Transport To The Vet's Office
Even the sweetest pet may bite under the right circumstances -
a traumatic, painful injury in a pet who has been frightened during an emergency
is just such a circumstance!
a traumatic, painful injury in a pet who has been frightened during an emergency
is just such a circumstance!
Dog transport
Knowing how to apply a gauze muzzle so that you can safely move and transport an injured pet is a valuable skill.
DO NOT PLACE THIS TYPE OF MUZZLE ON A PET THAT IS HAVING DIFFICULTY BREATHING.
DO NOT PLACE THIS TYPE OF MUZZLE ON A PET THAT IS HAVING DIFFICULTY BREATHING.
NOTE: For short-nosed breeds, do exactly as above but also connect long ties (now at the back of the neck)
to the band over the top of the nose to ensure the dog cannot slide it off.
to the band over the top of the nose to ensure the dog cannot slide it off.
Methods of transporting a dog:
CARRIER
If your dog is small enough, carrier transport is the most safe. |
FLAT BOARD
A piece of plywood or other board is effective transport for a larger injured dog. To keep the dog from moving off of the board, use several cloth strips placed under the board then tied across the patient. |
STRETCHER
A towel or blanket can be used as a soft stretcher by sliding it under the patient, then gently lifting the edges. |
CAT TRANSPORT
Whenever possible, the safest way to transport a cat is in a carrier!
It is instinct (and human nature) to want to hold and comfort our pets -
especially in a time of crisis.
Even a cat that may seem like it is reluctant to move or run away could become agitated and bite, or become frightened and escape. I have seen more than a few cats escape in parking lots when startled by dogs or noises from cars.
Most newer cat carriers can be quickly disassembled/reassembled to allow for removal of the top portion. This allows you to gently set your cat inside and replace the lid if he/she is injured, with minimal disruption to the cat.
Any cat that is trying to bite can be covered with a thick blanket or several towels to move.
Thick work gloves also work well, but be aware - cats can bite through leather work gloves!
One other transport option for a cat is inside a pillow case if there isn't a carrier available.
This would not be recommended for any pet that has life-threatening injuries causing breathing trouble or a fever, but can be used if no other options exist.
Any cat that is trying to bite can be covered with a thick blanket or several towels to move.
Thick work gloves also work well, but be aware - cats can bite through leather work gloves!
One other transport option for a cat is inside a pillow case if there isn't a carrier available.
This would not be recommended for any pet that has life-threatening injuries causing breathing trouble or a fever, but can be used if no other options exist.