This document lists 13 common pet emergencies and advises calling a veterinarian immediately if any are observed. The emergencies include severe bleeding, choking or difficulty breathing, bleeding from any orifice, inability to urinate or defecate, eye injuries, suspected poisoning, seizures, limping or suspected fractures, extreme anxiety or pain, heat stroke, vomiting or diarrhea over 24 hours, refusal to eat or drink for 24 hours, unconsciousness. The veterinary center contact information is provided.
3. Severe bleeding that does
not stop within 5 minutes While some bleeding my slow
or stop on its own, some
wounds are simply too deep, or
in too delicate an area, to be
handled at home. If your pet
bleeds steadily from any
wound, no matter the location,
for over 5 minutes, it is time to
call your veterinarian.
4. Choking, difficulty breathing,
or nonstop gagging Your pet’s breathing is a key
distinguisher in an emergency.
If your pet’s breathing
becomes slower or faster than
normal, deeper or more
shallow than regular, or if they
show signs of difficulty (ie:
gagging, drooling, etc), it’s
time to call your veterinarian.
5. Bleeding from nose, mouth,
rectum, coughing up blood
or blood in urine
Although some of these cases
might be mild, you should
always consult your
veterinarian should your pet
be bleeding from any orifice. It
could signal a greater issue.
6. Inability to pass stool or
urine, or obvious pain while
attempting
A regular urination and
defecation schedule denotes a
healthy pet. If your pet shows
signs of discomfort during
either of these daily routines,
they could be suffering from
an internal issue of a much
more serious nature.
7. Any injury to the eye
The eyes are one of the most
sensitive organs, in both pets
and humans! Any injury to the
eye should be assessed by your
veterinarian.
8. You suspect or know that
your pet has eaten
something poisonous
Poison comes in many shapes
and sizes when it comes to our
pets, and we have to monitor
them constantly! Most
households have dozens of
potential toxins, and if you
suspect your pet has ingested
one, contact your veterinarian
immediately, even if it was a
small amount.
9. Seizures or confusion
Just like humans, our pets can
have seizure disorders. And
just like humans, a seizure
could be caused by any
number of things. Let your
veterinarian know as soon as
your pet has begun to seize.
10. Limping, inability to use
legs, or suspected fractures Leg pain can range from mild
and moderate to unbearable,
but it is best to contact your
veterinarian at the first sign, so
that you might be able to assist
your pet sooner on the road to
recovery.
11. Extreme anxiety, or obvious
signs or pain or discomfort A restless pet could be an
outward sign of several serious
internal issues. You should
monitor your pet’s activity and
comfort level, and let your
veterinarian know if you’ve
noticed any out of character
changes.
12. Heat stress or heat stroke
As with humans, heat sickness
can cause a number of
additional issues, and can be
deadly. If you suspect your pet
has begun to overheat, call
your veterinarian’s office for
instruction on how to cool
them, and get them right in for
treatment.
13. Severe vomiting or diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea are a
discomfort in their own rights,
but can cause a number of
secondary issues. If your pet
has more than two bouts of
vomiting or diarrhea in a 24
hours span, consider an
appointment with your
veterinarian.
14. Refusal to eat or drink for
24 hours If your pet refuses to eat or
drink, they could be trying to
tell you they aren’t feeling well
on the inside. Set an
appointment with your
veterinarian, and you could
help alleviate that discomfort.
15. If your pet loses
consciousness, it is a serious
matter. Call your veterinarian
quickly, and be sure to relay all
information leading up to the
spell.
Unconsciousness
16. Is your pet having an
emergency?
Give us a call:
We’re open 24/7
845-878-4833
Brook Farm Veterinary Center
2371 Route 22
Patterson, NY 12563