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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - In conversation with dotsure.co.za’s vet of the month, Veterinarian Dr. Gerna Smit from Hoogland Dierekliniek shares why pet first aid matters: “Emergencies are stressful and overwhelm our judgement and logical thought processes. Being mentally prepared can help you respond quickly and, more importantly, calmly.”
When something goes wrong with your pet, it can feel overwhelming in an instant. But knowing what to do in a pet emergency at home can help you move from panic to action, giving your pet the best chance while you get them to a vet.
Staying calm, acting quickly, and knowing emergency first aid can help stabilise your pet and prevent things from getting worse.
What should you do first in a pet emergency?
If your pet suddenly collapses, struggles to breathe, or behaves out of character, it’s natural to feel unsure. But the first step is simple: pause, take a breath, and assess. Dr. Smit advises pet parents to watch for:
- Sudden weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Pale gums
Some symptoms should never be ignored, no matter how mild they may seem at first. These include:
- Not eating or drinking
- Severe lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
“Eating is such a basic instinct for survival that even if your pet seems fine and happy, red lights should start flashing when they stop.”
How to handle a dog emergency step by step
In a crisis, having a clear idea of how to handle a dog emergency step by step can help you stay focused.
If your dog is choking:
- Check the mouth for visible objects
- Remove only if safe
- If breathing is blocked, go to the vet immediately
You may also wonder about how to deal with a bleeding wound if your dog was injured in an accident. The priority is to apply firm pressure to the wound, keep your pet as calm as possible, and transport them safely for veterinary care.
Heatstroke is another common emergency, especially during hot summers. In this case, move your pet into a cool space, lower their temperature gradually with water, and seek veterinary help as soon as possible.
Can you treat your dog at home before going to the vet?
While stabilising an injured dog before vet care is important, Dr. Smit cautions against trying to fully treat pets at home. You should “not give human medication to pets. Do not attempt complicated treatments at home or delay veterinary care.”
In most emergencies, immediate veterinary care is always the safest option.
How dotsure.co.za supports pet emergency care
In an emergency, especially when you need after-hours emergency care for your pet, the last thing any pet parent wants to worry about is cost. That’s where online pet insurance steps in. Thousands of South African pet parents trust SA’s #1 pet insurer dotsure.co.za for its range of affordable plans with cover for accident and illness, fast claims payouts.
In any emergency, the most important question is often: what should I do first? Dr. Smit’s advice is simple, but powerful: “Take a few seconds to step back, breathe, think, and then act.”
Ts & Cs and possible exclusions may apply and can be obtained by emailing [email protected].
Reimbursement subject to submission of a valid claim. Dotsure Limited (Registration number 2006/000723/06) is a licensed non-life insurer and authorised financial services provider (FSP39925). Voted South Africa’s Best Pet Insurance 2023-2025 by readers of The Star, Die Burger, Beeld, and City Press.
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