As a pet parent, knowing when to seek emergency care for your companion isn’t always easy. After all, they can’t tell you when they’re hurting or not feeling well! Instead, it’s up to you to keep a close eye on them and seek prompt veterinary care if something seems seriously wrong. We always recommend being cautious when it comes to something as important as your pet's health. However, there are some symptoms and situations in which emergency care is always warranted, including:
- Severe lacerations
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
- Extreme lethargy
- Collapse
- Respiratory distress/choking
- Injuries sustained in fights with other animals, car accidents, and falls
- Difficulty during labor and delivery
- Refusal to eat or drink for 24+ hours
- Straining to pass urine or feces
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
- Bleeding from any orifice
- Sudden extreme behavior changes
- Signs of heat stroke
- Crying out in pain
This list is not exhaustive. If you have any reason to think something may be seriously wrong, contact us right away — even if your pet isn’t exhibiting any of the symptoms above. It’s always best to listen to your instincts and bring them in for a checkup when something isn’t right.
