If your pet is acting differently than usual, they may be sick, which is not uncommon. But it can be hard to tell if your pet is truly ill since they cannot speak and tell you what is wrong. Instead, you have to rely on other cues, such as their behavior and appearance, to help determine if something is amiss.
Signs You Need to Take Your Pet to an Emergency Vet
The following are general signs that something is wrong with your pet, and you should take them to see a veterinarian as soon as possible:
- Excessive bleeding or vomiting. This can signify internal bleeding or a foreign body stuck in the digestive tract. Your vet may recommend a lab test (see this vet lab in Torrance for more info) to help determine the cause.
- Sudden paralysis or weakness. If your pet cannot move their legs or stand, they may have suffered a spinal injury. This is an emergency, and you should take them to the vet right away. See https://www.torranceanimalhospital.com/site/veterinary-services/emergency-vet for other emergency services.
- Severe seizures. If your pet keeps on experiencing seizures for more than 5 minutes, this is considered an emergency, and you should take them to the vet immediately.
- Difficulty breathing. Pets can have difficulty breathing for several reasons, including heart disease, respiratory infections, and allergic reactions. If your pet is panting excessively, has labored breathing, or is making grunting noises when they breathe, take them to see a vet as soon as possible.
- Inability to urinate or defecate. This can signify a blockage in the urinary tract or constipation. If your pet cannot urinate or defecate, take them to a veterinarian immediately.
- Signs of pain. Pets can exhibit signs of pain in many ways, including crying out, reduced activity levels, and reluctance to be touched or handled. If you think your pet is in pain, take them to a vet immediately.
- Uncontrolled diarrhea. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which is dangerous for pets. If your pet has diarrhea that lasts more than a day or two, visit a veterinarian. If your pets have not received vaccinations, they may be more susceptible to diseases. Be sure to keep up with their vaccinations to help prevent them from getting sick. If you don’t have a vet, ask for a referral from the people you trust or look online. Visit their website and read reviews to find a good fit for your pet. Once you find a vet, take your pet in for regular check-ups and preventive care to help keep them healthy and catch any problems early.
- Ingestion of a foreign object or poison. If your pet has ingested a foreign object or poison, take them to a vet immediately. Be sure to bring the bottle or container of the poison with you so the vet can identify it and determine the best course of treatment.
Home Remedies If You Can’t Get to a Vet Right Away
You can do some home remedies if you can’t get to a vet immediately. However, remember that these are only temporary solutions, and your pet should still see a vet as soon as possible.
Here are tips you can consider:
- If your pet is bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. If the bleeding is coming from the nose, you can try to stop it by applying a cold compress to the bridge of the nose.
- If your pet is vomiting, withhold food and water for 12 hours and then offer small amounts of water every 15 minutes. If they keep it down, you can gradually increase the amount of water.
- For diarrhea, withhold food and water for 12 hours and then offer small amounts of a bland diet, such as boiled chicken and rice.
- If your pet is having seizures, do not try to stop them. Keep them safe by moving them away from anything they could hurt themselves on and placing a pillow under their head.
- Do not give your pet any human medication unless directed to do so by a veterinarian. If your pet has difficulty breathing, sit them up so they are more comfortable. You can also try to humidify the air with a cool mist humidifier.
- If your pet has trouble breathing, try to keep them calm and bring them to an air-conditioned area. If panting excessively, open their mouth and check for anything blocking their airway. If you can’t find anything, take them to a vet immediately.
- If your pet is in pain, keep them calm and comfortable. Call your vet for further instructions.
Final Thoughts
Pet emergencies can happen anytime, so it is important to be prepared. Keep the number of your emergency vet clinic handy and know how to get there quickly. If you think your pet is sick or injured, don’t hesitate to take them to a vet immediately. The sooner they are seen, the better their chances of recovery.
