Dealing with a pet emergency can be very stressful and overwhelming. You have to move fast to protect the health and wellbeing of your pet. Knowing ahead of time what you should do in an emergency will help you stay calm and make sure your pet gets the best care possible. Here are some things you can do if your pet has a broken bone.

Identify the Injured Area

First, you want to assess your pet’s injury and determine where it is, how it happened, and how severe it is. Look for bleeding, bruising, swelling, and deformed or twisted-looking limbs. If your pet is acting injured but you can’t see an injury, try pressing very, very lightly on different areas of your pet’s body and seeing how he reacts. 

Immobilize Your Pet 

You will have to immobilize your pet before putting him in a car to take him to the veterinary hospital. If possible, put a muzzle, harness, and leash on your dog. If you have a cat, you should also try to put a muzzle on him. You should not try to make your pet walk. You can put him in a crate or transport him in his pet bed or wrapped up in a towel or blanket.

Call a Veterinary Hospital

Next, call the nearest veterinary hospital to let them know you are bringing your pet in. Give them as much information as possible about the injury, including its location and severity and how it happened, if you know. You should also tell them what to expect from your pet’s behavior or demeanor.

Move Your Pet Carefully

You will need to be careful when moving your pet so that you don’t injure him further. If you can, transfer your pet into a hard-bottomed pet crate. This will keep him more stable during the car ride. If your pet is in his bed, on a towel, or on a pillow, you can just pick him up using that and carefully maneuver him into the crate. 

Do not try to treat or set a broken bone yourself. Your pet needs emergency veterinary care in a hospital setting.