Seeing their dog getting injured is any owners worst nightmare. Dogs can get injured in all sorts of ways, anything from eating something they shouldn’t have, falling, or getting bitten by another animal.
No matter the cause, it’s the last situation any dog owner wants to be in, but it’s important to know what to do should that situation arise. We’ve put together a guide on how to stay calm and what to do if your dog gets injured.
Don’t Panic
It can be easy to lose your cool in such a situation, but it’s important for both you and your dog that you remain level-headed. Your dog will sense your anxiety, so stay calm for his sake as well as yours. Think logically and don’t let emotion get the better of you, especially if other people or other pets are involved, as this could only make the situation worse.
Assess the Situation
Working out what has happened is vital and should be done as quickly as possible. Sometimes it might be obvious, maybe your dog has been bitten, or maybe they’ve cut themselves somehow. Either way, it’s crucial that you assess the situation so that you can act accordingly.
If you think your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t have, check around your immediate area incase it’s nearby. Anything from slug pellets to chocolate can be poisonous to dogs, and the sooner a vet knows what your dog has eaten, the sooner they can help.
Make yourself aware of your surroundings. If you’re out on a walk, are there other dogs nearby and/or involved? If there are other dogs involved, make sure they are kept separate from your dog, and ensure you get contact details from the owner.
What is the quickest route out of where you are? Checking things like these will make the situation a lot easier moving forward.
Take Action
Once you have assessed the situation and taken heed of your surroundings, it’s time to take action. How severe are your dogs’ injuries? If your dog is bleeding or in extreme pain, you need to get them to a vet straight away. Transporting an injured dog can be difficult, they may bite, or scratch so keep your face away from them. Small dogs can be transported in a box, but larger dogs might need a stretcher made out of a rug, door, or something similar. If you can’t move your dog yourself, call friends or family for help.
Make Plans
Depending on the severity of your dogs’ injuries, they might be in for an extended stay at the vets. This will most likely involve frequent trips and phone calls from yourself, so be prepared for this.
Cost is another thing to keep in mind, vet bills can get out of control quickly. If your dog is insured, contact the insurance company to see what your next move should be. If you’re reading this as the owner of an uninsured dog, don’t worry, there are plenty of decent providers out there, the insurance from Petsure as an example can offer you cover for any potential injury to your pet.
Conclusion
Most owners don’t even want to imagine their best friend getting injured but, despite how difficult it may be, it’s vital to have a plan of action in place should anything happen, and the quicker and more effectively you act, the better the outcome for both you and your pet.
Staying calm is essential first and foremost while assessing the situation can help you plan your next move. If a vet trip is necessary, costs can mount quickly, so it’s important to make sure your dog is insured in case the unthinkable should happen.