Caring for an Animal in Shock

It's safe to assume that the injured animal will be in shock, both from the original cause of its injury or trauma, and from being handled by you. Just like in humans, shock can kill an animal. Therefore, you need to try to eliminate extra stressors and alleviate shock. Don't assume that the animal knows you are trying to help, even if it seems to be content perched on your finger or resting in your arms. It's most likely paralyzed with fear and such shock will cause the animal to lose body heat and fluids. Those kind of physiological reactions will worsen its injuries.

Here are nine steps you can take to help alleviate the shock of an injured animal:

1. Any animal that can be safely handled by you should be placed in a covered box with air holes, along with a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel or with the box itself placed half on a heating pad set on low, unless it's a very warm day (80 degrees or warmer).
2. Place something absorbent in the bottom of the box like newspapers, paper towels or clean cloths with no holes or raveled edges. This helps keep the animal clean and dry and gives it more secure footing.
3. Keep the animal in a quiet place, away from family members or pets.
4. Resist the temptation to check on it: you are adding stress each time you open the box by subjecting it to unfamiliar noises (i.e., human voices, radio, television) and smells (household pets).
5. If the animal is bleeding do keep an eye on it. It's critical to stop the bleeding. Apply gentle pressure to the wound site and get it to a wildlife rehabilitator or care center as quickly as possible. Tourniquets are NOT a good idea unless you are a trained rehabilitator. You might cause irreparable damage by not knowing when to let up on the pressure.
6. Do not try to immobilize fractures except by wrapping the whole animal securely in a towel.
7. Be aware of the danger of overheating the animal, particularly birds, during warm weather. Keep temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees.
8. Call a wildlife rehabilitator or care center. If there will be a delay in taking the animal in for care, the rehabilitator may help you attempt to replace lost fluids. Do not attempt to do this on your own without assistance from the rehabilitator. Fluids distributed "down the wrong pipe" can be harmful especially when other injuries or stress are involved. This could kill the injured animal.
9. Do not offer food, unless instructed to do so. This, too, can kill the animal.

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