What Qualifies as a Pet Emergency?

If you are a pet parent, you need to ensure that your pet is safe and healthy. Regular visits to the vet will help ensure that your pet is in good health. Some situations require immediate medical attention. 

While it is true that not every emergency is a life-threatening situation, an evaluation by the vet is essential. If you are concerned about your pet’s behavior, you should visit a veterinarian. It is vital to understand what qualifies as a pet emergency. 

Not Being Able to Stand

If your dog is weak or is unable to stand, this certainly calls for an emergency trip to the vet. Fainting or weakness could be due to conditions like a failing heart, internal bleeding, poisoning, low blood sugar, or allergic reaction. These are conditions that require immediate treatment. 

Your pet could also be suffering from paralysis, something common with small breed dogs. It is not easy to determine the problem, and each case will need to be treated differently. Contacting the veterinarian is always the best option. 

Pet Is Bleeding

Bleeding can be very serious, and it can lead to death if too much blood is lost. If your pet is bleeding, this constitutes an emergency. If the blood flowing out is dark, it is most likely from a vein. Bright red blood is usually from the arteries. Arteries bleed much faster, and a punctured artery can be very serious. 

If your pet is bleeding, use a sterile pad or clean cloth to apply pressure to the wound and bandage it. Get to the clinic as fast as possible, and remember that timing is vital. Note that internal bleeding may be less obvious, but it is usually deadlier.

Seizures

Watching your dog having seizures can be traumatizing. The muscle contractions can be terrifying, but fortunately, the pet may not be aware of them. Seizures may be due to poisoning, epilepsy, brain tumor, liver shunts, or infections. Experiencing a single seizure may not be a problem, but several seizures require emergency treatment. Seizures can lead to overheating and result in death. 

Vomiting and Diarrhea

If your pet is vomiting or has diarrhea, it can qualify as a pet emergency. The severity of the pet’s condition will determine if you need to rush to the vet. If the pet vomits once and is okay afterward, it may be due to something they ate. 

Resting the stomach may be all that your pet needs. If you notice blood in the stool or vomit, or if it continues, it could lead to dehydration. You need to visit the vet as this could signal a more serious medical condition. 

Your Pet Is in Pain

Some things can indicate that your pet is in pain. If the pet is limping, whimpering, or is avoiding touch, it could be due to pain. Unfortunately, your dog cannot indicate what is causing the pain. It is important to visit a vet for diagnosis and treatment. You should not give your pet medication that has not been prescribed by the vet. 

Other situations qualify as pet emergencies. They include fever, bloating, eye injuries and diseases, wounds, trauma, breathing problems, and refusing to eat. Remember, your pet cannot tell you how he or she is feeling.

For more on pet emergencies, visit Liberty Animal Clinic at our office in Hinesville, Georgia. You can call (912) 368-4080 today to schedule an appointment.