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Pet Emergencies

Everyone hopes to enjoy perfect health while vacationing, but often problems arise with human travelers as well as their furry friends. Finding emergency healthcare for humans usually doesn't pose much of a challenge, but knowing where to turn for your pet might be a little more difficult. First, decide if the problem requires immediate medical care or if you can treat your pet's emergency for a minor illness without having to track down a veterinarian in an unfamiliar city. The best way to prepare yourself is to pack a first aid kit and speak with your vet before you leave home to find out ways to handle minor emergencies or illnesses. Keep your vet's contact information handy if you need to reach them. Your vet can provide valuable information regarding medications and supplies needed for a first aid kit.

Include in your kit a picture of your pet with your pet's name, breed, color, age, sex and any pertinent medical information. Also, include your contact information in case your kit or pet is lost. It is a good idea to keep the National Animal Poison Control number in the kit for easy access. We have included several items that will be invaluable in a first aid kit for your pet while traveling:

• Roll gauze, gauze tape, cotton balls, and gauze pads
  
• Exam gloves
  
• Rolls of elastic wrap
  
• Adhesive tape, hypo-allergenic
  
• Small scissors
  
• Grooming clippers, tweezers or a safety razor
  
• Material to make a splint, such as wood, newspaper or sticks
  
• Muzzle (make sure it fits your pet)
  
• Pediatric rectal thermometer
  
• Hydrocortisone ointment
  
• Silver nitrate
  
• Hydrogen peroxide, 3 percent solution
  
• Nylon leash
  
• Emergency ice pack
  
• Special items for your pet's special conditions

A common illness pets experience while traveling is minor gastrointestinal problems. Try withholding food and water for 6 hours to see if the diarrhea or vomiting subsides, unless blood appears or your pet is lethargic. Contact a veterinarian if this occurs. If your pet begins limping from an injury, keep them quiet and administer any medication approved by your vet, but contact a vet in your area if your pet seems to be in pain and the limping continues.

Major illnesses requiring medical attention include lethargy beyond what is typical, trouble breathing, excessive vomiting/diarrhea, or obvious pain. Many pet-friendly hotels or accommodations offer recommendations for local veterinarians, as do phone books. Most larger cities offer Pet "Emergency Rooms" for after hour services. If you have purchased pet health insurance, keep your information with you to provide to veterinarians. Make sure you have proper identification on your pet's nametag or collar, and keep a leash with you at all times. You may find that putting an emergency kit together might take a little time, but if you experience an emergency with your pet while traveling, the benefits of having all you need close at hand will be well worth your time.

Pet Emergency Contact Numbers:

National Animal Poison Control Center
(888) 426-4435
http://www.napcc.aspca.org/

American Animal Hospital Associations
(800) 883-6301
http://www.healthypet.com/

American Humane Association
(800) 227-4645
http://www.americanhumane.org/

A.S.P.C.A.
(212) 876-7700
http://www.aspca.org/

Emergency Animal Rescue Service
(800) 440-EARS
http://www.uan.org/ears/index.html

Humane Society of the U.S.
(202) 452-1100
http://www.hsus.org/

Pet Finders
(800) 666-5678
http://www.petfinders.org/