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CBS 2 HD Special Report: Pet Emergency

Guidelines Every Animal Lover Should Follow Should Something Bad Happen During Hot Summer Months

NEW YORK (CBS) ― Many people with children know first aid and what to do in an emergency.

But pet owners need to be prepared as well, especially this time of the year.

And so, CBS 2 HD went to an expert for some simple steps that you can take to keep your pet happy and healthy.

It's summertime and like their owners, dogs just want to have fun. But all that activity can add up to danger for dogs and trips to the veterinarian.

"There's not a vet in the country who wouldn't say they're busiest in the summer with pet emergencies than the rest of the year," Dr. Ann Hohenhaus said.

But there are things dog owners can do to cut down on vet trips, or to stabilize your dog until you get him to the vet – things every dog owner should know.

"Finn," a 5-year-old Maltese, and Dr. Hohenhaus demonstrated to CBS 2 HD some of them, like what to do if your dog stops breathing.

"So what you'd have to do is hold the muzzle shut and breathe in through the nostrils, so you'd have to put your lips up to the black part of Finn's nose and breathe in that way," Hohenhaus said.

Hohenhaus also demonstrated the method on a dummy used by vets for training.

Dogs also can choke on food or medicine. Like with humans, the Heimlich Maneuver can be used to clear the airway.

"You can simply put your hands behind their rib cage and push really hard," Hohenhaus said. "Pushing on the ribs up here is the wrong place. It's back here on the tummy and push."

Heat stroke is a big concern this time of year, and it can be deadly. Ice packs should be used to help cool off the dog, but in a pinch grab anything cold.

"Frozen vegetables, green beans, corn, a steak anything you have solid and frozen can substitute for ice packs if you need to cool your pet off," Hohenhaus said.

However, Hohenhaus said heat stroke is so dangerous that dogs must be brought to the vet immediately for treatment, and she says because any emergency can happen at any time, dog owners need to have a plan in place. Their dog's life could depend on it.

"In emergency, timing is everything, so you need to be all prepared so when you need to make that trip it's a get up and go situation," Hohenhaus said.

Among the things you need to know is the location of a 24-hour animal hospital near you and the phone number. For the Animal Poison Control hotline, dial 888-426-4435. There is a $60 fee for that service.

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