What Really Constitutes A Medical Emergency For My Pet?

Oct 17, 2016

We asked our friend Dr. Audrey Wystrach of ZippiVet, what really constitutes a medical emergency for our pets. In her blog, 'High Risk Or A Hairball? What's A Pet Emergency' she answered our questions and offered advice for being prepared for future emergencies.

High Risk Or A Hairball? What's A Pet Emergency

What is Considered an Emergency for Dogs and Cats?

The following conditions warrant an immediate visit. Exercise caution when handling injured pets.

• Trauma
  
  
  
  • bite wounds, lacerations, punctures
  
  
  • hit by car
  
  
  • blunt object trauma
  
  
  • falls
  
  
  
  


• Bleeding from the eyes, nose, or mouth, or blood present in urine or feces.


• Signs of extreme pain, such as whining, shaking, hiding, panting, and circling.


• You suspect broken bones.


• Your pet collapses or is unable to stand


• Your pet has had or is having a seizure


• Disorientation, bumping into things


• Eye injuries or sudden blindness


• Loss of consciousness


• Breathing difficulties or hacking and gagging


• Vomiting or diarrhea that persists more than 12 hours


• Swollen and distended abdomen, with vomiting and/or retching


• Straining to urinate or unable to urinate (particularly in male animals)


• More than three to four hours between delivering puppies or kittens


• Toxin ingestion
  
  
  
  • Antifreeze
  
  
  • rat poison
  
  
  • any kind of medication that wasn’t prescribed for your pet
  
  
  • household cleansers
  
  
  • Plants
  
  
  • Sugar free food, candy, or gum (xylitol)
  
  
  
  


• Symptoms of heatstroke

Be Prepared for an Emergency

Your pet’s illness doesn’t observe normal business hours so be prepared for an emergency at any time. Your first step is to call your veterinarian. Keep your veterinarian’s name and number as a “favorite” on your mobile phone and in an easily accessible area of your home. If you and your pet are in an unfamiliar city, use a hospital locator tool to find a vet hospital near you.

About Dr. Wystrach

Dr. Wystrach grew up on a working cattle ranch with her five siblings in southern Arizona. She has spent nineteen years in companion animal private practice and two years in corporate veterinary practice. As the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Zippivet, Dr. Wystrach is committed to client education, premium customer service and excellent veterinary care. As a working mother of three she understands the challenges of a busy life and strives to bring convenience and affordability to veterinary medicine.