Common Pet Emergencies to Watch Out For

It can sometimes be difficult to decide whether something can be considered an emergency or not, especially when you are worried about the health and safety of your pet. To take great care of your pet, it is important to be able to recognize and act upon any abnormalities that could be signs that they are sick or injured and ensure they get the help that they need.

What Can Be Considered a Pet Emergency?

Many situations could be classified as a pet emergency. Should you feel concerned for your pet’s wellbeing at any point, you should contact the veterinarian at Emergency Pet Hospital of Redlands. If your pet experiences any of the following, it should be considered an emergency and you should get in contact with the vet in Redlands, CA as quickly as possible. 

• Severe bleeding – whether from an open wound or your pet’s eyes, nose, or mouth
   

• Any difficulties breathing (this includes choking, gagging, or continuous coughing)
   

• Lack of appetite or refusal to drink 
   

• State of unconsciousness 
   

• Bone fractures, breaks, or dislocations 
   

• Any obvious signs of extreme pain 
   

• Heatstroke 
   

• Cases of severe vomiting or diarrhea 
   

• Consumption of toxic substances, such as plants, household poisons, or pesticides 
   

• Insect stings or reptile bites 
   

• Any concerning injury to your pet’s eyes
   

• Seizures
   

• Pain or difficulty when urinating  

Some other abnormalities to look out for could include a high temperature, weak or rapid pulse, and difficulty standing. If you encounter any of these issues or any other situations that may raise concern, ensure you call Emergency Pet Hospital of Redlands to get advice on how best to proceed. They will be able to give you valuable information over the phone, including telling you to come in to get urgent treatment if necessary.

What Can You Do to Be Prepared For a Pet Emergency?

It is wise to keep a fully stocked first aid kit for your pet so that you can react quickly should an emergency occur. This way, you can make sure that your pet is in a stable condition before taking them to your vet. 

The recommended equipment for a pet’s first aid kit is unsurprisingly similar to what you would find in one for a human. The list below contains some suggested items that you will find useful to have should an emergency arise:

• Absorbent dressings or gauze as well as bandages to wrap any possible wounds or injuries 
   

• Surgical tape to secure your dressings 
   

• A thermometer will allow you to closely monitor your pet’s temperature
   

• Scissors that can be used to cut dressings
   

• Bottled water should you need to treat burns or rinse your pet’s eyes 

How Should You React During a Pet Emergency?

First and foremost, ensure you remain calm. Not only will this make it easier to communicate with your vet and get the most efficient help for your pet, but it will also help to keep your pet relaxed, too. 

Call Emergency Pet Hospital of Redlands at (909) 793-5999 as soon as possible and give them as much information about your pet’s condition as possible: what is the nature of their injury, to what extent were they hurt, how long have they been in this condition, and any other information you judge to be relevant. Your vet will likely ask additional questions to best assess the situation at hand so that they can more easily determine the severity of your pet’s emergency. 

Depending on their assessment, they will direct you through the best course of action, whether that be bringing in your pet immediately, providing your care at home before they can see them, or waiting until open hours to bring in your pet. Your vet is your best source of information and assistance, so you must listen carefully to what they instruct you to do.

For more information and advice on pet emergencies, please call Emergency Pet Hospital of Redlands in Redlands, CA at (909) 793-5999 to speak with our team or to schedule an appointment.