You can’t protect your pet from every potential mishap, but vigilance, education, and proactive care can help avoid many common pet emergencies. Our Heartland Veterinary Hospital team provides do’s and don’ts that can help safeguard your four-legged friend from common veterinary emergencies.

DO ensure your pet receives regular preventive care

Regular preventive care is a crucial aspect of your pet’s health care plan and can help prevent many serious health problems. Preventive care includes:

  • Wellness examinations — Annual or bi-annual wellness visits help our team detect health conditions early, before they cause serious health complications. They also ensure your pet stays up to date on their vaccinations to prevent life-threatening diseases.
  • Year-round parasite prevention — Year-round parasite prevention is necessary to protect your pet from dangerous parasites that can cause significant health problems.
  • Dental care — Regular professional veterinary dental cleanings and daily toothbrushing at home help keep your pet’s mouth clean and healthy, which helps prevent painful oral complications, as well as systemic disease.

DON’T leave your pet in an unattended vehicle

Temperatures inside parked vehicles can quickly rise to dangerously high levels, putting your pet at risk for heatstroke, a potentially life-threatening condition. Many pet owners think parking in the shade and leaving the window cracked will keep their four-legged friend safe, but these measures don’t prevent temperatures from skyrocketing. Leave your pet at home if they can’t accompany you inside establishments when you run errands. 

DO educate yourself on common pet toxins

Numerous common foods and household items are toxic to pets. Knowing what substances are pet-toxic can help prevent a veterinary emergency. Some common pet toxins include:

  • Medications — Many human prescription and over-the-counter medications are dangerous to pets, and veterinary products can also be toxic if not given to the right animal or in the correct dose. Ensure all medications are securely stored out of your pet’s reach.
  • Foods — Foods, such as chocolate, alcohol, xylitol-containing foods, grapes, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts, are toxic to pets. Avoid giving your pet table scraps and keep garbage in sealed containers.
  • Plants — Many plants are toxic to pets. For example, lilies are especially dangerous for cats. Check out the ASPCA’s guide to poisonous plants before bringing foliage into your home. 
  • Household products — Household products, such as cleaning products, laundry detergent pods, anti-freeze, and rodenticides, are toxic to pets. Keep all household products behind closed doors or on high shelves out of your pet’s reach.

DON’T let your pet roam unattended

Free-roaming pets are at risk for emergency incidents, such as being hit by a car and fighting with other pets or wildlife. Tips to protect your four-legged friend include:

  • Keep your cat inside — Indoor cats live on average 10 to 13 years longer than those allowed outdoors. 
  • Keep your dog leashed — On outings, keep your canine friend leashed and use a harness if they are agile at escape.
  • Check your fence — Check your fenced yard for damage and ensure the area is secure before you let your pet loose.

DO use caution with pet toys and chews

Choose toys that are appropriately sized for your pet to prevent choking and foreign body ingestion, and check toys regularly for wear and tear, replacing any that are damaged. In addition, ensure chews you offer your pet aren’t too hard, which can damage their teeth or mouth. 

DON’T ignore changes in your pet’s behavior

Subtle changes in your pet’s behavior can signal a significant health problem. Issues such as decreased interest in play, loss of appetite, and avoiding attention by hiding can indicate your pet is in pain or not feeling well. Contact our team if your pet’s behavior changes to help avoid a veterinary emergency.

These do’s and don’ts can help reduce your pet’s risk of common veterinary emergencies. Contact our Heartland Veterinary Hospital team to schedule your pet’s wellness examination or if they require emergency veterinary care.