Emergency

If your pet is in distress or is unresponsive, immediately take them to the nearest veterinarian.

Tips for Emergencies

Veterinary emergencies can be sudden and unpredictable, but through preparation, observation and quick reactions, you can help your pet have the best possible outcome.

Preparation

• Store important numbers in your phone or address book:
• Your veterinarian’s phone number
• Your veterinarian’s recommended emergency hospital
• Animal Poison Control – (888) 426-4435 (888-4ANI-HELP) (fee-based program)
• Find out the location of the closest emergency veterinary hospital and know how to get there. Having a secondary route in case of traffic is also helpful.
• Always keep ID tags on your pets.
• Talk with your veterinarian about having your pet microchipped for added identification.
• Research pet insurance programs that offer emergency coverage.

Observation

Knowing symptoms to watch for can help get your pet the care they need faster.
If your pet is displaying any of these symptoms, contact a veterinarian immediately.

• Difficulty Breathing
• Unresponsiveness
• Hyperthermia (Body temperature too high) or Hypothermia (Body temperature too low)
• Toxin Ingestion
  • Animal Poison Control Hotline – (888) 426-4435
  • Generally, dogs and cats don’t have very good sense when it comes to what they eat. Many items, which are perfectly safe for the rest of the family, may cause problems with the family pets.
  • Chocolate - Chocolate contains two chemicals which are toxic to dogs. Theobromine, a naturally occurring chemical in the cocoa bean can cause vomiting, restlessness and muscle tremors. In high doses it may cause seizures, coma and even death. Chocolate also contains high levels of caffeine which can cause similar problems. Severity of the poisoning depends on the type of chocolate, size of the animal and amount of chocolate ingested. A veterinarian should be contacted immediately to weigh these risks. More detailed information on Chocolate Toxicosis can be found here.
  • Medication - Dogs and cats have much different body chemistries than people and medication will affect them differently from humans. If your dog or cat ingests any amount of medication not specifically prescribed for them, contact a veterinarian.
  • Plants - Many plants, indoor and outdoor, contain chemicals which may be harmful to pets. If you notice your pet ingesting plants or parts of plants, including seeds, flowers, or leaves, immediately stop them and try to identify what type of plant it is. Lists of poisonous plants may be found at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Illinois websites. If you are unable to find the plant or find that it is toxic, contact a veterinarian.
  • Poison – Pets who regularly venture outside may come in contact with poisons meant for pests or vermin. Rat poison is the most common type of ingested poison. Rat poison works by inhibiting clotting of the blood. Size of the animal, and the amount and type of poison all play a part in how bad the toxicity is. Ant poison will rarely cause issues with pets due to their size, but many are encased in plastic containers which may have been shattered and ingested. A veterinarian should always be contacted if you believe that your pet ingested any type of poison.
  • Antifreeze – A common toxin seen in veterinary practices is antifreeze due to its sweet taste and common appearance in garages. The toxic ingredient is ethylene glycol, which attacks the liver and kidneys. There is a test for ethylene glycol, but it must be done quickly after ingestion. If you believe your pet has ingested antifreeze, consult a veterinarian immediately.
• Hit By Car

Pets being hit by cars are one of the most common trauma-related injuries treated in our practice. Even traveling slowly, cars can cause damage to pets including broken bones, internal bleeding and external trauma. A veterinarian should see any pet that has been hit by a car, even if they were only grazed or seem to be acting normally afterwards.

• Male Cats with Difficulty Urinating

One of the most common problems we see in cats is the male cat having difficulty urinating. The issue is generally a buildup of mucous and grit in the urethra that blocks the ability for urine to be passed from the body. Common symptoms include a crying meow, constant trips to the litter box, and squatting without producing urine. This is an emergency situation and you should immediately bring your pet to a veterinary facility. With the buildup of pressure, the urine will begin to backup into the kidneys causing kidney failure, and in severe cases may cause rupture of the bladder or death.

• Seizures

Seizures are caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. This can be brought on by infection, trauma, toxicity, environmental condition (excessive heat, etc) or by a metabolic disorder including epilepsy or diabetes. If you notice your pet having a seizure for the first time, contact a veterinarian immediately. Based on how your pet recovers from the seizure and their history, the veterinarian may or may not wish for you to immediately have the pet checked out. Seizures usually last between 30 seconds and 5 minutes, and it is helpful to track any seizure for time and frequency to help the veterinarian with a diagnosis. If your pet stays in a seizure for more than 5 minutes or is having multiple seizures (called clustering) seek veterinary help immediately.

• Fights

Animal fights can be started and over in an instant. But in that time, serious damage can occur. Cuts, puncture wounds, and crushing damage are all injuries to consider in a dog or cat fight. Wounds should be explored and cleaned and antibiotics are usually dispensed.

• Abdominal Swelling

Abdominal swelling can be caused by a number of conditions including abdominal bleeding and Bloat. Bloat (or GDV, Gastric Dilatation Volvulus) is one of the most serious emergencies that strikes dogs, not only for the potential for serious damage, but also because of how quickly the disorder progresses. Symptoms of bloat include visible enlargement of the abdomen, non-productive retching, repetitive stretching, and restless discomfort, and usually strikes deep-chested dogs like German Shepherds or Great Danes. Surgery is generally recommended to correct the problem. Bloat is a time-sensitive disorder; if you feel your dog has bloat, contact a veterinarian immediately.

• Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions in pets are very similar to allergic reactions in people. Generally, they present with facial swelling, hives, redness around the eyes or itching. Causes can be from medication, insect bites, vaccinations, or other allergens. Treatment is usually very straightforward, but the condition should be taken seriously due to the possibility of swelling causing breathing difficulties.

• Collapse/Down in Rear

Loss of motor control can have many possible causes. Some may be tied to aging or arthritis, but causes can also be life-threatening situations. Spinal injury, stroke or localized blood clots (thromboses) can all cause loss of motor function. These are all serious conditions which require veterinary intervention. If your pet is experiencing a sudden difficulty with walking or standing or a loss of motor control, call a veterinarian immediately.

Reaction

• If your pet is in an emergency situation, you are their best chance to get the help they need. You must remain calm to be able to think through your options as well as keep your pet from sensing any distress.
• Quickly call your primary veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital. They can help you assess your situation and provide guidance on the situation. The Hope Center is available 24/7 at 703-281-5121.