Pet parents do their best to keep furry friends safe, but when curiosity and resourcefulness get the better of our pals - like raiding counters for chocolate or running away in pursuit of adventure - they may need emergency vet care.
To be prepared should a medical crisis strike, it's critical to know which situations require immediate assistance from an emergency vet.
When it comes to our furry friends, we know how quickly a situation can turn into an emergency. It's not always easy to spot the signs that your pet is in need of an emergency vet visit.
If you're ever unsure something is serious enough for a visit to the emergency vet or if you should wait till regular vet hours; give us a call at Companion Veterinary- one of our vets will happily provide advice as well as reassurance about what further steps are necessary (if any).
Here is a list of some of the common pet emergencies we've experienced here at Companion Veterinary & Urgent Care Center:
1. Acute Vomiting and/or Diarrhea
Is your furry friend is displaying worrisome signs of digestive distress? Vomiting and loose stools could be pointing to something more serious, so get them an emergency vet appointment straight away. Don't delay - some causes can be life-threatening if not treated quickly!
Top reasons your pet may have vomiting and diarrhea can include:
Dietary indiscretion
Foreign body gastrointestinal obstruction
Parvovirus
Intestinal parasites
Toxin ingestion
Pancreatitis
Kidney or liver disease
Addison’s disease
2. Ingestion Of A Toxic Substance will Cause an Emergency Vet Visit
It's important for pet owners to be aware of household items that can pose a potential danger. Unfortunately, pets are quick to eat things they shouldn't - like an entire chocolate cake if we look away!
If your dog ingests something toxic it's critical you act fast and bring them in to see the emergency vet as soon as possible. Depending on the toxicity, clinical signs could range from vomiting or diarrhea through seizures or hyperactivity – so make sure you take precautionary measures and keep potentially dangerous food out of reach!
3. Traumatic Injuries Are A Common Pet Emergency
Pets are adventurous and can often be caught up in the moment, but their risk-taking behavior could lead to serious trouble on roads. Unfortunately car accidents are all too common for furry friends, leading to emergency vet visits - so what should you do if your pet gets hit by a car?
It's best not to move them directly; try gently sliding them onto something flat like a plastic bin lid or even taut towel instead. This way they won't sustain any additional injuries while being treated.
4. Urinary Tract Obstruction
Male cats are unfortunately more prone to experiencing this pet emergency due to their longer and narrower urethra. Indoor, overweight kitties who only receive dry food meals can be even more susceptible - so it’s always important to keep an eye out for certain signs!
If your cat is exhibiting any of the following symptoms – such as straining in the litter box or frequent urination - you should seek help from an emergency vet right away. Remember: this situation could become life-threatening if not treated quickly enough!
Look for these warning signs in you cat:
Straining to urinate
Vomiting
Going in and out of the litter box
Excessive grooming of the urogenital area
Vocalization while in the litter box
Lethargy or restlessness
5. Emergency Vet Visits Concerning The Eyes
When it comes to eye injuries, cats and dogs are particularly vulnerable. Breeds with flatter faces – such as french bulldogs - have eyes that protrude more and can't remove irritants that cause inflammation or a painful injury.
If your pet is having difficulty keeping their peepers healthy (for example they seem uncomfortable or squinting) be sure to call up the emergency vet right away!
6. Lacerations Or Bite Wounds Are A Common Pet Emergency
Many pet owners know that the greatest excitement often leads to unexpected surprises - like lacerations and bite wounds! Such injuries can occur while playing with their furry friends at dog parks, or even on a hike in nature.
It's important to get your pet to the emergency vet right away since these types of wounds could become infected if they are not cleaned properly as well as flushed out and sometimes sutured closed. Fortunately, your vet will be able to provide antibiotics and pain medications your pet can heal quickly without any long-term problems.
7. Difficulty Breathing
Does your pet have trouble breathing? It may be time to visit the emergency vet! Rapid, labored breaths along with persistent coughing and/or changes in gum or tongue color can point toward serious illnesses such as heart disease, asthma, fluid around the lungs or obstructions of the upper airway.
An emergency vet visit is essential if any of these signs are present – it could mean life-saving treatment for your furry friend!
8. Ingested Foreign Objects Will Lead To An Emergency Vet Visit
From toys to rocks, pups and kittens have an appetite for swallowing just about anything! Swallowing foreign objects can lead to serious issues like surgery or endoscopy required for removal.
So keep your four-legged friends safe by clearing away items such as string, clothes and even corn cobs that may seem too tasty to resist.
There you have it, some of the most common reason why most pet owner make a trip to the emergency vet.
These and other serious issues can be life threatening for your beloved furry friend. If ever you're in doubt please don't hesitate to call us right away.
We are a walk-in clinic for urgent and emergency vet care for the Bradenton, Anna Maria, Longboat, Palmetto, Ellenton, and Sarasota area pets while also offering appointments for standard, wellness, and preventative veterinary needs.
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