Common Pet Emergencies And How To Handle Them

As a pet owner, you never want to see your pet suffering in pain. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and pets can quickly become injured or fall victim to illness in the blink of an eye. When a pet emergency strikes, it's important for you to know the proper measures to take; after all, this could just save your pet's life. And of course, knowing when to take your pet to an animal hospital for treatment could make all the difference.

Ingestion of a Toxin/Poison

One of the most common pet emergencies occurs when a pet ingests something toxic or poisonous. This could be anything from food like chocolate or a chemical, such as antifreeze. Time is of the essence when it comes to these situations, and your pet's stomach will likely need to be pumped or activated charcoal will need to be used to save your pet from organ failure or other life-threatening reactions. Seek veterinary care immediately -- especially if your pet is vomiting or lethargic.

Struck By a Vehicle

When a pet is hit by a vehicle, of course this is an emergency. However, it's important for pet owners to avoid doing more harm when trying to care for a pet that has been struck. First of all, try to move your pet as little as possible. If your pet has suffered a spinal injury, too much movement could further aggravate the problem. Furthermore, be sure to exercise caution when handling and transporting an injured pet to a vet, as your pet may become aggressive due to the pain. Dogs may need to be muzzled, for example.

Suffering From Heat Stroke

Heat stroke can occur when a pet has been exposed to extreme heat for a prolonged period of time. Common signs of heat stroke in pets include lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, and the appearance of bright red gums. If your pet shows any signs of heat stroke after being exposed to high temperatures, it's important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. If not treated quickly, heat stroke can be fatal in both cats and dogs.

Hopefully, you will never have to see your pet experience any of these emergencies. If you do, however, knowing how to react and how to seek the right care could save your pet's life or the life of another pet. Be sure to keep this information in mind and have a local animal hospital you can trust. For more information, contact a company like Animal Emergency Clinic.