07/07/2026
‼️📣 *WHAT TO DO IN AN ANIMAL EMERGENCY!* 📣‼️
What do you do if your pet suddenly collapses, or you come across an injured stray? Here are the things to remember in an animal emergency!
1️⃣ ‼️*SAFETY FIRST!* ‼️
- *Always prioritize your OWN SAFETY!*
- Be mindful when rescuing strays, especially in Sarawak where *RABIES IS ENDEMIC.*
- Assume all unknown animals' are *UNVACCINATED.*
- Avoid contact with bodily fluids, *especially saliva* if you have *OPEN WOUNDS.* Even if it's only a small papercut. *WEAR GLOVES IF POSSIBLE.*
- Keep a *SAFE DISTANCE* from aggressive animals.
- Do not put yourself in *DANGEROUS SITUATIONS* to rescue an animal.
- *CALL FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP IF NEEDED.*
2️⃣ *MOVING THE ANIMAL*
- *Precautions:* If the animal is awake, AVOID GETTING BITTEN. Try to MUZZLE the animal or ISOLATE THE HEAD, such as with an e-collar or a towel.
- *Immobile Animals:* If the animal is unconscious or can't move, transport it while SUPPORTING ITS BACK, such as with a flat board or a blanket.
3️⃣ *REMEMBER YOUR ABCs*
- *Airway:* Ensure the airway is CLEAR. Extend the head and neck, wipe away any fluids, and pull the tongue forward if possible.
- *Breathing:* If the animal isn't breathing, circle the muzzle with your hands and BLOW into the NOSE at 15-20 TIMES PER MINUTE.
- *Cardiac Function:* Check for a HEARTBEAT. If there is none, do CHEST COMPRESSIONS at 80-120 TIMES A MINUTE.
4️⃣ *IMMEDIATE INJURIES*
- *Bleeding:* Apply FIRM PRESSURE using a clean cloth. DO NOT USE A TOURNIQUET. If blood seeps through, don't remove the cloth - add more layers instead.
- *External Wounds:* Cover with clean material and focus especially on penetrating wounds to the chest or abdomen.
- *Fractures:* IMMOBILIZE broken limbs with splints (sticks, broom handles, etc.) If splinting is not possible, simply prepare the animal for transport.
- *Burns:* Apply COOL, WET TOWELS over the area.
- *Cold:* If the animal is shivering/in shock, WRAP with BLANKET/COAT/TOWEL.
- *Heat Stroke:* If the animal is overheating, cool it with room temperature damp towels. DO NOT USE COLD WATER, IT CAN CAUSE SHOCK.
5️⃣ *PREPARE FOR TRANSPORT*
- *Call Ahead:* Call the veterinary clinic/hospital so they can prepare for your arrival.
- *Protect Your Vehicle:* Use plastic bags/sheets/towels to minimize mess and contamination.
- *Drive Safely:* Do not turn one accident into two - don't speed, don't be reckless.
Hopefully, you will never have to encounter a situation where you need the above steps. But if you do, STAY CALM, do NOT PANIC, and go through each step carefully. You've got this!
source: Kirk & Bistners Handbook of Vet Procedures & Emergency Treatment