Emergencies

If your pet is bleeding, apply a clean cloth or dressing to the area and apply firm pressure. If the wound is significant, or you fear there is a chance of infection, arrange for your pet to be checked by one of our veterinarians.

If your pet has been hit by a car, try to keep your pet as calm as possible, and do not panic.

• Wrap your pet in a blanket, but make sure you keep the nose and mouth exposed
• If you think your pet may have broken bones, keep them as still as possible
• Place your pet on a hard moveable surface such as piece of wooden board and cover it with a blanket
• Transport your pet immediately to a veterinary clinic or hospital
• Under no circumstances should you give your pet any medications.

If your pet is unconscious you should endeavour to get them to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible. While you are transporting your pet, monitor its breathing and make sure you keep the neck extended to open the airway.

If your cat or dog has stopped breathing:

• Hold their mouth closed and keep their neck extended
• Place your mouth around the nostrils and breathe until the chest wall rises
• Give five quick breaths, then one breath every 5 seconds.

If your pet is having a seizure:

• Do not place your fingers near your pet’s mouth
• Try to keep your pet on its side with the neck extended and resting slightly downwards so it doesn’t choke on saliva
• Be careful as your pet recovers from the seizure as it could be overstimulated by noise and act in an uncharacteristic manner.

If a snake has bitten your pet, you should bring it directly to Paws and Claws Veterinary Clinic or take your pet to the Murdoch Pet Emergency Centre. If your pet stops breathing:

• Hold the mouth closed and keep the neck extended
• Place your mouth around the nostrils and breathe until the chest wall rises
• Give five quick breaths, then one breath every 5 seconds.

All snail pellets are toxic, so if you suspect your cat or dog has digested even one pellet, bring it directly to Paws and Claws Veterinary Clinic. If your pet goes into a seizure:

• Do not place your fingers near your pet’s mouth
• Try to keep your pet on its side with the neck extended and resting slightly downwards so it doesn’t choke on saliva
• Be careful as your pet recovers from the seizure as it could be overstimulated by noise and act in an uncharacteristic manner.

If a dog has attacked your pet try not to handle it more than is necessary. Your pet could be in a lot of pain and might react out of character. Try to wrap your pet in a blanket, keeping the nose and mouth exposed If your pet is small, place it in a box lined with a blanket or a wash basket, and bring it into Paws and Claws Veterinary Clinic immediately If your pet is large, place it on a blanket for easy lifting and bring it into Paws and Claws Veterinary Clinic immediately.