When there’s a pet emergency, owners can get nervous and frazzled. But, this doesn’t help the situation in any way. Plus, if your pet senses that you’re nervous, your buddy will become nervous, too. So, the key is to remain calm and follow these five steps.

1) Keep a Safe Distance

Animals in pain can be very unpredictable. So, you need to keep yourself at a safe distance as you assess the situation. If not, the animal could react irrationally, injuring you and causing more injury to himself/herself. And, if the pet emergency involves cars and traffic, do not endanger yourself by running out in from of cars. Get a blanket or towel to keep your pet warm. Then, call your emergency vet right away.

2) Approach with Caution

Between the pain and fear, a pet that’s been injured can also be unpredictable. So, be very careful as you check out the obvious injuries. Be sure to minimize your pet’s initial movement, and your contact with the pet at first. And, always remain calm. It’s an animal’s instinct to run from danger. So, make your buddy feel at ease, so you won’t incite that fleeing response. Cover the animal with a blanket or towel to keep her/him warm and calm. Then, contact your emergency veterinarian.

3) Apply First Aid

A wide range of trauma can occur after traumatic accidents. This includes cases where your pet has been hit by a car. Some trauma and injuries aren’t even visible to the naked eye. When accidents like these occur, your job is to act as the first responder on the scene. This job involves getting your pet stabilized enough to be transported to the emergency vet. Get a large blanket. This will help keep the injured animal warm and calm. It can also act as a stretcher during transport to the emergency veterinarian hospital. Call Bannock Animal Medical Center to let them know you’re coming. They will advise you on the best way to transport your injured pet.

4) Don’t Believe What You See

One of the biggest mistakes made by owners with injured pets is believing what they’re naked eye tells them. Even if the animal looks fine, there may be some serious internal or other injuries you can’t see. This is especially true after being hit by a car. Your pet needs to be evaluated and examined by an emergency veterinarian. Then, any hidden injuries can be assessed, which can include internal bleeding, brain trauma or serious damage to vital organs.

Pets have a knack for masking injuries. Many will hop right up after being hit by a car, and run out of the street. But, this does not mean that all is well. Seriously injured pets will run somewhere to be alone. And, if left untreated, they will remain alone and isolated until the die. The longer you wait to get your pet to the emergency vet, the more medical complications your buddy can suffer. These injuries can end up becoming difficult, or maybe even impossible, to treat.

5) Get Your Pet to the Emergency Vet ASPAP

Make sure your injured pet is as comfortable as possible during transport to the emergency veterinarian. Smaller animals should be transported in a pet carrier, or some just as compact and safe, like ventilated cardboard box. Put larger animals in the back seat of the car, away from the driver to keep everyone in the car safe. Then, put a blanket over your pet to keep her/him calm. Try to bring a friend with you so someone can deal with your pet while the other drives. And, get to Bannock Animal Medical Center as quickly, yet as cautiously, as you can.