The unfortunate truth is that if you own a pet, there’s a pretty good chance you will experience an emergency with that pet at one point or another. If you’re new to pet ownership, you may have even hopped online to find out what to do in case of an emergency, and we commend you for doing your due diligence! At University Animal Clinic in Sarasota, FL, we want to ensure that you’re getting the critical facts you need to keep your pet safe, especially when it comes to things like emergencies. To avoid misinformation you can find online from people who mean well but are not veterinarians, we’ve taken FAQs about pet emergencies and answered them as thoroughly and accurately as possible. We’ve also provided a local emergency clinic near us for your convenience.
Animal ER of University Park: (941) 355-2884
What should I do if my pet is having an emergency?
You first have to know what constitutes an emergency for your pet. Most veterinarians will define an emergency as anything that warrants immediate attention or medical care. If that care is not provided, then it could have dire consequences, such as loss of life or a much sicker animal in the future.
- Pet emergencies include but are not limited to the following:
- Fractures
- Car accidents
- Blood loss, whether internally or externally
- Ingestion of toxins
- Pregnancy issues
- Birthing issues
- Bloating
- Seizures
- Breathing issues
- Sudden collapse
- A neurologic event
- Diabetic pet showing irregular symptoms
- Tremors
- Urinary tract blockages
- Traumatic injury
- Heart Conditions
- Infected wounds
Also, ocular issues should nearly always be considered an emergency, as the eye is very unforgiving. Ulcers or injuries to a pet’s eye or eyes can mean the affected eye may have to be removed, so time is of the essence.
While this is not an exhaustive list of emergencies your pet may have that require immediate attention, these are the most common reasons pets need emergency care. If you suspect that your pet needs to be seen immediately, it never hurts to consult a professional.
What are some signs and symptoms that my dog might be experiencing an emergency?
There are many signs and symptoms that could indicate a pet emergency, so being aware of these is a critical part of responsible pet ownership.
Some signs and symptoms that your pet is experiencing an emergency are as follows:
- Sudden collapse
- Respiratory difficulties or distress
- Possibly open-mouth breathing (when they haven’t been doing anything to cause this, such as exercising)
- Seizures or tremors
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting, possibly with blood
- Broken bones
- Bleeding - Especially from the nose and mouth
- Fever
- Inability to pass urine or stool
Is it best to call an emergency hospital first before coming in?
Yes. You should always call your veterinarian or animal hospital before you arrive to let them know that your pet is coming in as an emergency patient. Make sure to ask if there are any specific items you should bring with you (such as medical records). This gives them time to prepare for your pet's arrival, so they can provide him or her with the best possible care right away.
Should I give my dog first aid at home, and what should I have in my first aid kit?
This is a loaded question for veterinarians, as you can do more harm than good. However, if it’s possible for you to administer first aid for a pressing issue, do it. As veterinarians, though, we have to ask—what is that going to look like? Blood loss is the most obvious thing that comes to mind, so if you have a pet that has received some sort of a laceration, or anything that would cause external blood loss, then go ahead and administer a bandage or wrap that area to keep pressure on it.
As a warning, though, remember that if a pet is in a traumatic situation, they are not in their normal state of mind. Even though you are their owner and they're very comfortable with you—if they're hurting, struggling to breathe, or in distress, they will react differently than they will on any other occasion. In other words, don't put yourself in harm’s way. If you can administer first aid safely, then do so, but if you think you may get bitten in the process, don’t try it. In that case, scoop the pet up, wrap them in a towel or blanket, put them in a carrier, and get to your veterinarian as soon as possible. We’re familiar with handling situations like that more than the average human.
Why is prompt treatment in an emergency so important for my pet’s health?
Well, it’s the very nature of an emergency—if it’s not handled quickly, injury or death might occur. The pet must get treated sooner rather than later. If you're in doubt, call your veterinarian, tell them what's going on, and even send a video if you have to—whatever it takes to relay that information. It may very well turn out to be what your veterinarian doesn’t consider an emergency, but it’s best to err on the side of caution.
How do you perform CPR on a pet?
Ideally, CPR for your pet would be performed by a veterinarian. However, it can be a life-saving treatment if your pet’s breathing or heart stops. To best prepare yourself for this scenario, it may be helpful to take a pet CPR class to ensure you’re correctly helping your pet. If you find yourself in an emergency situation and need to give your pet CPR right away, you can follow these guidelines.
CPR for pets is similar to CPR for humans. The first step is to check for your pet’s heartbeat and breathing. You can do this by placing your hand on the left side of their chest. You should be able to tell whether or not your pet is breathing by the rise and fall of their chest. If you don’t notice one or both of these signs of life, you may start chest compressions. For adult pets, you’ll use the heel of your dominant hand over their heart. For kittens or puppies, you’ll want to use your thumb.
Do 30 chest compressions in a row, making sure to press the chest down to at least half of its regular width. Follow this with a rescue breath by fully extending your pet’s neck to open their airway. Place your mouth over your pet’s nose and exhale until you see their chest rise. Repeat these steps until you either detect breathing and a heartbeat or arrive at a veterinary hospital.
