5 Steps to Avoid a Visit to the ER
A visit to the emergency room is something we all wish to avoid. There are countless stories of the “would-of should-of could-of “ that in the most extreme cases, can result in the death of our pets. While there are certain situations that are unavoidable, there are also times where simple precautions can avoid devastating outcomes.
1. Keep ‘em on a leash.
The number one preventable problem we see is dogs being hit by cars! Make sure your dog is always on an appropriately sized, secure leash. Even if well trained, instinct can take over when startled or attracted by a cat or squirrel causing your dog to run into the street. Other animals that have escaped or are not on a leash can approach and a disastrous fight can occur, one that can be minimized or altogether avoided if they were on a leash.
2. Know your garden.
Better weather means being outside more and playing in the garden. There are many plants that may look nice but can be deadly to our pets. A list of flowers to avoid can be found on the ASPCA poison control website. Some severe examples include lilies causing acute kidney failure in cats, the sago palm tree causing acute liver failure in dogs, or oleander causing fatal heart rhythms. It is helpful to have an animal poison helpline number handy and know the route and numbers to local emergency hospitals. In certain situations, those few moments can help save your pets life.
3. Know your gardener.
Common outdoor toxins include snail bait (metaldehyde) and rodenticide. Even if you do not put these things out it is important to talk to gardeners, building supervisors and even neighbors who may use these in their yards. Always keep poisons, cleaning supplies, as well as human and animal medications well out of reach in sealed containers and inside of cupboards on high shelves. Keeping a schedule of your pet’s medication can help prevent accidental overdosage.
4. Dump the water.
Clear all free standing water whenever possible. Standing water can harbor toxins and can attract dangerous wildlife or mosquitoes which can serve as a source of infectious disease transmission. Whenever possible, a sweep of the yard before letting your pets out can be helpful.
5. Keep your eyes open.
Rattlesnakes will start coming out of hibernation with warmer weather and pose a very serious threat to our pets. Keeping dogs on a leash in parks or on trails can help prevent an encounter. A general survey of your surroundings can prove to be most helpful. While the internet is a great resource, it is not a substitute for having your pet examined. Seeking veterinary attention as soon as possible can improve outcomes in many situations.
As always, prevention is the best medicine. A routine yearly physical exam with your pet’s primary care veterinarian can catch potentially severe problems early, as well as ensuring vaccines are up to date. Keep a file of your pet’s pre-existing conditions, vaccination status, microchip contacts, and any medication your pet is on in case you need it right away.
by Andreas Andreou, DVM