One of the most distressing events for pet owners to encounter is witnessing their pet being injured in a road traffic accident or some other type of mishap that causes injury.

When pets are injured, following are some tips to increase its chance of a speedy recovery.

-- Get pet out of harm's way. If it was involved in a road traffic accident, move the animal to the side of the road, using slow, deliberate movements as not to scare it or worsen any injuries it may have suffered.

-- Call a veterinarian. Add the veterinarian's telephone number into one's cell phone to speed dial in case of emergency. Do not administer fluids or food to the animal in case an anesthetic is needed, unless instructed by a veterinarian, as in the case of a diabetic with low blood sugar.

-- Stop any bleeding. To stop heavy bleeding, apply firm pressure with a clean towel or cloth. This is usually better than a tourniquet, which can lead to tissue death from lack of oxygen. To stop a graze bleeding, apply powdered pepper or turmeric, which are easily available and are good clotting agents.

-- If an injured animal feels icy cold due to shock, wrap a plastic bottle filled with warmed water in a towel to avoid burning or overheating the animal. Never put a hot water bottle directly against the animal.

The animal also can be wrapped in insulating material such as a rug, a thermal blanket or even bubble wrap.

If an animal is in shock, a quiet, dimly-lit space can be helpful.

-- When a pet has been badly injured and is not easily handled due to pain, use a large rug to transport dogs or a cage (or box) lined with a towel for small pets such as cats, rabbits or hamsters.

If fractures are suspected, a board can be used like a stretcher. Caution is urged because even the most friendly pet may bite when in pain. A thick towel wrapped around one's arms and hands can help, and a tie or soft rope can be used as a muzzle or leash in an emergency.

-- Infected wounds can be safely cleaned with tepid salt water. Use as much salt as will dissolve in water.