Experiencing a Pet Emergency?

Signs Your Pet May Need Urgent Care

There are several signs that indicate your pet may need urgent care:

1. Abnormal behavior: sudden change in behavior or mood such as lethargy, confusion, or aggression.
2. Breathing difficulties: gasping for air, rapid breathing or open-mouth breathing.
3. Change in appetite: refusal to eat or drink, or sudden decrease in appetite.
4. Injuries: cuts, broken bones, wounds, or bleeding.
5. Seizures: uncontrolled shaking, convulsions or loss of consciousness.
6. Vomiting or diarrhea: especially if accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy or abdominal pain.
7. Urination or defecation issues: straining to go, blood in urine or feces, or loss of control.
8. Pain: whimpering, crying, or reluctance to move or be touched.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take your pet to a vet as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of a positive outcome.

How To Care For Your Pet In An Emergency

In case of an emergency with your pet, it’s important to stay calm and take the following steps:

1. Safety first: ensure your own safety and the safety of your pet before providing any care.
2. Call your veterinarian: inform them of the situation and follow their instructions.
3. Keep your pet calm and still: if possible, keep your pet still and calm to avoid making their condition worse.
4. Provide first aid: if instructed by your vet, provide basic first aid such as stopping bleeding, stabilizing fractures or cleaning wounds.
5. Transport your pet to the vet: if necessary, transport your pet to the nearest veterinary clinic as quickly and safely as possible.
6. Keep track of symptoms: note any changes in your pet’s condition and keep your veterinarian informed.

Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek veterinary attention if you suspect an emergency. A prompt response can save your pet’s life.

If Your Pet is Bleeding:

It’s important to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible in case of bleeding. Time is of the essence, and prompt treatment can prevent serious complications.

If your pet is bleeding and in need of emergency veterinary care, here are the steps you should take:

1. Stay calm: panicking will only make the situation worse for you and your pet.
2. Stop the bleeding: if possible, use a clean cloth or bandage to apply gentle pressure to the bleeding area to help stop the bleeding.
3. Keep your pet calm and still: minimize movement to prevent further blood loss.
4. Call your veterinarian: inform them of the situation and follow their instructions.
5. Transport your pet to the vet: if necessary, transport your pet to the nearest veterinary clinic as quickly and safely as possible.
6. Keep track of symptoms: note any changes in your pet’s condition and keep your veterinarian informed.

If Your Pet is Choking:

Choking can be a life-threatening emergency, and prompt veterinary attention is essential. If you are unable to remove the object or if your pet is not breathing, seek veterinary attention immediately.

If your pet is choking and in need of emergency veterinary care, here are the steps you should take:

1. Stay calm: panicking will only make the situation worse for you and your pet.
2. Assess the situation: check if your pet is choking on an object that can be removed safely, such as a bone or toy.
3. Clear the airway: if the object is visible, use a pair of tongs or pliers to gently remove it. Do not use your fingers as this may push the object further down the throat.
4. Perform the Heimlich maneuver: if your pet is small, pick them up and support their chest with your hands. Use a firm upward pressure to try and dislodge the object. For larger dogs, stand behind them and apply firm upward pressure to the abdomen.
5. Call your veterinarian: inform them of the situation and follow their instructions.
6. Transport your pet to the vet: if necessary, transport your pet to the nearest veterinary clinic as quickly and safely as possible.

If Your Pet is Unconscious or Unresponsive:

Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness can be a life-threatening emergency, and prompt veterinary attention is essential. If you are unsure about what to do or if your pet’s condition does not improve, seek veterinary attention immediately.

If your pet is unconscious or unresponsive and in need of emergency veterinary care, here are the steps you should take:

1. Stay calm: panicking will only make the situation worse for you and your pet.
2. Check for vital signs: check if your pet is breathing, has a heartbeat and is responsive to touch.
3. Clear the airway: if your pet’s tongue is blocking their airway, gently pull it forward with your fingers.
4. Provide artificial respiration: if your pet is not breathing, give them artificial respiration by gently blowing air into their nose.
5. Check for pulse: check for a pulse by feeling the inside of your pet’s thigh.
6. Call your veterinarian: inform them of the situation and follow their instructions.
7. Transport your pet to the vet: if necessary, transport your pet to the nearest veterinary clinic as quickly and safely as possible.

Emergency Vet Clinics​

EasyPet provides a list of emergency veterinarians in your area, as well as their contact information and hours of operation. In addition, we include reviews of emergency veterinarians, when available, so you can be sure you’re taking your pet to the best possible facility.

Emergency veterinarian services are those that are provided outside of the normal hours of operation for a veterinary clinic and are usually available 24 hours a day.

Emergency vets provide care for sick or injured animals on a walk-in basis, and they are typically open late into the night and on weekends. Whether your pet has been hit by a car or is suffering from a sudden illness, an emergency vet can provide the treatment they need, fast!

You can typically find emergency vet clinics by searching online for “emergency vet near me.” Once you have located a few potential clinics, you should call to ask about their hours of operation, availability, and payment policy. Emergency vet services can be expensive, so it’s important to know what your options are before you commit to costly treatment.

If you’re ever in doubt about whether or not your pet needs emergency care, please don’t hesitate to contact the nearest emergency veterinarian for guidance.

If you believe the ailment is non-life-threatening you may also consider speaking with a vet through an online telemedicine chat to get a better feel for how to proceed with treatment and care of your dog, cat, or other pet.