Assessing Pet Emergencies
Act Quickly and Decisively To Save Your Pet’s Life
In the event of an emergency or accident, acting quickly and decisively may be critical in saving your pet’s life. Any recent medical records or medications that your pet is currently taking should be brought in to the hospital with you as well, if possible. The following conditions are strong indicators that your pet may be in need of emergency medical attention. We are always available when your pet presents with:
BLEEDING
- Bleeding from any part of the body
- Bloody urine
- Bloody stool or diarrhea
- Bloody discharge from any orifice
TRAUMA
- Acute swelling anywhere on the body
- Wounds or lacerations
- Any bite wounds (snake, dog, cat, insect, wild animal etc.)
- Hit by a car
VOMITING OR DIARRHEA
- Repeated episodes of vomiting/diarrhea over a short time period
- Chronic vomiting/diarrhea over days or weeks
- Gagging repeatedly or inability to productively vomit
DIETARY INDISCRETION
- Consumption of toxins (rodent bait, snail bait, insect baits, anti-freeze, household cleaners, illicit drugs, alcohol etc.) Sugar-free chewing gum is also a serious toxin as it contains xylitol. As little as one piece can be toxic to a ten pound dog or cat.
- Human over-the-counter medications (Items can include: Tylenol, ibuprofen, diet pills, and vitamins)
- Prescription human medications or overdoses of prescribed pet medications
- Ingestion of foreign objects (toys, clothing, garbage, string, rubber bands)
- Chocolate, macadamia nuts, grapes/raisins, bones, onions, garlic
CONVULSIONS
- Uncontrolled spasms, tremors, or seizures
- Violently shaking his/her head
LETHARGY
- Loss of interest in food, water or activities that he/she normally enjoys
- Exercise intolerance or tiring easily
- Abrupt change in behavior
PAIN
- Crying, whining, or shivering
- Limping or favoring a leg
- Inability to walk, difficulty getting up
- Acting painful when touched
- Swollen, hard, or distended abdomen
EYE PROBLEMS
- Swelling, discharge, squinting
- Difficulty seeing, a film over the eye
- Foreign object in the eye
- Eye problems can become progressively worse very rapidly. Early intervention may save your pet’s eye.
DISORIENTATION
- Acute collapse
- Inability to stand
- Confusion or bumping into things
- Head tilted to one side, walking in circles
CHANGES IN THIRST OR URINATION
- Drinking and urinating more often or unusual volume can indicate serious metabolic issues
- Straining to urinate (especially male cats)
- Not urinating at all
COUGHING OR RESPIRATORY DISTRESS
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
- Panting (in cats)
- Choking
- Blue or white gums/tongue