Hollywood Feed University Hosts Online Course on Handling Pet Emergencies
October 27, 2020
Hollywood Feed University Hosts Online Course on Handling Pet Emergencies
Hollywood Feed recently hosted a free virtual class, entitled Scary Things Can Happen, taught by Dr. Mary Manspeaker, DVM, MS. The course was part of Hollywood Feed’s free, pet wellness education resource known as Hollywood Feed University. This particular seminar focused on how to respond to common pet emergencies and what to expect along the way. A recording of the class may be viewed on Hollywood Feed University's website at
https://hfu.hollywoodfeed.com/live-presentations/scary-things-can-happen/
Dr. Manspeaker opened by categorizing an emergency as an unexpected event that requires immediate attention in order to prevent suffering, worsening or death of a pet. There are many causes of pet emergencies including seizures, trauma or ingesting toxins, such as chocolates, grapes, raisins, garlic or xylitol. Pet owners should always check labels to make sure xylitol is not in anything they give to a pet. To avoid other toxic reactions, it is imperative that pet owners only use medications for the species and individual pet for which the medicine is intended. For instance, flea and tick medication that is formulated for use on dogs is not safe for use on cats.
More pet emergencies include overheating; acute respiratory issues; urinary blockage; diabetic crisis; allergic reactions from insects, vaccines or certain drugs; bloating and distension of the stomach; dystocia, in which a pet in labor cannot pass a puppy or kitten; and glaucoma, a condition in which pressure in the pet's eye is continually increasing.
Dr. Manspeaker reminded attendees to drive cautiously when on the way to the vet in emergency situations in order to avoid getting pulled over or in an accident, as this would create a longer wait time for a pet to get the attention it needs. She also advised pet owners to keep a first-aid kit at home for situations in which the owner can treat the pet without going to the vet. This kit should minimally include Benadryl, bandages, gauze, tape, hydrogen peroxide, muzzles, Karo syrup, sanitary pads, Dawn dish soap and eye wash.
In terms of being financially prepared for pet emergencies, Dr. Manspeaker advised attendees to have an emergency fund dedicated to urgent vet visits and/or pet insurance. She also recommends having important information easily accessible including contact numbers for one’s veterinarian; addresses of nearby emergency clinics; and the phone number for the ASPCA poison control center.
Throughout the presentation, Dr. Manspeaker showed photos with examples of different pets in emergency situations so that attendees could see examples of what to expect a pet to look like when sick or injured. Dr. Manspeaker held an interactive Q&A session with attendees and posted several polls to gage the knowledge and most prominent concerns of pet owners. She ended by emphasizing that in order to prevent vet emergencies, pet owners should take good care of their pets at home, groom them regularly and have them examined by a vet at least once a year.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Mary Manspeaker is a 2002 graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2013, she completed a Graduate Certificate in Shelter Medicine and, in 2019, she obtained her Master’s degree in Veterinary Forensic Sciences, both through the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She has worked in small animal private and emergency practice. Since 2012, she has worked primarily in animal welfare and has assisted the Animal Rescue Corps and the ASPCA with dozens of animal cruelty cases. She is currently the staff veterinarian at the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County where she treats sick and injured homeless animals in the community. In her spare time, she likes to travel with Animal Balance to help provide veterinary services to underserved areas worldwide. She also lectures on animal cruelty through the Law Enforcement Training Institute. She is a native of Memphis, Tennessee and lives with her dog, Fiona, and her cats, Harley, Tycho, Puca, and Jeffrey.
ABOUT HOLLYWOOD FEED: Hollywood Feed serves pets, their owners, caretakers and communities in 105+ stores across 14 states. Consistently ranking atop consumer choice awards in the markets it serves, Hollywood Feed and its family of brands have most recently been named Best Pet Supply Stores by Dallas A-List, Best Pet Store by The Memphis Flyer, Best Self Atlanta Magazine's Best Pet Store, Best Pet Food and Supplies in the Best of Denton County Awards, and Best New Business by Cary Living Magazine in North Carolina. Hollywood Feed proudly stands by its brand promise: If your pet doesn’t love it or if you don’t love it, we will gladly replace or refund it. Learn more about Hollywood Feed at hollywoodfeed.com and facebook.com/hwfeed. For more information on Hollywood Feed University, visit https://hfu.hollywoodfeed.com/.
Contact:
Beth Okeon
beth@abomarketing.com
