The responsibility of having a pet is a huge commitment. Some people ignore the severity of common pet emergencies by delaying the need for help until it’s too late. Making a list of the most common emergencies that need an appointment with a veterinarian is a great way of ensuring that your pet is healthy for the longest time possible. You will be able to immediately find out if something is not right in your pet’s health, if their breathing is slowed or if they’re bleeding significantly. This is a reason to make an emergency call to a vet.
Common Pet Emergencies
As pet owners are all too familiar with the stress of dealing with sudden health issues with our beloved pets. Here are some details about common emergencies and what you can expect from your visit to alleviate some of your worries.
1. Eating Poison
Many of the safe items we use for ourselves could be harmful to pets. Along with the antifreeze and Vitamin supplements, common household items such as chocolate and pesticides could be harmful. These are also food items that animals love to eat. If you suspect that your pet has eaten something poisonous, or believe that your pet may have swallowed anything dangerous, it is best to contact an animal vet’s emergency service.
2. Drinking Refusal
Drinking is an everyday activity for animals. Visit your emergency vet if they’re not drinking during the last 24 hours, even if there’s water. It is important to be aware of your pet’s needs and ensure that the water is clean. No matter if it’s dirty, it is likely that a pet will drink it at some point. If they don’t drink for more than 24 hours, it is considered an emergency.
3. Severe Vomiting/Diarrhea
This can cause your pet dehydration and death if they aren’t correctly handled. The root cause of the behavior of your pet is crucial. Find out the food the pet has eaten before visiting the vet. Check out any poisons your pet might have contacted using the list of poisons provided. Help your veterinarian determine the condition of your pet by providing specific details regarding their behavior.
4. Unconsciousness
Many pet owners believe their pet is just sleeping. Consult a vet immediately if you notice that your pet doesn’t awake from a deep sleep. It could be that your pet has passed out. A check-up with a veterinarian will be required to determine the cause of your pet’s unconsciousness.
5. Inability to Toilet
It’s essential to determine the cause of your pet’s inability to urinate or vomit without feeling discomfort. Your pet might be suffering from more severe conditions than you can manage and must be examined by a vet. Animals don’t show signs of discomfort even if they suffer, and a minor condition can swiftly become life-threatening without you knowing.
6. Choking and Breathing Difficulties
There’s no way to “wait and see” when animals have breathing problems. For your animal’s safety, be sure to learn CPR for animals and do not attempt to open the airway of your pet. Your pet must be taken to Mechanicsburg veterinary clinic, even if CPR succeeds in reviving the breathing of your pet. A veterinarian is the best competent person to assess if your pet is suffering from any internal injury that can cause breathing issues.
7. Excessive Bleeding
It is the most dangerous emergency because many people think that an animal’s first treatment can be done at home. You must consult a veterinarian if the bleeding continues for more than five minutes and is especially severe. In other situations, there is a possibility that the pet might require stitches to prevent infection because the fur conceals the more serious condition. A more severe wound or internal bleeding can require surgical intervention, even if the wound is clean.
8. Seizures
You must seek veterinary treatment immediately if you notice that your pet is experiencing seizures. Also, this can include staggering. If your pet displays this behavior, there is likely a problem in its brain, and it will require care immediately. A vet can evaluate the condition and may require additional tests to determine your pet’s most effective method of treatment. Learn more about pet emergencies on this page.
Many common pet emergencies exist, and these are just a few compared to the numerous others. But just because pet emergencies could occur doesn’t mean they will. It’s crucial to be ready; however, don’t think too much about the risk until you can do something about them.