Inevitably all pets will require emergency veterinary care at some point. Particular instances will include getting sick unexpectedly, getting hurt, or even worse, being poisoned or attacked by an animal. In such cases, these circumstances can be scary and confusing for you and your pet.
You may be wondering what to do or how to lend a hand until you can get your pet to a veterinarian. If you find yourself in a situation and need to act quickly, this emergency guide will walk you through the essentials of what to do and what constitutes an emergency.
Frequent Cases of Pet Emergencies
Any unexpected problem with your beloved pet can be terrifying. Emergencies can vary widely, but finding a vet is usually a must. This may involve calling your regular vet for advice or heading to the nearest emergency pet hospital. Nevertheless, here are some serious conditions in pets seen frequently:
Vomiting and Diarrhea
While severe illness may cause a dog’s vomiting and diarrhea, most cases are due to minor stomach upsets that go away on their own within a day. For instance, if you notice your dog pooping blood lasts for more than 24 hours or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue, pain, or fever, you should take him to the vet immediately.
Cats can also have vomiting and diarrhea on rare occasions. Contact your veterinarian quickly if your cat has repeated vomiting episodes, diarrhea, or if you notice any blood or odd stuff in its feces.
Traumatic Injuries
Traumatic injuries like automobile accidents, bite wounds, and falling from high places, require immediate medical attention. Even if it appears to be just a minor wound, there could be more serious injuries going undetected on the surface. Delaying veterinary care might lead to consequences like infection and deeper wounds than initially seen. All of these injuries can be painful for your pet, so have your vet check them out, even if they don’t seem too bad.
Choking or Respiratory Distress
Pets, especially dogs, are curious about everything and use their mouths to check out things from big and small. Choking on toys, balls, or other objects can be life-threatening. If the item in question is visible and easily removed, do so or try performing the dog Heimlich maneuver. If your pet has difficulty breathing, transport them to a hospital as soon as possible. Even if your pet is not in immediate danger of choking, a swallowed item might become lodged in the digestive tract, creating serious issues which require immediate help.
When to Seek Veterinary Emergency Care
If you see your pet is having a medical emergency, you must bring them to an emergency vet in Memphis, TN. Choking, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, and trauma-related injuries are all indications that your pet is having a critical situation. Seek immediate veterinary assistance if you observe any of these problems.
Conclusion
Even if you take precautions, unforeseen incidents can occur. If your pet is ever in danger or needs immediate medical attention, you should contact your regular vet or get them to the nearest emergency pet hospital for treatment. In a life-or-death situation, time is of the essence. Your pet has a much better chance of surviving an emergency if you are well-prepared, obtaining aid quickly, and following through with necessary treatment.
