Veterinarians

Resources for Your Pet’s Care at Home

At CVETS, we understand how important it is for pet parents to have the correct information when caring for a pet with neurological conditions. 

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At-Home Care

Whether your pet has recently been diagnosed, undergone surgery, or managed a chronic condition, we’re here to help. This page provides essential resources, home care tips, and guidance to ensure your pet’s comfort and well-being. Our neurology team is just a call away if you have any concerns.

Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions and contact them if you have any concerns during the process.

Giving Intranasal Midazolam

Intranasal midazolam is often prescribed for pets with seizure disorders as a fast-acting emergency medication to help stop or reduce the severity of a seizure at home. It is especially useful for pets who experience cluster or prolonged seizures, as it can quickly absorb through the nasal passages and take effect faster than oral medications. Intranasal midazolam allows pet owners to provide immediate care while seeking veterinary assistance if needed. 

We highly recommend learning this method before your dog seizes so that you can draw up the dose faster. You can give your dog 3 doses in 24 hours, with an hour between each dose. If your dog continues to seize after the 3 doses, they must be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

 
  • Remove nasal cone, syringe, and vial of midazolam from the bag. Ensure everything is sterile and intact.
  • Check the patient’s prescription and confirm the correct dose of midazolam for administration.
  • Inspect the vial for any damage or contamination. If it has a cap or seal, break it off and remove it to access the medication.
  • Attach a sterile needle to the syringe. 
  • Insert the needle into the grey rubber stopper (or septum) of the vial.
  • Tip: Be mindful of air bubbles. If you see any, draw back the syringe slightly, tap gently to dislodge them, and push the plunger to expel the air before drawing the full dose.
  • Once the correct dose is drawn, remove the needle from the vial. Recap the needle immediately using a one-handed technique or use a safety needle to prevent needlestick injuries.
  • Remove the needle from the syringe, being careful not to contaminate the syringe.
  • Attach the nasal cone to the syringe, ensuring it is securely fastened.
  • Position the patient’s head slightly backward. Gently insert the nasal cone into one nostril.
  • Inject half of the prescribed dose into one nostril. Aim for a steady, slow push to allow absorption.
  • Switch nostrils and insert the remaining half of the dose into the other nostril.
  • Ensure the patient remains comfortable and monitor them closely after administration.
  • Dispose of the syringe, needle, and nasal cone in a sharps container immediately after use.
  • Clean your hands and document the administration appropriately.

Urinary Catheter Care & Removal

Pets with certain neurological conditions may require a urinary catheter to help manage bladder function, especially if they have difficulty urinating independently. At-home care for a urinary catheter is essential to prevent infections, ensure proper urine flow, and keep your pet comfortable. Regular cleaning and monitoring for signs of blockage, irritation, or infection are key aspects of catheter care. Sometimes, your veterinarian may instruct you on safely removing the catheter at home when it is no longer needed. Always follow your veterinarian’s guidance and contact them if you notice any concerns.

 
  1. Place a clean towel under your pet to maintain a sterile area.
  2. Put on gloves before handling any materials.
  3. Take a small amount of gauze from your discharge pack and pour some diluted chlorhexidine onto it.
  4. Gently wipe around your pet’s penis or vulva with the gauze to clean the area.
  5. Discard the used gauze after cleaning.
  6. Using a fresh piece of gauze, gently wipe the urinary catheter from the point of insertion outward, removing any debris.
  1. Position the urinary bag over a jug or drain.
  2. While wearing gloves, gently twist the blue valve to release the urine.
  3. Allow all urine to be emptied from the bag.
  4. Twist the valve back to seal it securely.
  1. Place the urinary bag and catheter on a clean, dry surface.
  2. Open a sterile syringe and remove the cap if it has one.
  3. With gloves on, attach the syringe to the valve at the end of the catheter.
  4. Slowly pull back on the syringe plunger until no more fluid comes out—this deflates the balloon inside your pet’s bladder. The amount of fluid removed will depend on the catheter size.
  5. Once fully deflated, gently and slowly pull out the catheter in one smooth motion.
  6. Dispose of the catheter and urinary bag properly.