Posts tagged emergency

Most pet poisonings happen at home, and most involve ordinary things: a bar of chocolate left on a table, a packet of sugar-free gum in a handbag, a bunch of lilies on the sideboard. The good news is that nearly all of them are preventable once you know what to look for.

This guide covers the most common household toxins for dogs and cats, the signs of poisoning, and exactly what to do if you suspect your pet has eaten something harmful.

Dogs can't sweat the way people do. They cool down mainly by panting and through their paw pads, and when the air is too hot or humid, that isn't enough. Body temperature climbs, organs begin to fail, and a dog can go from happily trotting along to collapsing in a matter of minutes.

Heatstroke is an emergency, but it's also one of the most preventable ones. This guide explains the signs, the first aid that buys you time, and the habits that keep your dog safe.

Most pet emergencies don't happen at 2 p.m. on a weekday with the vet's door open. They happen at night, on a walk, or on a bank holiday, when you're worried and the nearest clinic is a long drive away. A small, well-organised first-aid kit won't replace a vet, but it can help you stabilise your pet, clean a minor wound, or get through the journey safely.

This guide lists what to include, what to avoid, and how to use the kit sensibly.