What kinds of pet conditions require emergency care?
When your child is in pain, you’d do anything to relieve their discomfort. We understand that you feel the same urge to do something when you’re a pet parent and your pet needs care. You don’t want them to suffer so you don’t mind dropping everything to take them in for a pet emergency visit.
Except, every pain or discomfort isn’t necessarily a pet emergency. As a conscientious pet owner, it’s important for you to know whether to call the vet in the middle of the night or schedule a visit during regular hours. Here are a few signs to look for.
- Serious bleeding: If your pet is bleeding excessively it could be due to an accident, a fight with a neighbor dog or some other trauma. It’s also a problem if you spot bleeding from your pet’s nose, mouth, rectum or other body orifices.
- Broken bones: If your dog walks with a limp, favors one leg, or won’t walk at all, it could be a broken bone. A car accident or other significant trauma could be the cause.
- Choking and breathing difficulties: A sudden trauma, heart difficulties, or a blocked windpipe are just a few of the conditions that can cause breathing difficulties. Watch for labored or obviously painful breathing.
- Bowel movement or urination difficulty: When your pet can’t urinate or pass feces, it could have a blockage or other serious condition.
- Poison ingestion: When you see signs that your pet may have eaten household cleaning products, chocolates, or other poisons she requires immediate care.
- Seizure or unconsciousness: If your pet becomes quiet,
stops moving, or drops to the floor suddenly, he may be having a seizure or experiencing another serious condition. This could be a reaction to a problem within his brain.
- Obvious signs of pain: Your pet can’t tell you when she’s in pain but you may notice obvious signs such as agitation, rapid heart beat rapidly, panting and other symptoms.
- Won’t drink water: Just like humans, your pet needs water every day. If she refuses to drink, it could be a sign that she has a problem.
It’s okay to call your vet
In the list above, we’ve listed just a few of the potential pet emergency situations. If your pet’s symptoms aren’t on the list and you think it’s still a pet emergency, use your best judgment. It’s better to err on the side of keeping your pet healthy and safe.
Give your Vet a call, discuss your concerns, and ask for advice. Be prepared to explain your pet’s symptoms, when they began, and any traumas you know about.
A Family-Centered Practice
If you have a pet emergency, we want to help. Contact the Hebron Veterinary Hospital Emergency Line at (860) 266-5995. Leave a message and our on-call doctor will contact you as soon as possible.