Pets are naturally curious, playful, and sometimes a little too adventurous for their own good. Whether it is a minor cut, a fall, or a more serious accident, knowing how to respond quickly can make all the difference in your pet’s recovery.
At i-Care Veterinary Hospital, we provide same-day urgent care services for injuries that need prompt attention but are not life-threatening emergencies. If you are unsure whether your pet needs urgent or emergency care, give us a call, and we will guide you on the best next steps.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Injury
In any pet emergency, your calmness is key. Before rushing to help, take a deep breath and observe your pet’s condition. Look for:
✔ Bleeding or open wounds
✔ Limping or reluctance to move
✔ Whining, shaking, or signs of pain
✔ Swelling or bruising
✔ Difficulty breathing or signs of distress
If your pet is alert and mobile, proceed to first aid steps. If they are unresponsive, struggling to breathe, or unable to move, seek emergency care immediately.
Step 2: Control Bleeding
For minor wounds, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to slow the bleeding. If the bleeding is severe or does not stop within five to ten minutes, seek veterinary care right away.
Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol on deep wounds, as these can delay healing. Stick to clean, dry pressure and let your veterinarian handle the rest.
Step 3: Keep Your Pet Still
If your pet is limping, has a swollen limb, or appears to have a fracture, limit their movement as much as possible.
For small pets, place them in a carrier or box lined with blankets to keep them secure. For larger pets, use a makeshift stretcher such as a sturdy blanket or board to move them without worsening the injury.
Step 4: Avoid DIY Treatments
It is tempting to treat injuries at home, but many human medications and home remedies can be dangerous for pets.
Do not give human painkillers like ibuprofen or Tylenol, as these are toxic to pets. Also, do not attempt to set broken bones or dislocated joints. Improper handling can cause further damage.
Step 5: Seek Urgent or Emergency Care
Some injuries require immediate veterinary attention. Contact i-Care Veterinary Hospital for urgent care or to determine if emergency care is needed if your pet has:
✔ Deep cuts, wounds, or excessive bleeding
✔ Lameness, limping, or suspected fractures
✔ Swelling or bruising that worsens
✔ Head trauma from falls or being hit by an object
✔ Signs of pain, aggression, or reluctance to move
✔ A foreign object stuck in the skin, paw, or mouth
If your pet has a life-threatening injury, such as difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, or severe trauma, contact your nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
How We Helped This Dog
This pup arrived at i-Care Veterinary Hospital with a deep wound on his rear right paw that required stitches.
Before proceeding, Dr. Erynn Buhr listened to his heart and lungs to ensure he was stable for sedation. Since stitching a wound requires absolute stillness, sedation was necessary for his safety and comfort.
Once sedated, Dr. Buhr checked his leg for additional injuries before proceeding with wound care. The wound was then cleaned, stitched, and bandaged, and pain relief was provided to aid healing.
After waking up from sedation, this pup was already on the road to recovery.
This Is Why Urgent Care Matters
Waiting too long to treat an injury can lead to infection, worsening pain, or more complications. Deep cuts, swelling, or limping are all signs that your pet needs urgent care. This is exactly what we are here for.
Call us for urgent care or to determine if emergency care is needed.
📞 Call us at 250-947-9364
🌐 Visit our website to book an appointment: https://icarevet.com/contact/
Your pet’s safety and well-being are our priority. Let us help them heal quickly and comfortably.