When your dog eats chocolate or your cat has trouble breathing, panic can set in quickly. You might not have an idea of what to do at the moment, but you must act quickly. Knowing who to call can save precious minutes.

True Emergencies Needing Immediate Vet Care

Certain situations require immediate action to save your pet’s life. These include:

• Seizures — Seizures lasting more than two minutes or those that repeat need prompt care.

• Unconsciousness — It is a serious emergency if your pet is unresponsive to touch or voice. This is regardless of your pet’s usual level of activity.

• Bloated Belly — A swollen stomach with vomiting could be a sign of a life-threatening condition.

• Breathing Trouble — Is your pet displaying signs of choking, blue gums, or gasping for air? If they are, they need immediate attention. They could be having severe respiratory distress.

• Severe Injury — If your pet is hit by a car, has deep cuts, or broken bones, immediate vet care is needed.

• Poisoning — If your pet eats something toxic, like chocolate, rat poison, or antifreeze, act fast.

• Heatstroke — If your pet is drooling heavily and collapses in the heat, it is a medical emergency.

What to Do Right Away

If your pet is in one of these emergencies, move them away from any danger as gently as possible. Check if they are breathing and look for any bleeding or wounds. Keep them warm and calm while you contact your vet or the nearest emergency clinic. Provide clear and quick details about their symptoms, and follow the instructions you receive for transporting your pet.

Who to Contact First

Call your regular vet if they are open. If they are closed, contact the nearest animal emergency hospital. If you suspect poisoning, reach out to Animal Poison Control. Save both your vet’s and the emergency clinic’s numbers in your phone, and keep them written down on your fridge for easy access.

Getting Help for Poisoning

Animal Poison Control charges around $85 per case. Be ready with the packaging of the substance your pet consumed. Tell them exactly what your pet ate, how much, and when it happened. Do not try to make your pet vomit unless your vet tells you to.

Safe Transport Tips

For cats and small pets, use a carrier. Cover it with a light blanket to keep your pet calm. For large dogs, you can use a blanket as a stretcher. While driving to the clinic, do so carefully but without delays. Bring any vomit or poison samples, and keep your pet’s medical records on hand for the vet.

Problems That Can Wait for Daytime Care

Some issues, though concerning, do not require immediate emergency care. These include mild diarrhea without blood, occasional vomiting with energy, small cuts without heavy bleeding, limping but still walking, fleas or skin itching, ear scratching without pain, and eye discharge without redness. These can usually wait until the next available appointment with your vet.

For more on pet emergencies, book an appointment with Dr. J Personal Vet. Call 1 (855) PETS 4 DR J|tel:855.738.743 today.

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/who-do-you-call-if-you-have-pet-emergency

https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/emergencycare/13-animal-emergencies-require-immediate-veterinary-consultation-andor-care