No one wants to think about their pet getting sick or injured, but it’s important to be prepared just in case. Here are some tips on what to do if your pet is sick or injured.

If your pet is sick or injured

the first thing you should do is call your veterinarian. They will be able to give you specific instructions on what to do next. If your pet is in pain, you can give them over-the-counter pain medication if your veterinarian approves it. Never give your pet human medication without consulting a professional first.

If your pet has an open wound

clean it with warm water and soap. Apply pressure if the bleeding is constant. If the bleeding is not constant, put a clean cloth over the wound and secure it with medical tape or a bandage. Seek professional help if the bleeding does not stop within a few minutes or if the wound is more than a half inch deep. 

If your pet has been bitten by another animal

wash the wound with warm water and soap immediately. Apply pressure if the bleeding is constant. If the wound is more than a half inch deep, seek professional help immediately. Call animal control if you do not know the animal that bit your pet so that they can confirm that the animal does not have rabies. 

Sickness and injury are never fun for anyone, but knowing what to do in those situations can make them less stressful. If your pet is sick or injured, the first thing you should do is call your veterinarian for specific instructions. You can also clean open wounds and apply pressure to stop bleeding. Seek professional help if the bleeding does not stop or if the wound is deep. Finally, if your pet has been bitten by another animal, wash the wound immediately and call animal control. With these tips, you’ll be prepared for anything!