Knowing when your pet needs emergency care can save their life. Here is a veterinarians guide to recognizing emergencies and acting quickly.
Call Your Vet or Emergency Clinic Immediately If:
1Difficulty Breathing
•Gasping, open-mouth breathing in cats
•Blue or pale gums
•Excessive panting in dogs not related to heat/exercise
2Trauma or Injury
•Hit by a car
•Falls from height
•Fight wounds, especially from unknown animals
•Visible broken bones
3Collapse or Inability to Stand
•Sudden weakness
•Paralysis
•Seizures lasting more than 2 minutes
4Signs of Poisoning
•Known ingestion of toxic substances
•Excessive drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea
•Tremors or seizures
5Severe Bleeding
•Wounds that wont stop bleeding
•Blood in vomit, urine, or stool
•Bleeding from nose or mouth
6Bloated Abdomen
•Especially in large breed dogs
•Distended stomach with unsuccessful attempts to vomit
•This is GDV (bloat) - a life-threatening emergency
7Unable to Urinate
•Straining without producing urine
•Crying in pain while attempting to urinate
•Common in male cats with urinary blockage
8Eye Emergencies
•Sudden blindness
•Protruding eye
•Severe eye injury or swelling
What to Do:
1Stay calm
2Call ahead to the clinic
3Transport safely (carrier for cats, secure for dogs)
4Bring any toxins or substances if ingested
5Note symptoms and timeline
Prevention:
•Know your nearest 24-hour emergency clinic
•Keep pet first aid kit ready
•Pet-proof your home
•Keep emergency numbers accessible
Source
EasyPetClub
