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! 🐾

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

Signs your pet is having an emergency

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

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

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

For Questions or Appointments

Call Us Today

Emergency Hospital

Veterinary Specialty Clinic

Share Your Experience