Injuries/Illnesses That Can Wait

Gastrointestinal problems (vomiting and diarrhea):

• Most are caused by dietary indiscretion such as getting into the trash, eating carcasses, or being fed table scraps. These are usually self-limiting and will normally correct themselves;
• For most vomiting cases, we recommend you withhold food for 24 hours;
• Withhold water for 4-6 hours (you may offer ice chips). When you reintroduce water, do so in small amounts;
• Once 24 hours have passed, offer your pet a bland diet. This may be something as simple as white rice and boiled chicken. Cottage cheese and pasta also work well; and
• For diarrhea cases, if your dog is eating normally and eating the bland diet well, either Imodium or Pepto Bismol may be given in the dosage noted in this article.

Lameness issues are not normally considered emergencies, except for compound fractures (broken bones which break through the skin):

• For a slight fracture, stabilize the bone and keep animal strictly confined;
• Leash walk only and avoid steps;
• Give aspirin at the dosage noted in this article; and
• Do not give Ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin or Advil) as it can be toxic to dogs.

Seizures:

• Usually last only 2-5 minutes;
• The only treatment is to make sure your pet cannot hurt himself by, for example, rolling down the stairs, or falling off the furniture;
• Pets WILL NOT swallow their tongues. Do not push anything into their mouth or try to hold their tongue; and
• Seek immediate medical attention if seizures are re-occurring or last longer than ten minutes.

Cuts and Scrapes:Consider it an emergency if bleeding continues for more than 20 minutes with direct pressure. Scrapes can be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide and a triple antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin can be applied.

Injuries/Illnesses That Can\'t Wait

• If your dog tries to vomit repeatedly and is unable to do so, this can be a sign of “bloat”, which is caused by a twisted stomach. Bloat is a serious condition and needs to be treated immediately. Most bloat cases are found in large, deep-chested dogs such as German Shepherds, Irish Setters, Dobermans, Great Danes, Greyhounds and other sight hounds. Other signs of bloat include distension of the abdomen, foaming at the mouth, pale gums and extreme lethargy;
• All eye injuries;
• Respiratory distress – elevated respiratory rate or labored breathing;
• Vomiting for more than 24 hours;
• Extreme lethargy;
• Inability to urinate (particularly male pets);
• Cuts which bleed for more than 20 minutes with direct pressure;
• Vomiting blood; and
• Head injuries – pet unconscious.

What Do You Do in Case Your Pet ...

Has blood in his urine, or is urinating in strange places:

• Usually secondary to a urinary tract infection and can normally wait until the next day; and
• Females rarely become blocked. Male animals need to be monitored to ensure they are urinating.

Has blood in his stool:

• This is an emergency if the blood is in large amounts (clots larger than a tangerine).

Eats household poison:

• Call poison control for treatment and recommendations (see telephone number below).

Eats rat poison:

• If you see your pet eat rat poison, induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide and seek medical treatment the next day.

Has an ear infection:

• Clean the ear(s) with 1 part apple cider vinegar and 2 parts water; and
• Give aspirin (see dosage schedule). If necessary, seek treatment the next day.

Is coughing:

• Administer Robitussin (see dosage schedule).. If necessary, seek treatment the next day.

Has a swollen face from an allergic reaction (e.g. a spider bite, bee sting or ant bite):

• Usually not an emergency unless pet is having a problem breathing; and
• Administer Benadryl (see dosage schedule).

Has a broken nail, or nail is cut too short:

• Stop the bleeding with baking powder or a styptic stick.

Is itching excessively:

• Administer Benadryl (see dosage schedule).

Is sprayed by a skunk:

• Bathe in a mixture of 1 bottle hydrogen peroxide, 1 box of baking soda, ½ cup Dawn dishwashing liquid and 1 cup of white vinegar;
• Update rabies vaccination the next business day if needed.

Important Numbers

Emergency Clinics

Prince William Emergency, Manassas 703-361-8287

Valley Emergency, Winchester 540-662-7811

VETS, Charlottesville 434-973-3519

Emergency Veterinary Clinic, Vienna 703-281-5121

South Paws CritiCare, Springfield 703-569-3688

Poison Control 800-548-2423