Pet SOS: Signs Your Pet is Having an Emergency & Building Your Pet First Aid Kit

Signs your pet is having an emergency 

 

With the summer heat approaching and pets coming out to play more, we should talk about emergency pet care. Emergency situations can happen unexpectedly and knowing the signs of an emergency can help you determine whether you need to make a trip to the emergency vet or not.

First things first, trust your gut! If something feels off, it probably is. Our pets have a way of tugging at our heartstrings, and when they’re not themselves, it’s time to perk those ears up and pay attention.

Here are some of the common signs that your pet should see an emergency veterinarian:

  • Abnormal gum color
    { Pale, blue, purple, yellow }
  • Bloated, swollen, or painful abdomen
  • Choking
  • Difficulty breathing or extreme coughing
  • Dilated or “uneven” pupils
  • Elevated heart rate
    { > 160 bpm at home }
  • Inability to urinate or defecate
    { In and out of the litter box  or backyard, excessive squatting with no urine }
  • Ingestion of poisonous foods, substances, plants or bones
  • Injury to the eye
  • Lameness or inability to walk
  • Loss of balance, stumbling
  • Obvious pain
  • Severe injury
  • Seizures
  • Unable to deliver puppies or kittens
    { No babies within 6 hours of labor or labor lasting longer than 12 hours }
  • Unconsciousness
  • Unproductive retching
  • Vomiting or diarrhea 

Remember, folks, prevention is the best medicine! Keep those emergency numbers handy, know where your nearest pet ER is (Google Maps is your friend), and never underestimate the power of a pet first aid kit.

Here’s some stuff you should keep in a first aid kit for your pet:

  • Betadine
  • Benadryl
    1 mg of Benadryl per lb
    of pet, is a good rule
    of thumb
  • Eyewash
    (Saline EYE wash only)
  • Gauze
  • Gloves
  • Slip Lead
  • Small blunt-end scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Water bowl

Until next time, keep those tails wagging and those purrs purring! Stay pawsitive, pet lovers! 🐾

If you think your pet is having an emergency, please contact us right away.

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