Signs Your Pet Needs Emergency Care

Although no pet owner wants to see their furry family member injured or sick, accidents do happen and when it comes to pet emergencies, pet owners want to be informed, so they can readily act for their pet. One of the most important things you can do to be prepared in case of an emergency is to know when your closest emergency care center is and to have the information for your veterinarian in a handy location. Here some information about the signs of pet emergencies in Cumming, GA.

Know the Signs of an Emergency

It’s essential that you know what to look for that can alert you that something is wrong. Knowing the signs of an illness or injury will allow you to get your pet the veterinarian's attention quickly. It’s important to keep in mind that dogs or cats typically do not make any noise when they are sick unless they are having extreme pain. Your cat may purr if they are sick, but they also purr when happy so it may be difficult to distinguish between the purring. Dogs often try to hide their illnesses, so it’s important to pay attention to their behaviors as opposed to whining or whimpering.

Signs Emergency Care is Needed

Some signs, such as broken bones or lacerations will be apparent, but there are many signs that may not be visually apparent. Some things to be aware of include:

• Swollen abdomen which may mean bloat in dogs and it can be life-threatening. Bloat can cause shock and organ damage.
• Rapid or labored breathing may be caused by a number of things, including poisoning. If your pet is struggling to breathe, they should be taken to an emergency care center immediately.
• Lethargy is also a sign of something serious, such as rabies or poisoning, so they should get emergency medical attention.
• Bloody diarrhea, which may be caused by a bacterial infection
• Blood in their vomit may occur if your pet ate something toxic, has a blood disorder, ulcers or ate something that caused a puncture wound.
• Dehydration can be fatal if not treated quickly. If your pet has had diarrhea or extreme vomiting, check for dehydration. Signs may include a loss of elasticity in their skin, lethargy and severe shaking.
• Pale gums and/or rapid pulse could be a symptom of a wide range of things, including dehydration, poisoning and heart issues.

If your pet loses consciousness, collapses, has a seizure or excessive bleeding, it is critical that you take them to the animal hospital immediately. These can be the symptoms of many life-threatening illnesses and injuries, so the sooner they are examined by a veterinarian, the greater the chances of getting treatment and recovering. Veterinarian, Cumming, GA, emergency care

Schedule an Appointment Today!

If your pet experiences an emergency or you are concerned about various symptoms, contact Coal Mountain Animal Hospital.