When you’re sick or in an accident, don’t delay getting emergency care for your pet. Make sure you’re prepared in case the worst happens and that you’re making the right choice about your pet’s care. Here’s some information on the best ways to get the best possible care for your pet.
Prepare Yourself
Whether you are traveling or even staying home, make sure you’re prepared for an emergency. Bring some food, water, a portable carrier for your pet, and some dog treats or treats for yourself. If you’ve got a dog, consider having a sturdy bag to put the carrier in and to carry around in case your pet gets too excited.
For cats, consider bringing a carrier to help minimize the roaming around that happens when they are stressed. Having a carrier will help ensure you’re prepared for emergencies.
Know the Pet Emergency Guidelines
Check out the emergency vets‘ website or call to get answers to common questions about getting your pet to the emergency vets or boarding facility in an emergency.
If you’ve got a full-grown dog, you may even want to review the emergency vet’s website or phone number with your vet to ensure that the level of care is safe for your pet. You’ll want to make sure that the emergency vet has the proper equipment to help your pet.
Some places have equipment to stabilize your pet after surgery or sedation. Check the website of the emergency vets you’re thinking of visiting to get a full list of what they have available.
Ask Questions
If you’re thinking about boarding your pet, ask about the emergency care they offer and if they have special requirements. For example, are they equipped to handle injuries from a dog fight? If you need emergency care and don’t have your pet’s paperwork on hand, find out what they will do if your pet cannot answer questions for you.
Sometimes, emergency vets can give pet owners or boarding facilities until the next day to get their papers or health records. Find out if they have a program to help them find a way to get their paperwork in order.
Check your Pet’s Health Records
Many pet owners get anxious when their pet is sick. They’re not always sure how serious their dog’s symptoms are and how serious they are at a human-focused emergency vet. Many people don’t know that a dog’s front teeth can get infected if they have severe gum disease, or they don’t know that chronic kidney disease can be fatal. Make sure your pet’s vet has all the information they need on their records. If your pet has a history of kidney disease, ask what the best treatment is for your pet.
Consult Your Pet’s Vet
Most pet owners know that their vet is on call for emergencies and that they can call on them when they need help. Make sure you know your vet’s contact information, so that you can call for help if you’re not sure about their expertise.
Ask if the emergency vet is covered by your pet’s health insurance. Your vet’s insurance usually covers most things, but you may need to pay a fee for emergency care. It’s up to you if you want to pay the fee up front. You can ask if the emergency vet has a deal where you pay for your pet’s emergency care up front in exchange for getting coverage.
Some vet offices that do have a service called “progressive care” or “value-added services” will often offer a discount if you pay the full cost up front. In this case, you can sign up for services and then ask for a discount on future services if you’re not satisfied.
Check with Your Vet About Alternative Options
If the vet that you usually see isn’t nearby, ask them what services they have for emergency care, even if they don’t specialize in emergency veterinary care. If they tell you that they have emergency care in their network and that they’re available to take your pets, ask for more details on what the fees are for the emergency vet.
Call Your Vet
Depending on the emergency vet you’re planning to use, you may be able to reach them over the phone. Some emergency vets will send a few of their vet students or associates to your house to treat your pet. There are also a variety of classes for vets to take online that may also allow you to contact them over the phone.
To find a local vet, visit EmergencyVetsGlasgow.com. Emergency Vets Glasgow is a national, fully integrated network of free-to-use sites that allow you to search veterinary services in your area and find veterinarians near you. You can browse the listings by specialty, location, rating and fees. You can also submit a request for specific veterinarian to visit or offer treatment for your pet.
