s your pet acting strangely? Are you concerned about their symptoms but not sure if it is worth the trip to a veterinarian, or if it can wait for a normal appointment? While some pet emergencies are easy to sport, such as seizures or severe bleeding, others are more subtle and can make it difficult for even the most dedicated pet owner to know if their companion is in need of immediate care.
Learning to recognise the signs of a pet emergency in Brisbane is essential for keeping your furry friend safe and sound. In this article, we will discuss what constitutes a pet emergency and how to tell if your pet needs help.
The Signs Of A Pet Emergency
Almost every pet will experience a veterinary emergency in its lifetime. These can range from a sudden illness to an injury, to more critical situations like poisoning.
No one knows your pet as you do, and if they are behaving in a way that is unusual for them or something doesn’t seem quite right, you may have picked up on a subtle sign of a real problem.
Here is a list of medical emergencies that require immediate veterinary attention.
Wounds
Anything that is bleeding, discharging or is deeper than a superficial scratch needs to be seen as soon as possible. If left untreated can get infected and cause serious health complications.
Trauma
Don’t wait to bring your pet in if he or she has been attacked by another animal or been hit by a car or other object. Even if there is no sign of injury, internal injuries and bleeding can quickly become life-threatening
Breathing Problems
If your pet is having difficulty breathing, is coughing up blood or foam, or their gums are blue or pale, is an emergency and needs to be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
Pain/extreme anxiety
If your pet is in pain, whining, crying or showing other signs of extreme anxiety, this is a sign that something is wrong and needs to be assessed by a veterinarian.
Severe vomiting or diarrhea
If your pet vomits or experiences diarrhoea multiple times a day, or has blood in their vomit or stool, these are all signs of a serious problem and veterinary attention is needed.
Not eating/drinking
While eating and drinking commonly occur in pets, if this persists for more than 24 hours, it can indicate a serious problem and you should seek medical attention.
Fever
If your pet has a fever greater than 39 degrees Celcius, this is cause for concern and needs to be addressed by a veterinarian.
Labour difficulties
If your labouring cat or dog has gone several hours between delivering kittens or puppies without producing any offspring, this is a sign of a problem and professional help should be sought.
Positioning
If your pet has ingested a poisonous substance, this is a medical emergency and you should seek professional help immediately.
Getting Help
If you are ever in doubt about whether or not your pet’s symptoms constitute an emergency, don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian for advice. The House Call Vet are a leading emergency vet in Brisbane, providing house call and mobile services to ensure that your pet gets the care they need when they need it.