It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between a common, mild illness in your pet, and a serious condition that requires emergency care. If you decide to wait and seek treatment from your regular veterinarian, your pet’s condition might worsen to the point that he cannot fully recover. Here are some warning signs of a veterinary emergency in cats and dogs:
Persistent or Excessive Bleeding
If your pet is bleeding and you can’t stop it, visit an emergency veterinarian right away. The same goes for times when your pet is bleeding excessively, or is bleeding from the eyes, mouth, nose, or rectum. If you find blood in your pet’s urine or stool, you should bring him into an emergency veterinary hospital for evaluation.
Loss of Consciousness or Trouble Breathing
Loss of consciousness and trouble breathing are signs of a veterinary emergency. They can be symptoms of poisoning, illness, trauma, disease, or another type of medical condition. Bring your pet in as soon as he exhibits either of these symptoms.
Refusal to Eat, Drink or Prolonged Vomiting/Diarrhea
Refusal to eat or drink and prolonged periods of vomiting and diarrhea can cause severe dehydration. These behaviors are also signs of injury or illness. If your pet has vomiting or diarrhea that lasts longer than 24 hours, or if he is refusing to eat or drink, bring him to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible.
Seizures, Inability to Walk, or Loss of Balance
Cognitive problems, like seizures, disorientation, loss of consciousness, loss of balance, staggering, mania, anxiety, and aggression can all be signs of a serious medical emergency. If your pet experiences any of these symptoms, get him emergency care at a veterinary hospital right away.
An emergency veterinary hospital offers 24/7 emergency care for pets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, visit your local emergency veterinary hospital for immediate care.