If your pet has a mild illness, waiting until you can take him or his regular veterinarian is probably fine. However, there are some situations that require swift, emergency care and you shouldn’t wait around for the next veterinary appointment. Here are some of the ways you can tell if you need to visit an emergency veterinary hospital:
Excessive, Prolonged Vomiting and/or Diarrhea
If your pet has a period of vomiting and/or diarrhea that lasts longer than 24 hours, you should bring him to an emergency veterinarian. In addition to being a warning sign of illness, these symptoms can also lead to severe dehydration that should be treated as soon as possible. Vomiting and diarrhea may be signs of poisoning, gastrointestinal obstruction, virus or illness, pancreatitis, kidney or liver disease, or another serious problem.
Signs of Ingestion of a Toxic Substance
If your pet ingested something he shouldn’t have, whether it was food, a toxic plant, household poison, or part of a pet toy, he will need care and evaluation immediately. Signs of poisoning or ingestion of a foreign or toxic substance include vomiting and diarrhea, refusal to eat or drink, breathing problems, excessive thirst, panting and drooling, seizures, loss of consciousness, anxiety or mania, restlessness, lethargy, and blood in the stool or urine.
Pain or Injury
A traumatic accident or injury requires emergency veterinary care. If your pet has uncontrollable bleeding, is showing signs of pain or injury, is unable to walk, is defensive and/or aggressive when touched, is yowling or yelping in pain, or is hiding under furniture and won’t come out, these may be signs he is injured and/or in pain. You should bring him to an emergency veterinary clinic for evaluation and diagnosis.
Trouble Breathing
Trouble breathing is always a veterinary emergency. If your pet is wheezing, coughing, choking, and can’t breathe, bring him to the closest veterinary hospital right away.
If you notice any of the signs above in your pet, contact the closest veterinary hospital and let them know that you’re on your way.
