Choosing to take your pet to an emergency vet may be difficult and stressful. A disease that might be life-threatening if not treated quickly can be detected by pet owners who are aware of the indicators to look for.
It’s difficult to judge whether your pet’s condition is a genuine medical emergency or not as an owner of a pet. Some circumstances can wait until the next day when you visit your regular veterinarian. If, however, you’re concerned, consult a doctor or an ER veterinarian immediately, no matter the moment.
The first thing to do in the event of an emergency is to call your veterinarian. Write down the scenario, and the vet will guide you on how you can provide first aid and transport your pet with care. It’s also beneficial to keep a first-aid kit on hand.
Dog Medical Emergencies
Unfortunately, pets, like humans, can be affected by medical emergencies. These examples will prepare you and your pet until they receive professional assistance.
Vomiting
There are a variety of reasons dogs and cats puke. It’s a common joke with veterinarians that cats vomit for amusement. An occasional bout of vomiting is not likely to necessitate a trip to the emergency room for animals.
If your pet exhibits any usual symptoms of vomiting like blood in the vomit or it looks like coffee grounds, they should be examined. Finding foreign matter before it gets too obstructive and identifying conditions like metabolic and endocrine diseases can save lives when done early on.
Swollen Abdomen
Imagine that your dog’s stomach is getting more and more round and tight. It’s also unpleasant. It could be a sign of a buildup of fluid caused by cancer, the heart, severe inflammation, or infection in the abdomen.
It might also indicate the danger of an air buildup in your dog’s stomach and the intestines. Your dog may require emergency surgery if these organs turn on themselves.
In cats, particularly males, a urinary obstruction can cause the abdomen to seem somewhat more significant than usual. Urinary obstructions could quickly turn life-threatening. An ER visit is required if your male cat develops an enormous belly, has a loud voice, or strains to pee. Look up “Veterinary dentist near Austell” for the best results.
Gum Color
The typical color of gum for pets and cats is bubble gum pink. A quick assessment is needed when your pet’s gums appear barely visible in pale pink, blue, purple, white, or gray. Pigmented gums indicate poor circulation caused by abnormal blood pressure or low oxygenation.
Some pets’ mucous membranes have pigmentation, implying that their gums and skin are usually gray or black. The color of gums can be a less accurate indicator of health in this case. Consult a veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal facility; visit their website if you have any concerns.
Collapse
Seizures, rapid changes in the heart’s rhythm, irregular blood flow via the heart, or anemia (few red blood cells) can trigger collapse episodes or even loss of consciousness. If your pet is unresponsive and cannot communicate, it is recommended to seek medical attention. Enroll your pet in a dog boarding clinic to avoid medical emergencies if you are away.
Difficulty Breathing
If your pet cannot get their breath back or is shaking or wheezing, they suffer from respiratory pain. Many factors can cause breathing problems in dogs, but it’s most commonly linked to the nasal, the trachea breathing, and heart issues; if your pet isn’t breathing and is in immediate danger, it should be referred to an animal hospital.
