries. However, it is important to emphasize that these measures are temporary, and professional follow-up is crucial.
Safe Transportation
Another important consideration is the safe transportation of the pet to the veterinary clinic. Using carriers is especially important for cats, who can get scared during travel. For dogs, ensuring they are secured in the vehicle is essential, preventing them from being loose and avoiding accidents like falls or unexpected jumps. Keeping the animal protected during transport helps prevent complications, such as worsening injuries.
Prevention as a Priority
Preventing accidents is always the best strategy, especially in domestic environments. Many incidents with pets occur due to the ingestion of inappropriate food, cleaning products, or objects, known as foreign bodies. It is important to keep items such as threads, rubber bands, and breakable toys out of the pets’ reach and be vigilant for signs of poisoning.
If ingestion is suspected or confirmed, seek veterinary guidance immediately. Supervision of the environment is also essential to avoid injuries caused by electrical wires or toxic plants, especially in puppies, who are naturally more curious. For cats, installing protective screens on all windows should be a priority before welcoming them into the home.
Common Mistakes
In an attempt to help, owners often resort to human medications, which can be extremely harmful. Anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers, for example, can be toxic to pets and cause serious health problems. Furthermore, temporary signs of improvement should not be underestimated; even if the animal appears to have recovered, a medical evaluation is essential to rule out internal complications, such as bleeding or fractures.
By acting responsibly and seeking professional help promptly, owners can prevent small accidents from turning into more serious problems. Responsible pet care is the best way to ensure their health and well-being.
Photo and video: Unsplash. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
