None — Pet Ownership in the U.S.
According to the American Pet Products Association, 62 percent of American families have at least one pet. The most popular pets are dogs and cats. More than 45 percent of American households own at least one dog and more than 38 percent have at least one cat. Other popular pets include: fish, birds, small animals and reptiles.
Americans are spending an increasing amount of money on their pets. In 1994, annual spending on pets, food and pet care products was $17 billion. Last year, spending on pets reached $45.5 billion.
Preparing for Emergencies
Mark Stickney, D.V.M., Veterinarian with Texas A&M in College Station, TX, says all pet owners should be prepared to deal with an emergency. Among cats and dogs, some of the most common types of incidents are related to a household accident (like a cut, sprain or fracture from a fall), a fight with another animal, poisoning and being hit by a car. Pets are also susceptible to some conditions seen in humans, like diarrhea, burns, choking and seizures. It's important for pet owners to be prepared and know how to handle an emergency. In cases of serious illness or trauma, taking immediate steps may save an animal's life.
All pets should have regular veterinary care. The vet's name and number should be posted in an accessible location so the office can be reached when critical care is needed. Not all vets are prepared to take on emergency visits, especially after regular business hours. Get the name of the nearest emergency veterinary care center and have that number posted in a conspicuous place. You should also have copies of your pet's health records available in case you need to supply the information to an emergency vet who is unfamiliar with your pet.
Prevention is an important part of preparation. All pets should be kept on a leash when they are outside (unless you have a completely fenced in area for them to run). Make sure the collar or harness fits securely so the animal can't slip away. Avoid exposure to dangerous items. Small items, like coins, button batteries, and pieces of children's toys can become trapped in an animal's airway and cause choking. Chewing on electrical cords can expose wiring and cause electrocution.
Keep pets away from household poisons. According to the ASPCA, human medications are the leading pet hazard in the U.S. These drugs, as well as cleaning products, insecticides/pesticides and lawn chemicals can be very toxic if ingested by an animal. Certain plants (like tulip bulbs, oleander, castor beans, azalea and others) can be toxic. Some types of human food are also dangerous for pets (such as chocolate, alcohol, grapes, onions and foods containing the sweetener, xylitol). If you suspect your pet has ingested some type of hazardous substance, you can call the ASPCA's Poison Control Line, at (888) 426-4435. The call is toll-free. However, you may be required to pay a $65.00 consultation fee (payable by credit card).
Developing A Pet First Aid Kit
Having a pet first aid kit can help an owner deal with many types of minor pet emergencies. A pet first aid kit contains many of the same items found in a human first aid kit. The kit should have the name and telephone number of the veterinarian or nearby animal hospital. Some other items that should be included:
• Muzzle, to keep an injured animal from biting a handler (don't use a muzzle if the animal is vomiting).
• Latex gloves, to keep your hands clean while you examine a cut or wound and prevent transfer of germs from your hands to the site of injury.
• Moist towelettes, for minor cleaning around an injury site.
• Tweezers, to remove splinters, bee stingers, or small objects embedded in an animal's paw or skin.
• Safety scissors, to trim hair away from a wound site or remove gum or sticky substances from a pet's coat.
• Gauze, non-stick bandages and adhesive tape, to cover wounds. Gauze can also be gently wrapped around the mouth to form a muzzle. Don't use adhesive bandages meant for humans on an animal.
• Hydrogen peroxide (3 percent), to induce vomiting. (Do not administer to an animal unless instructed by a veterinarian because this treatment can be dangerous for some types of poisons.)
• Milk of magnesia/activated charcoal, to absorb poisons. (Do not use unless instructed to do so by a vet.)
• Eye dropper or medicine syringe, to give oral medications or flush wounds.
• Saline eye solution, to flush toxins from the eyes.
• Lubricating eye drops, for use after flushing the eyes.
• Pet thermometer, to check body temperature for a fever.
• Emergency blanket, to cover the pet or use as an emergency stretcher.
Many types of pet injuries (like minor cuts and scrapes) can be cared for at home. The American Red Cross offers a pet first aid course to help pet owners know what to do for an injured pet. Be cautious in dealing with any injured animal. Even the most docile, friendly pet can become agitated and bite or scratch when hurt.
For general information on pet and pet emergencies:
American Animal Hospital Association American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals American Veterinary Medical Association Poison Control Line: (888) 426-4435 (NOTE: Although the call is toll-free, you may be required to pay a $65.00 consultation fee, payable by credit card.)
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