No matter how deep your connection with your pet is, it isn’t always easy to tell when something is wrong. Spotting the difference between a light tumble and a serious fall, for instance, can be difficult in the spur of the moment. Some cases will call for an immediate trip to the emergency vet, while others are easily handled with some downtime and TLC. Learn what types of situations call for emergency care with this quick guide. 

How to Know Your Pet Needs the Emergency Clinic

1. Difficulty Breathing

If your pet is wheezing, gasping, hyperventilating, or struggling to breathe, this is a red flag. Take pets to the emergency vet as soon as possible if they’re having trouble breathing. Additional signs of breathing difficulties may include blue gums, excessive panting, coughing up foam, or, in the case of cats, breathing through the mouth.

2. Bloated Abdomen

Pay attention to your cat or dog’s physical state. A dilated abdomen could be the result of a potentially life-threatening condition known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), where trapped gas causes the stomach to expand and twist. Eventually, swelling may cut off blood flow, damage cells, and rupture the stomach wall. GDV requires hospitalization and expert veterinary care. Larger breeds of dog are particularly susceptible to GDV.

3. Poison Ingestion

Many pets have the unfortunate instinct of eating anything in their path. This can be dangerous when a lot of human foods and household items are toxic to pets. If you catch your pet ingesting something you know they shouldn’t, such as grapes, chocolate, or human medicine, contact the emergency vet immediately.

4. Nonstop Bleeding

A little bit of blood from a scratch isn’t cause for concern, but continuous bleeding needs medical attention. Excessive bleeding may eventually lead to collapse or loss of consciousness. Whether the blood is coming from a wound, urination, diarrhea, or vomiting, you should bring your pet to an animal hospital.

5. Trauma or Injury

Major trauma, such as car accidents, should always lead to a veterinary visit. Even if your pet seems to be walking around just fine, they may be experiencing internal injuries or bleeding. Untended injuries can worsen over time and eventually become fatal. Err on the side of caution and seek an emergency vet right away.

Emergency situations can be frightening for both people and their pets. At Animal Health Center of Coffee County, AL, veterinarians take a personal approach to animal care and provide advanced, attentive treatment. This emergency vet is committed to keeping you informed on your pet’s condition, so whether they need medication or pet surgery, you won’t be left in the dark. Find out more about their emergency services online or call them at (334) 347-0544.