Urgent Pet Care: Common Emergency Situations and What To Do

As fellow animal lovers, we understand that pets are like family. Their health is of utmost importance. Pets can experience sudden health emergencies just like our human family that require immediate attention. Understanding how to handle these situations can make a significant difference in the outcome. 

We would like to share advice on handling pet emergencies, including pet first-aid tips, recognizing signs of a pet emergency, and knowing when to seek professional pet emergency care.

Recognizing Signs of a Pet Emergency

As your pet’s guardian, one of the most important things that you can do to protect them is to recognize the signs of a pet emergency. What happens during a pet emergency can be variable, but some common indications that your pet may need urgent care include:

• Difficulty Breathing  — If a pet is having trouble breathing, it is always an emergency. Heavy breathing while at rest, gasping, or purplish/bluish gums or tongue are all urgent. Causes could indicate a range of issues, including choking, allergic reactions, or heart problems.
• Significant Bleeding — Bleeding of any kind that does not stop always requires immediate attention. Apply firm pressure to the area with a clean cloth while you prepare to transport your pet for veterinary attention.
• Sudden Collapse or Weakness  — If your pet collapses or suddenly becomes weak, they should be evaluated as soon as possible. This could be a sign of a severe underlying issue such as a toxin exposure, internal bleeding, or heart disease.
• Vomiting or Diarrhea with Blood  — Occasional vomiting or diarrhea is often no big deal. If there is blood present, though, or it occurs more than twice in a 24 hour period, it could indicate something more serious.
• Seizures  — A single seizure is not typically life-threatening, but if your pet has multiple seizures or a prolonged seizure, it’s vital to seek emergency care.
• Ingestion of Toxic Substance  — If you know or suspect that your pet has ingested something toxic such as household cleaners, medications, or a dangerous plant, contact us immediately.

Pet First-Aid Tips

It’s always important to seek help during a pet emergency, but knowing some basic pet first aid can help you stabilize your pet and stay calm until you can get to the vet. 

Topics to brush up on include:

• CPR for Pets —  If your pet is not breathing, you should perform CPR. This involves chest compressions and rescue breaths, just like in humans. While it’s crucial to get proper training, familiarizing yourself with the basics could save your pet’s life in an emergency.
• Handling Bleeding — You can apply direct pressure to a bleeding wound with a clean cloth or gauze. If the bleeding is severe, a tourniquet may be necessary, but this should only be done as a last resort.
• Heatstroke — If your pet shows signs of heatstroke such as excessive panting, drooling, or collapse, move them to a cooler environment immediately. Offer small amounts of water if they are conscious, and dampen their fur with cool (not cold) water. Seek emergency care as soon as possible.
• Stabilizing Broken Bones — If your pet has a broken bone, try to keep them as still as possible to prevent further injury. You can use a makeshift splint to keep the area immobile during movement, but it’s essential to transport your pet to the vet without delay.

When to Seek Professional Pet Emergency Care

Even if you’ve managed to stabilize your pet with first aid, professional pet emergency care is often necessary. In Arizona, Curem Veterinary Care offers urgent care services for pets and works with local hospitals who provide comprehensive emergency services. It’s crucial to have our contact information and the nearest emergency clinic on hand, so you’re prepared when an emergency arises.

If you’re unsure whether your pet’s situation is an emergency, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Give us a call and let us know what is going on so that we can guide you on the best course of action, whether that’s monitoring your pet at home or bringing them in for immediate care.

Understanding the signs of a pet emergency, applying basic pet first aid, and knowing when to seek professional care are key steps in safeguarding your pet’s health. At Curem Veterinary Care, we’re here to provide the care your pet needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out in case of a pet health emergency. Your quick action could be the difference between a minor scare and a serious health issue.