To the ER, or Not to the ER?
To the ER, or Not to the ER?
There’s nothing quite so traumatic as seeing your beloved animal companion in physical distress. While any and all ailments warrant some sort of attention and care, just what exactly qualifies as a bona fide pet emergency?
Knowing what to look for and what to do in case of emergency are crucial parts of responsible pet ownership – and can sometimes mean the difference between life or death for your furry friend.
An excellent rule to follow when it comes to pet emergencies: “Always err on the side of caution.” If you are worried, call your vet, no matter what time of day or night. (If it’s after-hours, your vet should have a recording that refers you to a local emergency veterinary hospital.) Don’t feel embarrassed or worry that your pet’s problem might not be “serious” enough to warrant a call. A good veterinarian will understand and appreciate your concern, and he or she always has your pet’s best interests at heart. Often simply conferring with a veterinarian over the phone is enough to determine if your pet is in real danger and needs to receive immediate care.
So, what constitutes a pet emergency? Many emergencies are obviously identifiable as such. If your pet is hit by a car, or is having a seizure, or is unconscious, for instance, you should take him to the hospital immediately. Others, per the American Animal Hospital Association’s website:
• Your pet isn’t breathing or you can’t feel a heartbeat.
• Your pet has been vomiting or has had diarrhea for more than 24 hours, or she is vomiting blood.
• You suspect any broken bones.
• Your pet is having trouble breathing or has something stuck in her throat.
• Your pet is bleeding from the eyes, nose or mouth, or there is blood in her urine or feces.
• You think your pet might have ingested something toxic, such as antifreeze, rat poison, any kind of medication that wasn’t prescribed to her, or household cleansers.
• Your pet, particularly your male cat, is straining to urinate, or is unable to.
• Your pet shows signs of extreme pain, such as whining, shaking and refusing to socialize.
• Your pet collapses or suddenly can’t stand up.
• Your pet begins bumping into things or suddenly becomes disoriented.
• You can see irritation or injury to your pet’s eyes, or she suddenly seems to become blind.
• Your pet’s abdomen is swollen and hard to the touch, and/or she’s gagging and trying to vomit.
• You see symptoms of heatstroke.
• Your pregnant dog or cat has gone more than three to four hours between delivering puppies or kittens.
(Note: These are only a few signs of emergency; consult your veterinarian for more information.)
Remember, your pet cannot communicate his distress to you in words, but there are often unspoken means of communication between owner and pet. You know your animal best, and if you sense something is wrong, there is a good chance you’re right. Trust your instincts, and seek veterinary care.
Being prepared in the event of emergency is of supreme importance. Some ideas?
• Learn first aid (such as CPR) for your pet.
• Keep a first aid kit and reference manual in your home.
• Map out the routes to nearby animal hospitals before an emergency strikes.
• Keep a list of emergency numbers (including a 24/7 emergency vet and Poison Control) by the phone.
Perhaps most importantly, whenever in doubt, always play it safe. Don’t take chances with the health of your furry friends.
Sources:
• When Is It an Emergency?
• When to Call Your Veterinarian
