THE ANIMAL EMERGENCY CLINIC OF THE DESERT

PLAN AHEAD!

Know the name, location and hours of the emergency veterinarian closest to you.

Keep emergency phone numbers handy.

NATIONAL ANIMAL POISON CONTROL CENTER

The ASPCA provides this essential service every day, 24 hours a day.

1-800-548-2423 or 1-888-4ANIHELP (1-800-888-426-4435)

$30 per case - no extra charge for follow-up calls. You must use Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express when you call.

1-900-680-0000

$30 per case. The charge will be added to your telephone bill.

PET FIRST AID

You may cover or wrap an injured pet with towels or blankets. These can also be used to apply pressure in case of bleeding.

Always make sure your pet has plenty of fresh water to drink. You can begin to cool down an overheated pet by wetting it with cool water, however hyperthermia (heat stroke) can kill your pet, so immediate medical treatment is imperative.

Should your pet be injured, you may use a muzzle to protect yourself. Even gentle, loving pets may bite when in pain or frightened.

A leash or pet carrier should be keep handy for safe transport to the veterinarian. A plywood board may be used as a stretcher for injured pets.

Should you suspect poisoning, call animal poison control center first. They may recommend that you induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide, which is also useful for cleaning minor wounds.

A turkey baster or infant syringe may be helpful for forcing liquid medicine into your pet.

Tweezers are useful for removing stingers, as well as thorns or objects in the eye. "Artificial tears" may be used as an eye rinse. Pets may have severe allergic reactions to insect bites and stings, so monitor closely and call your veterinarian if required.

A child's lunchbox or Tupperware container makes a great first aid kit. Kit should contain the following:

Rolled gauze, gauze squares,
"Ace" bandages or "Vet Wrap",
scissors,
triple antibiotic ointment (for minor wounds),
styptic powder to stop bleeding due to a broken or over-trimmed toenail.

PREVENTION!

Be aware of your pets behavior, activity and appetite patterns. If your pet stops eating or drinking, begins to drink water excessively, or has difficulty standing or walking, it may be due to a serious medical problem. DO NOT wait for symptoms to get worse. Seeking timely veterinary assistance may not only say your pet's life but could spare you the added costs of emergency treatment.

Should your pet be allowed outdoors, make sure that it wears a collar with an I.D. tag with your phone number, a rabies vaccination tag as well as city license. Your pet's vaccinations should be keep up-to-date. Rabies vaccines are usually good for three years once the animal is over a year old. All other vaccines need to be boostered annually. Also, your regular veterinarian can implant a microchip I.D. tag for added protection should your animal accidentally get out of your yard.

When walking your dog, always use a leash.

Check your house and garden for poisonous plants. Keep household chemicals in securely-latched cabinets. Clean up antifreeze spills immediately. If you must us rodent poisons, be sure to place them in areas where your pet cannot reach them.

Make sure all your pet's toys are large enough to prevent accidental swallowing or choking, and that they do not have small parts or decorations (eyes, noses) that may come off. Even tennis balls can be dangerous to a large dog. Sting, yarn, or Christmas tree tinsel can be fatal if swallowed.