Taking care of a pet is partially similar to taking care of a child. It is your responsibility to make sure your pet is safe and free from harm at all times. However, accidents do happen, and sometimes you may need to get emergency vet services. So, how do you know that your pet needs emergency veterinary services? Below are some warning signs that your pet needs immediate emergency care:
- Visible injury or pain
Pets are prone to occasional injuries because of their playful nature. However, if your pet suffers an injury like a deep cut, broken bones, or excessive bleeding from said injuries, it is a sign that immediate action needs to be taken. Even if the injury is not visible, you can tell if your pet is in pain from their physical behaviour. If you notice any uncommon behaviour especially after an accident, even if there are no visible injuries or bleeding, you should make sure your pet is taken care of immediately.
- Breathing issues
One sign you should never ignore when it comes to the wellbeing of your pet is breathing difficulty. If your pet shows any sign of breathing difficulty, you need to act immediately. Warning signs for breathing issues in pets include persistent coughing, rapid panting in the absence of exertion, or labored breathing. Such issues can be a result of a stroke of the heart, choking, infections of the respiratory system, or even allergic reactions. All these issues need to be addressed instantly lest they result in severe problems or even the death of your pet.
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
If you own a pet, then you know that occasional vomiting or soft stool are not new things. They often occur if your pet has had a change of diet or consumed foreign food. However, you should be very concerned if your pet experiences persistent vomiting or diarrhoea. Also, if your pet’s excrements have blood or foul odour, it is a sign of a significant issue that may require immediate care. Sometimes, your pet may not be vomiting but experiencing non-productive retching. This is where the pet is trying to vomit but not bringing up any vomit. This is also a sign of an emergency. Persistent diarrhoea or vomiting can be caused by poison ingestion, infections of the gastrointestinal system, kidney or liver disease, parasites, or intestinal blockage. Also, failure to address vomiting and diarrhoea promptly can result in dehydration, which is dangerous for any pet.
- Seizures
Another sign that your furry companion needs immediate emergency care is seizure or disorientation. It can take the form of shaking, loss of consciousness, stumbling, walking in circles, head tilting, or twitching. Pet seizures are usually a sign of a more serious underlying issue like the presence of toxins in your pet’s body, epilepsy, or an underlying disease. Therefore, even a single seizure is enough to visit an emergency veterinary service provider. Also, you should be on the lookout for confusion and non-responsiveness.
- Exposure to toxins
If your pet has been exposed to any toxins, even if they have not started showing signs of poisoning or health issues, you should take a proactive step by taking them to the vet. Toxins may differ depending on the kind of pet. But common pet toxins include chemicals like insecticides, bleach, antifreeze, or pesticides, drugs like marijuana and alcohol, mothballs, garlic, and more.
Conclusion
Some issues may be urgent but not qualify as emergencies. This means that you have room to wait for a few hours before contacting a vet or visiting an emergency vet service. They include not eating, straining to pass urine or faeces, and vomiting. However, if they persist after a few hours, then you can consider them an emergency. In order to note these warning signs, you have to pay keen attention to your pets and their behaviours.