There is, however, often the question of how of “how do I get my pet to the veterinarian?” —especially if you’re faced with moving an animal that is wounded or unconscious.
While every emergency is unique, and we strongly recommend calling us directly for advice on how best to move your pet in an emergency based on his or her circumstances, there are a few tips and tricks we can share when it comes to how to bring your pet in for emergency care that can make the task a little easier…
Crates
Crates can be a great way to bring a pet in crisis in for care, as they can often be a secure place that will limit your pet’s mobility door-to-door.
However, some pets are just too big to be crated and transported with out assistance, especially if the pet is immobilized. Likewise, crating an animal having a seizure should be avoided as well.
Only use a crate if you can safely get your pet into the crate and move it easily without causing further harm to your pet (through jostling, etc.), or hurting yourself.
Stretchers
While many of us don’t have medical stretchers just lying about, many of us in Colorado do have toboggan-style sleds or army-style camping cots tucked away somewhere. These can make terrific stretchers for heavy pets needing to be moved.
Gently slide your pet onto these platforms, or slide a blanket under your pet and then slide the blanket onto the makeshift stretcher, and then enlist a family member or neighbor to help carry the stretcher to the car.
Although we can help you get your pet out and into the hospital when you arrive, you may want your companion to ride along with you to help keep your pet still and comfortable while in transit.
A final note on stretchers; depending on your pet’s circumstances and condition, you may want to gently secure your pet to the stretcher using strips of cloth or blankets. However, do this with extreme caution and never when a pet is having a seizure. Also, do not secure your pet so tightly that you are cutting off his or her circulation while in transit.
Blankets
Blankets and towels can also be a great way to move pets, too. You can fashion a sling for most any size pet from a blanket, or wrap smaller pets (cats and small dogs) in a towel or blanket for transport.
This has the added bonus of helping to ensure a degree of personal security, as your pet will need to be cradled while on the go to keep them still and secure.
Enlist Help
Finally, we suggest that whatever the circumstances of your pet’s emergency that you enlist help from a family member, friend, or neighbor when bringing your pet in for care.
Having someone to assist you will help you to keep calm and focus on what needs to be done to help your pet. Having a companion will help you get to the vet safely (one of you can drive, while the other tends to your pet), and will help to ensure that your pet’s condition does not worsen while being moved. Your friend can hold your pet securely, keep pressure applied to an open wound, make sure that your pet does not asphyxiate on his or her own fluids, or even just offer words of calming comfort.
However they help, it’s best to not go it alone in an emergency, if possible.