Our pets may become ill or sustain an injury at any time, and you'll need to be ready to act if your cat or dog has a medical emergency. In today's article, our Orlando vets list examples of situations that require emergency care and what you should do in a pet emergency.
What do pet emergencies look like?
Medical emergencies can happen at any time, so it's important to be prepared to take action at a moment's notice.
Understanding when your pet needs emergency care can be a challenge, so it's good to learn some signs and symptoms that indicate a visit to your nearest emergency vet is required.
If you are ever unsure whether your pet requires emergency veterinary care, contact your vet or emergency clinic for advice. It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to our pets.
What are the signs of a pet emergency?
If your pet displays any of these signs or symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care right away. Call an animal hospital for further instructions or to let them know you are on the way with your sick cat or dog.
- Unconsciousness
- Severe injury (car accidents, broken bones, open wounds)
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Vomiting or blood in diarrhea
- Lameness or inability to walk
- Bloated, swollen or painful abdomen
- Dilated pupils
- Seizures
- Sudden blindness, staggering or stumbling
- Inflammation or injury to the eye
- Unable to deliver puppies or kittens
- Obvious pain
- Loss of balance
- Difficulty breathing, extreme coughing or choking
- Ingestion of poisonous foods, substances, plants, or bones
- Inability to urinate or defecate
What should I do if my pet is experiencing a medical emergency?
This information should not be used to replace professional veterinary care. Always contact or visit an emergency animal hospital if your pet is experiencing a health emergency.
Bleeding
You may want to muzzle your dog if they are bleeding, since they may bite out of fear while you are trying to care for them. Place a clean gauze pad or cloth over the injury before applying pressure to the wound. Hold the pad there until the blood begins to clot and bleeding slows (this will typically take several minutes). If your pet has a severe leg injury, you may need to make a tourniquet using gauze and an elastic band to secure it. Bring your pet to the vet immediately for medical attention.
Choking
Check your pet's mouth for foreign objects and try to carefully remove an items if possible. Be careful not to inadvertently push the object further into the throat. Do not waste precious time on this if you are finding it difficult. Bring your pet to a veterinarian right away.
Fractures
Muzzle your dog to prevent being injured why trying to help. Lay your pet on a flat surface that can be used as a stretcher to transport them to the vet. If at all possible, secure your pet to the stretcher being sure to avoid the injured area. Contact the vet's office to let them know what has happened and that you are on your way.
Seizures
If your pet is having a seizure, clear away objects that may cause injury. Do not attempt to restrain your pet. Cover your pet with a blanket to help keep them warm, then once the seizure is over call your vet for further instructions.
How should I prepare for possible pet emergencies in the future?
Chances are good that your pet will experience a health emergency at some point over their lifetime so prepare now. You will be better able to handle a pet emergency calmly and efficiently if you take the time to prepare in advance.
What You Need to Know in Advance
In case of a veterinary emergency, it is a good idea to have the following readily available:
- Phone number for your vet's office
- Phone number for the closest Emergency Vet Clinic
- Phone number for the Animal Poison Control Center
- Directions to the Emergency Vet Clinic
- Basic understanding of CPR for pets
- Knowledge of how to stop bleeding
Covering the Cost of Emergency Care For Your Pet
The truth is, emergency veterinary care can be expensive. In large part this is due to the amount of diagnostic testing, monitoring, and treatment necessary. As a responsible pet owner, it is down to you to ensure that you can financially care for your pet when emergency treatment is required.
Planning ahead for unforeseeable circumstances with savings set aside for emergencies, or pet insurance plans can make emergency situations less stressful. Delaying care in order to avoid emergency fees could put your pet's life at risk.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.