If you’ve ever had an emergency with a pet, you know that it can be a very stressful experience for both of you. However, if you are well prepared, you’ll be able to handle an emergency situation calmly and capably. If you know the signs of a pet emergency, what to expect at an emergency vet, and what you need to bring, you won’t waste any precious time running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Here’s what you need to know about getting ready for an emergency vet visit.
How to Recognize the Signs of a Pet Emergency
You never know when an emergency is going to happen, so knowing when to go to the emergency vet is key. If mild symptoms suddenly get worse, or your pet shows any of the signs below, you should at least call the emergency vet for their advice.
Take your pet to the emergency vet for:
- Continuous Bleeding
Bring your pet to the vet if they are bleeding from the nose or mouth or they have a cut that won’t stop bleeding after applying pressure for 10 minutes.
- Respiratory Distress
Short or shallow breathing, heavy breathing, choking, and wheezing are all signs of respiratory distress.
- Eye Injuries
If your pet is squinting or their eyes are bloodshot, you can most likely wait until morning when your regular vet clinic opens. However, if there is an obvious injury to an eye, you should seek emergency care so your pet doesn’t lose their sight.
- Urination or Defecation Problems
If your pet has stopped urinating or defecating, or if they are having difficulty with either type of elimination, it could be an urgent problem. Bowel obstructions can turn deadly very quickly.
- Sudden or Worsening Lameness
If your pet has an obvious injury to one of their legs, or they’re having difficulty standing or walking, bring them in for emergency care.
- Ingesting Toxins
If your pet got into something they shouldn’t have, you need to call the emergency vet or animal poison control immediately. If you can grab the packaging of whatever your pet ate, bring it with you.
What to Expect at an Emergency Vet
When you arrive at an emergency vet clinic, wait times can vary. Pets with more severe injuries or illnesses will be prioritized over pets with minor ones. (Hence the importance of recognizing the signs of a pet emergency.) If your pet’s symptoms are less severe or can wait a bit before being treated, you can take them to an urgent care center instead to avoid the higher cost of treatment.
At Aztec Pet Hospital, we will evaluate the severity of your pet’s condition as soon as you arrive. If your pet’s symptoms are severe, we will immediately start trying to stabilize their vitals. Some of the ways we can do this include:
- Providing additional oxygen
- Giving IV fluids
- Providing pain relief
- Any other interventions we deem necessary
Next, we will use our diagnostic equipment to determine what is wrong with your pet if there are no apparent injuries. This helps us to come up with a treatment plan for them. Diagnostics can include blood tests, x-rays or ultrasound, or an ECG if there is the possibility of a heart problem. After performing these tests, the next steps will be either to perform surgery or other necessary treatments. Then, we’ll continue to monitor your pet’s vital signs until they are ready to go home.
What Do I Need to Bring to an Emergency Vet?
If you need to bring your pet to an emergency vet, the first thing you should do is call ahead. Let the clinic know what is happening with your pet and that you are on your way. They will advise you on how to help your pet before arriving and what you need to bring.
Some items you should always have prepared include:
- Your pet’s medical records
- A list of any medications or supplements they are taking,
- Comfort items (a favorite toy or blanket),
- Your primary vet’s contact information
- Pet insurance information (emergency care can be costly, so it is wise to have a pet emergency fund or pet insurance so you are not caught off guard)
How Do I Prepare My Pet for an Emergency Vet Visit?
The first thing to remember is to stay calm. The calmer you are during the emergency, the more relaxed your pet will be. Here are some tips to help prepare your pet for a trip to the emergency vet.
- Plan Your Transportation
This is not as much of a problem if you have a vehicle. However, if you don’t have a vehicle, have a list of friends or neighbors you can call in case of an emergency.
- Keep Yourself Safe
When pets are in pain, they can be more aggressive. Approach your pet slowly, using a soft, calm voice so they are less likely to harm you.
- Transport Your Pet Carefully
When transporting your pet to the vehicle, be careful, especially if there is an injury to their head, neck, or back. Do your best to keep your pet flat so you do not injure them further. If you have a small cat or dog, carefully place them in a crate or carrier for transport.
- Secure Your Pet in the Vehicle
Secure your pet’s carrier, so it cannot fall over or move around in the vehicle. If you have a large dog, you can use a doggy seat belt or even a regular seat belt to keep them from sliding around.
Come to Aztec Pet Hospital for Emergency Care in Harker Heights
Pet emergencies can be scary, but if you are prepared, it can help significantly. Knowing what to expect at an emergency vet will help you stay calm and help your pet be more relaxed. If you have questions about our emergency services, contact Aztec Pet Hospital today. We can answer your questions and help you prepare for anything that may happen with your pets.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (01/29/2025) Photo by Judy Beth Morris on Unsplash