Bringing your pet to the emergency vet could be time-consuming and difficult. Pet owners must know what to look for as these symptoms can signal an illness that could prove fatal if not addressed promptly.
It’s difficult to know if your pet’s health is truly a medical emergency or not as the pet’s owner. Some situations can wait until the next day when you see your veterinarian. However, consult a doctor or an ER physician immediately, regardless of time, if you are concerned.
The first thing to do in the event of an emergency is to call your veterinarian. Write down the scenario, and the vet will guide you on how you can provide first aid and transport your pet with care. It’s also beneficial to keep a first-aid kit on hand.
Dog Medical Emergencies
Unfortunately, just like humans, pets are also susceptible to medical emergencies. These examples will prepare you and your pet until they receive professional assistance.
Vomiting
There are many reasons cats and dogs vomit. It’s a popular joke between veterinarians that cats vomit out for enjoyment. Occasional vomiting does not usually require a trip to an animal emergency room.
If your pet is showing typical symptoms of vomiting, such as blood in the vomit or the vomit appears like coffee grounds, they should be evaluated. Inspecting for the foreign matter before it becomes obstructive and detecting conditions like metabolic and endocrine diseases can save lives when done early on.
Swollen Abdomen
Suppose your dog’s belly is becoming increasingly round and tight. It’s also unpleasant. It might indicate fluid accumulation due to cancer, the heart, an extreme inflammation, or an abdomen infection.
It could also be a life-threatening build-up of air in your dog’s stomach and the intestines. Your dog may require an emergency procedure if these organs twist over themselves.
In cats, specifically males, a urinary blockage can cause the abdomen to seem slightly more prominent than it is typically. Obstructed urinary tracts can be life-threatening. An ER visit is required if your male cat develops a large stomach, makes loud noises, or strains when peeing. A cat boarding clinic has emergency kits in case of an emergency.
Gum Color
The most common color of gum in both cats and dogs is bubble gum pink. You should conduct an urgent examination if your pet’s teeth are barely visible in pale pink, white, purple, blue, or gray. A swollen gum indicates an issue with circulation caused by low blood pressure or aberrant oxygenation.
Specific mucous membranes of pets have pigmentation, implying that their skin and gums are usually gray or black. Gum color could not be an accurate indicator of health in this case. Contact your family veterinarian or your nearest animal emergency facility should you have any concerns. Visit a veterinarian for your pet dental care.
Collapse
Seizures, rapid changes in the heart’s rhythm, irregular blood flow through the heart, or even anemia (few red blood cells) could trigger collapse episodes or loss of consciousness. If your pet becomes incoherent and unconscious and cannot communicate, seek medical attention. Look up “Pet wellness plans in Austell” for the best results.
Difficulty Breathing
If your dog can’t get their breath back and coughs or wheezing, it may suffer from respiratory discomfort. Various factors can cause respiratory distress in dogs, but it’s most commonly linked to the respiratory tract, nose, lungs, and heart problems. If your pet isn’t breathing immediately, they’re in danger and should be sent to an animal hospital.