Should I go to the emergency vet? Signs your pet needs emergency veterinary care

Contents:

• When to take your dog or cat to an emergency vet
• Be particularly observant if your pet has a pre-existing condition
• What to do if your pet needs an emergency vet

When to take your pet to an emergency vet

Vomiting

If your pet has been vomiting for more than 24 hours and is unable to keep down any food or water, contact a veterinarian.

Vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration and low blood sugar (in small, young animals) and can be a sign of more significant issues such as a foreign body obstruction in the intestinal tract.

Haemorrhagic diarrhoea

Haemorrhagic diarrhoea is bloody diarrhoea. If your dog or cat has bright red diarrhoea or diarrhoea that has continued for over 12 hours with no signs of improving, contact a veterinarian.

Extreme lethargy

Being sleepy can be a normal part of feeling unwell, just like humans, but if your pet is unable to hold themselves up or it has been ongoing for more than 24 hours, please contact an emergency vet.

Blunt trauma

If your pet has been hit by a car, bat, ball or something else significant such as falling off a balcony or out of a moving car, please take them to the emergency vet for assessment. They may seem fine initially thanks to adrenaline; however, they could be experiencing invisible issues such as internal bleeding and brain swelling.

Lacerations, penetrating foreign bodies or cuts

If a wound looks to be large, or penetrates below the skin layer, it should be assessed immediately. Many penetrating wounds are bigger than the entry wound may suggest, and pain relief and potentially surgery may be required.

Abdominal bloating

A suddenly bloated abdomen could be a sign of a gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV. This condition is an emergency that can rapidly lead to death if left untreated. GDV is most commonly seen in large, deep-chested dogs (such as German Shephards and Weimaraners) but can occur in smaller breeds, including Dachshunds and Staffies.

Completely non-weight bearing lameness

A non-weight bearing lameness means your pet is not willing to put any weight on a limb. This indicates a high level of pain and they would greatly benefit from pain relief, at minimum.

Paralysis

If you have a dog or cat who is dragging one or more legs and unable to use it at all, this would be considered an emergency.

With spinal issues like Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), the faster the treatment, the better the outcome will be. This is particularly prevalent in Dachshunds, Pugs and French bulldogs.

Wobbly gait

If your pet looks wobbly as they walk, particularly in the hindlimbs, this could indicate they’ve been bitten by a paralysis tick or are experiencing a neurological issue. This is an emergency that requires immediately treatment. Without intervention, it can rapidly lead to paralysis of the chest and throat, leading to aspiration and breathing fatigue, then death.

Pale gums

If you notice your pet has very pale pink or white gums, this could indicate anaemia. If your pet doesn’t have external wounds, then they may have an internal bleed or another internal issue affecting their red blood cells.

Collapsing and unconsciousness

Any kind of collapsing episode where there is a loss of consciousness or disorientation is serious should be addressed immediately.

Ingestion of toxins or foreign body

If your pet ingests a known toxin (like a toxic plant, food from the rubbish bin, and chocolate among other toxic foods) or a foreign body (i.e. human medications, a sock or anything they shouldn’t be eating), take them to an emergency vet as soon as possible.

Straining to urinate

This is a very serious emergency, particularly for male cats, but does also occur in male dogs.

If your pet looks like they are trying to toilet frequently and nothing is passing, this could indicate a urinary obstruction and requires immediate treatment. Without intervention, a urinary obstruction can rapidly lead to cardiac arrest and death.

This symptom is often missed by owners who think their pet is just constipated (straining to defecate). If you are suspicious of urinary obstruction, even if it looks like constipation, take to your nearest clinic for assessment.

Coughing and breathing difficulties

If the coughing is excessive (lasts more than just 1-2 episodes), sounds loud or chesty, or you notice an increase in chest and/or abdominal effort with each breath, this is a serious emergency. It is often seen in animals with pre-existing heart conditions.

If you own a cat, watch for panting. Unlike dogs, cats don’t usually pant and it can be a sign of serious illness.

Be on alert if your pet has these pre-existing conditions

If your dog or cat has any of the pre-existing conditions listed below and you see any abnormalities in their behaviour or energy, please take to them to your nearest vet ASAP:

• Diabetes
• Addison’s disease
• Cushing’s disease
• Heart disease
• Lung disease
• Progressive spinal disease
• Liver or kidney disease
• Portosystemic shunt (shunt around the liver)
• History of urinary obstruction or UTIs

What should you do if you notice any of these signs?

If your pet needs to see an emergency vet, recommended to call ahead to the emergency clinic. Tell them your pet’s symptoms and approximate arrival time. This gives the team a chance to prepare so they can be ready to act fast and give your pet the best chance of recovery. This initial phone call also allows the staff to provide you with advice on transporting your pet safely in their current condition.

Do you know your nearest emergency veterinary hospital?

In an emergency, time is of the essence and searching for the nearest hospital takes precious minutes. You should already be knowledgeable as to where your nearest emergency clinic is and how to find them. Save their number in your phone so you’re ready for the unexpected.