How To Recognize a Pet Emergency

As a pet parent, you’ll encounter situations where your pet will need immediate medical attention. But many people are uncertain whether to rush to an animal hospital or wait and see how their pets behave to determine if emergency treatment is required.

Read on to know the pet emergencies you should never ignore.

Breathing Problems

Breathing problems in pets indicate an emergency. Respiration problems can cause long-term damage to a cat or dog’s health, so you must rush your pet to the vet if such a situation arises. Here are some critical respiration issues you must look for in your cat or dog:

• Gagging or gasping for air
• Shortness of breath
• Blue/sore tongue
• Choking on an external element, i.e., bone
• Collapsing due to unavailability of oxygen

Even if your pet gains consciousness, be sure to visit a vet as soon as possible for an examination.

Difficulty in Urinating/Excreting

According to experienced veterinarians, disturbed bowel movements make a pet cranky and lethargic, eventually impacting its physical health. When a canine animal doesn’t urinate/excrete for 12 or more hours, approach a vet to screen its excretory system. Pets often face urinary tract blockages, constipation, and diarrhea; if your fellow’s bowel movement is disturbed, let the vet know.

Limping

No matter how much “pet-proof” your house, accidents can happen, and you should be prepared to handle such emergencies. Fights with other pets, falls, and collisions can affect your fur baby’s well-being, so don’t overlook such incidents.

If you notice that your cat or dog is limping after an accident (or sometimes without reason), it makes sense to examine its joints to know if there’s any injury. If you’re unable to do so personally, make sure to call your veterinarian immediately if possible before the situation worsens. Or you could rush the pet to the veterinarian.

Affected Vision or Sore Eyes

Seasonal eye infections and injuries can seriously damage your pet’s vision. It is a good idea to take your cat/dog to the vet for a quick checkup if you notice a sore, extremely red, or swollen eyes. Moreover, if your pet starts falling or colliding even when there’s no hurdle, it might be due to vision problems. Although this is not an emergency, a timely visit to the vet can prevent serious repercussions.

Disturbed Digestion

When a pet’s digestive system is disturbed, it will stop eating or start throwing up quite frequently. This problem not only weakens the pet’s health but also creates a mess in your home. So, be apprehensive, and don’t delay a vet visit if your buddy isn’t friends with food anymore.

Deep Wounds

This is a terrifying pet emergency. If your pal gets hit by a vehicle or falls off a high surface, call a pet emergency clinic right away. Sure, first-aid is helpful but never think it’s the ultimate treatment. Research on the emergency pet clinics in your vicinity and keep that list handy for future use.

How to Protect Your Pet’s Well-Being?

• Be Vigilant: You’ll be in a good position to provide your pet with better care when you’re vigilant about its physical health. Make sure to pay attention to the above-described symptoms to know if your pet’s health is safe and sound. You’re your pet’s best friend; trust your judgment.
• Plan Ahead: If you’re a busy pet parent, plan ahead with a first-aid kit for your pets. Keep essential first-aid supplies handy to manage injuries and falls without panicking. If your energetic pet loves climbing and jumping, a first aid kit is a necessity.
• Reach the Vet: If, despite all the precautions and preparations, your pet gets injured or falls sick, then reach your nearest veterinary clinic as soon as possible. It is a good idea to have someone to accompany you during the emergency commute. But if you have to travel alone, make sure your pet is comfortable and well-protected as you travel. Put your pet in a top-open box, cradle, or pram while taking it to the vet.

Contact a veterinary clinic in Dundas if your pet experiences medical issues. Governors Road Animal Hospital is fully equipped to diagnose and treat your canine and feline pets.