Here is some
information on how to help your pet during an emergency:
-
Be
careful; even the best behaved pet may bite if he or she
is afraid or in pain. A temporary dog muzzle may be made
with a nylon stocking, necktie, or soft rope.
-
For a dog
that is unable to walk, a stretcher may be made out of a
blanket, floor mat, or board.
-
If your
pet has eaten or contacted something toxic, immediate
treatment is most effective. Note the amount that was
consumed and KEEP ALL PRINTED PACKAGING; the brand
information and ingredient lists on the package are
often essential in making treatment decisions. Call our
office or the Contra Costa Emergency Clinic for
instructions. In addition, there are two 24 hour poison
control hotlines:
-
The ASPCA
Animal Poison Control Center 888-426-4435. There is a
$60 consultation fee. They have a large pet-oriented
database regarding the effects of household products,
pharmaceuticals, and plants; and they have specific
treatment information. A toxicologist will review your
pet's case with you, make recommendations, and assign
your pet a case number. If care from a veterinarian is
needed, your local veterinarian can speak with the
toxicologist using your pet's case number. Further
information is available at
www.aspca.org/apcc
-
The
American Association of Poison Control Centers
1-800-222-1222. Their information is oriented toward
human poisoning, and they will not give specific advice
for your pet. But they have a large data base regarding
the toxicity of household products and pharmaceuticals,
and the service is free. Further information is
available at
www.1-800-222-1222.info/
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If your
pet has eaten a sharp object (like a needle or sharp
bone), do not induce vomiting, call our office or the
emergency number
-
Birds,
small mammals, and exotic pets: when ill or injured,
these animals may succumb to stress. Minimize handling;
place the animal directly in a padded carrier or box. A
plastic bottle with warm water will help keep your pet
warm during transport. Make sure the bottle is secured
so that it will not roll on your pet. The Contra Costa
Veterinary Emergency Clinic treats these pets as well as
dogs and cats.
-
First Aid tips are
available in the
AAHA Healthy Pet Library Being familiar
with this advice in advance may save your pet's life;
however, if your pet is having an emergency, please call
our office or the emergency clinic immediately.
WILDLIFE
Treatment and
rehabilitation of wildlife requires specifically designed facilities. We are not able to
treat or hospitalize wild birds or other wild animals. Here is some
information on how to help injured wildlife:
-
Do
NOT attempt to capture or handle wild raccoons, skunks, foxes, or
bats; these species have a high risk for carrying rabies. Call
animal control.
-
Do
not attempt to rescue feathered healthy baby birds because they are on
the ground. The parents feed their young on the ground as
part of the normal fledging process. If the bird is on a road, move it to
the side of the road. Baby birds without feathers or only fluffy
down feathers have fallen from the nest too early and are in need
of help.
-
If a wild
animal is terminally injured and clearly in need of
euthanasia, we provide this service free of charge. If the doctor
on duty deems that the animal may be saved with veterinary care, the
animal must be transported to a licensed wildlife care facility.
-
Wild animals (including mammals, birds, and reptiles) that are both
native to and injured within the State of California may be referred
to the Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Walnut Creek. (925)935-1978
http://www.wildlife-museum.org/
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