It can be challenging to determine when it’s time to visit the veterinarian. Dogs and cats vomit once in a while, and it isn’t always a big deal. However, there are times when you should rush your pet to the hospital, as they may be facing a serious issue.
Here are some common signs that may indicate an emergency for your pet.
- Eye problems
- Uncontrolled vomiting
- Diarrhea, especially with blood in it
- Bloated or swollen abdomen
- Pain when you touch his or her abdomen
- Unable to urinate or defecate
- Loss of balance and struggling to walk
- Possible broken bones
- A wound that is bleeding
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Dilated pupils
- Sudden blindness
- Unconsciousness
- Seizures
- Hit by a car
- Ate something poisonous or even just something that he or she shouldn’t have
- Unable to deliver babies
If your pet is experiencing any of the above issues, be sure to get in touch with your veterinarian as soon as possible. However, that being said, if your veterinarian refers you to the nearest specialist or emergency veterinary hospital, you should listen. Your pet may require more specialized care than your regular veterinarian can provide, such as fluid therapy and overnight monitoring.
So, what should you do to prepare for any emergencies that you may face? Here are some things to consider before facing a problem that requires immediate medical attention.
It’s essential to establish a relationship with your veterinarian before any issues arise.
A veterinarian will be more likely to see you if you have taken your pets to him or her before. You shouldn’t wait until you desperately need a veterinarian to call around to find one.
You also need to know the location of the closest emergency clinic.
You don’t want to have to struggle to find a place to take your pet if he or she gets sick on the weekend or in the middle of the night. If your pet starts seizing, you are going to want to have a plan in place for where to go.
It might also be good to have a muzzle that fits your dog.
If your dog becomes painful, he or she may try to bite anyone in the way, so a muzzle may be the safest option for everyone.
Having the Animal Poison Control Center’s phone number handy could be helpful.
If your dog has ingested chocolate or medication, you can call this number to determine the next steps. This being said, you need to know how much your pet weighs and how much he or she ate. It may be a good idea to have the bag nearby when you make the call.
You also should have some money set aside in case your pet has an emergency.
You could be looking at a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the circumstances. You may want to sign up for Care Credit (as long as your veterinarian and the emergency clinic allow it for payments).
It can be truly frightening when your cat or dog experiences a medical emergency. Instead of panicking, you need to have a plan in place. Know what veterinarian to call or emergency clinic to visit, no matter what time of day or night it is.
You may also want to think about how you can afford an emergency. It may be a good idea to have some spare cash set aside for emergencies. You may also want to consider financing, so that you don’t have to make financial decisions. Find out if your vet and the emergency clinic have Care Credit and get approved before you face a huge bill!
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Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.