Pet Emergencies: How to Spot Them and What to Do

When your dog or cat has stopped breathing or is bleeding excessively, you know you have a severe emergency. In such instances, of course, you will contact an emergency veterinarian. But what about the other issues? Is a minor slip and fall that results in a small limp, or the development of a rash, the type of crisis that needs a trip to the hospital?

 

When our furry companions have a medical emergency, their pet owners may find it challenging to make reasonable judgments. That is why it is critical to have an emergency plan in place—even if you don’t think you will need it.

Ways to Handle a Pet Emergency

If you know what to anticipate, a 24 hour emergency veterinarian in Newtown can make it easier for you and your pet. Here are some suggestions on how to deal with it if you ever come across one of them.

Typical Signs of a Pet Emergency

The following is a list of just a few of the symptoms that, if left untreated, might be fatal:

 

  • Pale gums
  • Weak or fast pulse
  • Rapid breathing
  • Fluctuating body temperature
  • Inability to stand
  • Paralysis
  • Excessive blood loss
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness

How to keep your pet safe

By their very nature, crises arise due to a variety of factors, some of which are more or less within our control than others. You may not be able to keep control of an animal that tends to climb over, around, or under fences. Fights, falls, and getting struck by a vehicle are all possibilities if your pet behaves in this manner. While you can’t anticipate every pet emergency, you may pet-proof your house to reduce the risk of harm to your pet.

 

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How to provide first aid

The majority of situations need immediate veterinary attention, but first aid techniques may be able to help you stabilize your pet before transporting it. If you have external bleeding due to trauma, elevate the wound and apply pressure. 

 

If he is choking, put your fingers in his mouth and see if you can remove the obstruction. If you cannot remove the foreign item, you may do a modified Heimlich technique by putting one hand on its back and using the other to press the abdomen upward, which should dislodge the foreign object.

How to look for emergency care

Consult with your veterinarian about establishing an emergency procedure. What hours does your veterinarian give service, and do they collaborate with an emergency facility in the area? The on-call services provided by certain offices are rotated among different veterinarians on staff who are available after hours. 

 

Check to see if your primary care veterinarian has any partners who may respond to an emergency call. Keeping your local emergency clinic’s name, phone number, and location posted on the refrigerator or saved on your mobile phone is also a good idea for convenient access.

 

Check newtownvets.com, a full-service veterinary hospital for cats and dogs.

How to transport your pet

Pets that are seriously wounded may become hostile toward their pet parents, so it is critical to protect yourself from damage first. Then, if your pet has suffered a spinal injury, be sure to support their neck and back. Once you are confident and comfortable carrying your pet, take him to an emergency care center as soon as possible.