Signs Your Pet Needs Emergency Vet Care

Knowing when your pet is in need of emergency care isn't always obvious. Here, our Novato vets share some of the signs and symptoms that indicate a trip to the emergency vet is necessary. 

How do I know if my pet needs Emergency Care?

Day or night, a situation that requires emergency veterinary care could occur, and you'll need to be prepared, if or when it happens to your animal.

It can be difficult for pet owners to determine when their dog, cat, or other pet requires emergency care. That is why knowing some of the signs and symptoms that indicate the need for an emergency vet visit is beneficial. If you're still unsure, seek advice from your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic.

Basic First Aid

Please note that performing basic first aid on your pet is not intended to replace veterinary care, it is solely to stabilize your animal for a trip to your emergency vet.

Bleeding

Before you begin, muzzle your pet. Place a clean gauze pad over the injury and apply pressure with your hand for several minutes until blood clotting begins. For severe leg bleeding, a gauze tourniquet with an elastic band will be required. Bring your pet to the veterinary clinic right away.

Seizures

Do not attempt to restrain your pet. Try to remove objects that may hurt your pet. After the seizure is over, keep your pet warm and phone your vet. 

Fractures

Your pet should be muzzled. To transport your pet to the vet, place them on a flat surface that can be used as a stretcher. Secure your animal to the stretcher as much as possible without putting pressure on the injured area.

Choking

Because your pet may bite in fear, you must exercise caution. Examine your pet's mouth for foreign objects and, if possible, remove them. Take care not to push the object further down your animal's throat. If this is too difficult, don't waste your time attempting it. Transport your pet to a veterinarian's office or an emergency veterinary clinic right away.

Being Prepared

What You Should Know in Advance

You never know when an emergency will strike, but being prepared for a pet emergency can help you provide the best possible care to your animal as quickly as possible. In case of an emergency, our Bel Marin Animal Hospital veterinarians recommend keeping the following items on hand:

• The phone number for your vet's office
• The phone number for the closest Emergency Vet Clinic
• The phone number for the Animal Poison Control Center
• How to muzzle your dog when he's in pain so he doesn't bite others
• Directions to the Emergency Vet Clinic
• Knowledge of basic pet CPR
• Knowledge of how to stop bleeding

Financial Responsibilities

Due to the amount of diagnostic testing, monitoring, and treatment required, emergency veterinary care can be expensive. It is a pet owner's responsibility to ensure that they can financially care for your pet in a time of crisis.

Prepare for unforeseeable events by setting aside money for emergencies or enrolling in a pet insurance plan. Putting off veterinary care to avoid emergency fees could endanger your pet's life.

If your pet is in need of emergency care, please contact Bel Marin Animal Hospital or go to your nearest emergency veterinarian clinic immediately.