What Is A Pet Emergency?
A pet emergency is any situation in which your pet’s health is at immediate risk, requiring urgent medical attention. As a pet owner, it can be difficult to determine whether an issue is truly an emergency or something that can wait.
Knowing the signs of a pet emergency can help you act quickly and potentially save your pet’s life. Seeking emergency veterinary services in a timely and appropriate manner can make a huge difference toward a positive outcome.
Signs of a Pet Emergency
If your pet is experiencing any of the following situations, you should seek immediate veterinary care immediately:
- Rapid or labored breathing
- Persistent coughing
- Potential choking
- Concern for a broken bone
- Severe bleeding
- Deep wounds
- Known trauma such as hit by a car, significant fall, or a fight with another animal
- A first-time seizure
- Repeated or prolonged seizures
- Repeated episodes of vomiting or diarrhea, especially when accompanied by other signs like lethargy
- Known toxin ingestion/exposure
- Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness
- Inability to walk or stand
- Signs of pain
- Bloated or swollen abdomen
- Difficulty urinating
- Eye injury
- Difficulty giving birth
When in doubt, it is best to err on the side of safety. Contact us if you aren’t sure if your pet should be seen on an emergency basis.
Important Next Steps
If you find yourself in a potential pet emergency situation, it is important to stay calm and assess the situation. In general, if you are worried, we are worried.
Be sure to safely transport your pet after letting us know that you are on your way. Handle your pet gently but firmly, as pain or stress may make them react unpredictably.
If you are coming in for emergency care, be sure to:
- Bring along any medications or supplements your pet is taking (if you have time to gather them)
- Bring any packaging or leftovers from a potential toxin exposure
- Minimize handling your pet (as emergencies can be stressful)
- Move slowly and handle your pet gently
- Use a pet carrier when possible to prevent further trauma
- Try to keep the head above heart level if your pet is vomiting
- Drive safely
Delaying treatment could worsen your pet’s condition. At Coastal Animal Referral Emergency, we’re here to guide you through any emergency, and ensure your pet receives the care they need promptly. We have everything that we need to help your pet, no matter the situation.