8 Signs Your Pet Needs to See the Emergency Vet in Greenville, MI

Taking your dog to the emergency vet can be an extremely stressful and frightening event for all pet owners. However, this trip is sometimes necessary to save your pet’s life.

Signs of a serious injury, shock, and bloat are all signs that your pet needs to see an emergency vet immediately. In addition, poisoning, breathing difficulties, and extreme cases of vomiting and diarrhea are also causes to make a quick trip to the emergency vet.  

In this article we will be explaining what the eight signs that a pet needs to see an emergency vet looks like. We will also be explaining when it is usually ok for you to book an appointment with your normal vet.

When Should You See an Emergency Vet

You should take your pet to the emergency vet any time that your pet seems to be in serious distress. This could be signs of a serious injury or pain, or this could be signs of serious internal problems. Internal issues are usually exhibited in the form of extreme vomiting and diarrhea. However, sometimes neurological signs of an internal problem can be present as well.

8 Signs Your Pet Needs to See the Emergency Vet

Here are eight signs that your pet needs to see an emergency vet. These include a variety of medical emergencies that would require immediate veterinary attention. It is important to note that if your pet seems to be having a serious problem, but their symptoms are not included in this list, you should still call your emergency vet. This is because your pet could still be having a medical emergency, and an emergency vet will be able to direct you in the right direction when it comes to giving your pet proper care. Here are the eight signs that your pet needs to see an emergency vet.

1. Your Pet Has a Swollen Abdomen (and it Feels Hard to the Touch)

Having a pet with a distended stomach is a sign of bloat, or GDV, and this is a medical emergency that requires surgery as soon as possible. Bloat occurs when the stomach twists on itself and fills up with air, which eventually also cuts off a pet’s blood supply. GDV is much more common in dogs than it is with cats, and large dogs such as Great Danes are the most at risk for developing this condition.

2. Your Pet Has Eaten Something Toxic

There are many different foods that can be toxic to both dogs and cats, and it can become a very serious problem depending on what they ingest. Things like cleaning products tend to be more dangerous than toxic foods, but both can be life threatening. It is important that you call your emergency vet before making the trip over there. This is because you may need to do some things with a vet’s direction before going over there such as inducing vomiting.

3. There is Blood in Your Pet’s Vomit, Urine, or Feces

Blood is never a good thing to see in your pet’s vomit, urine, or feces. Sometimes this can be a sign of some more minor complications such as a UTI when blood is found in urine. However, it can also be a sign of a medical emergency in pets as well.

4. Your Pet is Vomiting Excessively

Excessive vomiting can not only be a sign of a medical emergency in our pets, but it can also cause a medical emergency in the form of severe dehydration as well. As a result if your pet’s vomiting is worrisome, excessive, or seems to have been going on for a long time then you should seek emergency veterinary attention.

5. Your Pet is Showing Signs of Shock

Shock is a state in dogs and cats that requires immediate emergency vet attention. This is usually caused by extreme trauma, heat stroke, and even extreme cases of vomiting and diarrhea in small or young dogs and cats. Some signs of shock to look out for include:

• A fast heart rate
• Pale gums
• Signs of severe dehydration
• Signs of extremely low blood sugar
• A slow breathing rate

Small dogs, puppies, and kittens are most at risk for developing shock. However, even large dogs can go into shock in extreme cases such as being hit by a car. It is crucial that you take your pet to the emergency vet immediately if you notice any signs of shock.

6. Your Pet is Showing Signs of Extreme Pain

Extreme pain is also a valid cause for taking your pet to the emergency vet. Although extreme pain could easily be caused by an injury, it can be a sign of other conditions as well. It is always a good idea to take your dog to the vet if you believe that they are in pain, especially if that pain seems to be severe.

7. Your Pet Has a Serious Injury

Pets sustaining serious injuries should always be taken to the emergency vet immediately. Things like broken bones and open wounds can cause extreme pain, and things like blood loss, shock, and extreme dehydration can quickly develop. This is especially true if the animal is young or particularly small.

8. Your Pet is Struggling to Breathe

Breathing problems can be a sign of a medical emergency in both dogs and cats, and you should take your pet to the emergency vet immediately if you notice that they are struggling to breathe. This includes abnormal breathing in dogs with a known medical condition that could affect their breathing such as brachycephalic airway syndrome in dogs.

When to Call a Regular Vet Clinic

We have talked about the eight signs that you need to take your pet to the emergency vet, but what about when you can just book a normal vet appointment? Emergency vets are designated for medical emergencies only, so if your pet is not going through a potentially life threatening condition then it is safe to say that you can see your regular vet. However, you should never hesitate to call an emergency vet if you are unsure if a situation is a medical emergency or not. They will be able to let you know their level of concern and point you in the right direction for giving your pet the best care possible.

To book an appointment with the team at Greenville Animal Hospital for regular wellness care, call (616) 343-0025 or book an appointment online!