A fur parent’s job is to ensure their pet stays happy and healthy. Regular vet checkups help ensure your furry companion is healthy and well-looked. However, there could be situations between your pet’s regular vet exams and visits where they might encounter medical emergencies that require urgent action and attention.
So let’s discuss the common pet emergencies that might happen anytime for you to be prepared.
Pet Emergencies Requiring Immediate Care
We acknowledge our furry companions as part of the family and even treat them with the same care we give to our precious family members or children. Although sometimes we’re confused and concerned but not convinced when our pets show signs of medical emergencies, we should know when something isn’t right, so our furry babies receive the immediate care they need.
To address your concern, we’ve listed the five most common emergencies you must look out for to spare your pet’s life and improve your preparedness.
1. Bleeding
Pets may bleed for several reasons. They might be involved in a fight with their fellows, get hit by a car, or get stuck and caught up in something sharp. In some cases, however, bleeding might occur due to your pet’s internal condition, like a tumor. But whatever is causing the bleeding, you should immediately take your four-legged companion to an emergency animal hospital, especially if the bleeding exceeds five to ten minutes.
Emergency vets can identify the bleeding cause and find ways to stop it, so your pet returns to its healthy state.
2. Bite wounds or lacerations
Bite wounds in dogs and cats might stem from playful fights with their fellows in the park, during an encounter with wild animals, or while hiking. When not cleaned and disinfected right away, their wounds might get flushed, infected, or sometimes sutured closed. During this stage, your pet needs pain medications and antibiotics from a vet’s prescription for quick recovery.
This is also why it’s essential to be consistent with your dog’s preventive care, such as their vaccinations, to ensure they’re well protected from prevalent pet diseases they might encounter. Consider getting pet wellness plans if you want to save money on each vet visit.
3. Excessive itching
Dogs that itch excessively to the point that they’re creating wounds indicate an emergency. This might have stemmed from a triggered allergic reaction or an onset of a skin condition. If you observe your pet won’t stop itching, it’s best to take them to vet dermatologists to determine the cause of the problem. You may visit websites like GreensboroNCVet.com to see the common allergies and skin diseases pet dermatologists specialize in treating.
4. Difficulty breathing
Pets breathing rapidly, struggling to breathe, or exaggerating chest movements signal a respiratory emergency. If this goes unattended, your pet will quickly go downhill, so every minute counts. Take your furry companion to the nearest vet center for immediate oxygen administration and initiation of diagnostics to identify the cause of your pet’s breathing problem.
5. Appearance of blood
When you notice blood in your pet’s saliva, feces, mouth, vomit, or ears, this might signal a severe abnormality that should be addressed. Don’t try to do anything at home to treat them, as veterinary care is the only recommended option to resolve this matter.
