Taking your pet for emergency care is one of those things that we don’t want to think about. It’s a scary thought knowing that your pet could be in danger. Fortunately, we have skilled professionals who know what to do in a pet emergency. Having a caring vet is so important.
For your part, it’s important to know who to call for emergency pet care, and when to call. While not a complete list, you should know that these symptoms are signs that your pet needs emergency care:
- Weak or Rapid Pulse
- Excessive Coughing
- Rapid Breathing
- Loss of Consciousness
- Lethargy
- Difficulty Standing
- Apparent Paralysis
- Excessive Bleeding
- Ingestion of Dangerous Substance
- Sudden change in behavior
What to Do in a Pet Emergency
The first thing you want to do is to stay as calm as possible. You then need to assess the situation and try to identify what’s wrong. Call your animal hospital immediately and have an after hours emergency number posted in a visible place as well.
Try to comfort your pet. Be careful, though. An injured or frightened pet can be more likely to bite or lash out, even with you.
If your pet is bleeding, elevate the wound and apply pressure with a clean cloth to the affected area. If your pet is choking, try to remove the obstruction with your finger. You might even need to apply a heimlich like maneuver, being careful not to injure your pet further. If your pet has ingested something dangerous, your emergency pet care provider might tell you to induce vomiting. Wherever possible, call your emergency pet care provider immediately.
Trust your instincts. You know your pet better than anyone. If you think something is wrong with your pet, call your veterinarian immediately. You can get the care, advice, and peace of mind you need in a stressful situation.