Recognizing a Pet Emergency: What Pet Owners Need to Know
Being a pet owner is a major commitment. Some people overlook the severity of common pet emergencies and delay getting help until too late. A list of the most common emergencies which require an appointment with a veterinarian is an excellent method to ensure that your pet remains healthy for the longest time possible. You will be able to determine if something is not right in your pet, if their breathing is slowed or if they’re bleeding significantly. This is a reason to make a phone call with an emergency vet.
Common Pet Emergencies
As pet owners, we’re all too familiar with the worry of dealing with sudden health problems that affect our pets. Here are some details about common emergencies and what to expect during your visit to alleviate the stress.
1. Eating Poison
Many of the safe products we consume could harm our pets. Apart from Antifreeze and vitamins, common items in the home like chocolate and pesticides are a danger to pets. These are also food items that animals love to eat. If there is any reason to think that your pet may have swallowed anything harmful, you need to immediately call the doctor’s emergency service.
2. Drinking Refusal
Drinking water is a routine for animals. Bring them to your emergency vet if they’re not drinking during the past 24 hours, even if there’s water. It is essential to know your pet’s needs and ensure that the water dish is clean; however, no matter if it’s filthy, the pet will consume it at some point. If they are unable to drink for longer than 24hrs is considered an emergency.
3. Severe Vomiting/Diarrhea
These issues can cause your pet dehydration and death if they aren’t treated. Finding the root of the behavior of your pet is vital. Be aware of the food your pet has eaten before going to the vet. Look over all the poisons your pet could have come into contact with using the list of poisons provided. Help your veterinarian find out your pet’s condition by providing information about their most recent behavior.
4. Unconsciousness
Many pet owners are misled into thinking that their pet is sleeping. Consult a vet immediately if you’re pet isn’t waking up after a deep sleep. The animal could have passed out. A visit to a vet will be required to determine the cause of your pet’s loss of consciousness. Visit Rossmoyne Animal Emergency Trauma Center for more information.
5. Inability to Toilet
It’s essential to determine the cause of your pet’s inability to defecate or urinate without feeling discomfort. The pet might be suffering from a more serious issue than you can handle and must be examined by a vet. Animals rarely display signs of discomfort even if they are suffering, and a minor condition can swiftly become life-threatening without you even being aware of it.
6. Choking and Breathing Difficulties
There’s no way to “wait and see” when animals have breathing problems. For your animal’s safety, learn CPR for animals, and don’t attempt to open your pet’s airway. Your pet must be taken to an emergency room, even if CPR succeeds in reviving your pet’s breathing. A veterinarian is the best competent person to assess if your pet suffers from any internal injury that could cause breathing difficulties.
7. Excessive Bleeding
It is the single most grave emergency as many think that an animal’s first treatment can be done at home. A vet should be sought out if the bleeding continues for more than five minutes and is deemed to be grave. In other instances, there is a possibility that the pet might require stitches to prevent infection because the fur hides an even more serious condition. Even if the wound appears clean, more severe cuts or internal bleeding could require surgical intervention.
8. Seizures
It is imperative to seek out veterinary treatment immediately if you notice that your pet suffers from seizures. Also, this can include staggering. If your pet exhibits this behavior, there’s something wrong with its brain, and it needs care immediately. A veterinarian in Rossmoyne veterinary hospital can diagnose the condition and may require additional tests to determine the most effective option.
Many common pet emergencies exist, and this is only the tip of the iceberg compared to the multitude of others. But just because pet emergencies are possible isn’t a guarantee that they will. It’s crucial to be ready; however, don’t stress too much about the risk until you can do something to mitigate them.
