Pet emergencies are almost always unexpected and can be incredibly stressful for you and your pet. At Bayview Animal Hospital, we frequently treat pets with a range of emergency issues that could have been prevented with knowledge and forethought. Whether you need to keep your curious cat away from dangerous plants or prevent your dogs from sneaking pet-toxic snacks, you can take some practical steps to keep your pets safe. Let’s dive into how you can safeguard your four-legged friend.

1. Pet-proof your home

If you have children, you childproof your home, and in the same way, you need to make your space safe for pets where they can roam and play without the risk of running into trouble. Here are some important suggestions:

  • Secure hazardous substances — Keep medications, cleaning supplies, and chemicals in secure cabinets. Many of these substances are toxic to pets if ingested.
  • Remove small objects — Small household items, like toys, jewelry, and batteries, can be choking hazards. Store them out of your pet’s reach.
  • Lock away human food — Chocolate, grapes, onions, and many other human foods are toxic to pets. Block your pet’s access to the pantry and trash cans.

Example scenario: Your dog eats a bottle of painkillers they find in your purse and needs emergency care. Only a small amount can be extremely dangerous, and lead to vomiting, lethargy, or worse. Keep medications securely stored away to prevent this situation, but remember that expert help is only a phone call away with The Pet Poison Helpline. You should always call the hotline first and then bring your pet to our hospital.

2. Know pet emergency signs

Knowing what constitutes a pet emergency can be the difference between life and death. Also, when you recognize the signs early and respond quickly, the veterinary team can make a diagnosis and begin treatment earlier, which gives your pet a better prognosis and can avoid complications. Watch for these critical signs:

  • Difficulty breathing — If your pet is wheezing, coughing excessively, or struggling to breathe, they need immediate help.
  • Unusual lethargy — While pets can have lazy days, extreme lethargy could indicate poisoning or internal issues.
  • Vomiting and diarrhea — Persistent vomiting or diarrhea, especially with blood, warrants a prompt veterinary visit.
  • Change in eating or drinking habits — Sudden changes in appetite or water consumption can signal various health problems, such as a urinary tract infection.

Example scenario: Your cat starts vomiting, and for a whole day, they refuse to eat. You might think it’s only a hairball, but that can indicate a serious obstruction or toxin ingestion. When in doubt, contact our veterinarian.

3. Be proactive with your pet’s health care

Regular check-ups and preventive care are fundamental for minimizing emergencies, because our veterinary team can catch potential issues, such as a small wound, before they become infected and an emergency situation. Keep your pet in top shape with:

  • Routine veterinary visits — All pets should be examined at least yearly so our veterinary team is familiar with their normal results and quickly catch changes that could lead to serious problems.
  • Vaccinations and parasite control — Keep up-to-date with your pet’s vaccinations and stay on a prevention plan for parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and heartworms.
  • Diet and exercise — Provide a balanced diet and an appropriate exercise routine to keep your pet at a healthy weight.

Example scenario: You faithfully take your aging cat for their annual physical exam and routine testing, such as blood work. This time, the results reveal that your cat is in early stage kidney disease, but because the disease has been found before progressing to a more advanced stage, our veterinary team can develop a treatment plan that can keep your cat comfortable and living longer.

What to do during a pet emergency

When a pet emergency strikes, you must remain as calm as possible. If you panic, making clear decisions is difficult. Plus, your pet will pick up on your panic and be more distressed. Take a moment to breathe and then evaluate the situation by:

  • Identifying the problem — What is the actual emergency? Is your pet choking, bleeding excessively, struggling to breathe, or showing poisoning signs? Understanding what’s happening can guide your next steps. For example, if your pet has cut their paw and is bleeding profusely, you will know to wrap the wound with a clean bandage, apply pressure to the wound, and take your pet to our hospital.
  • Checking your pet closely —Look for visible injuries, check for responsiveness, and observe their breathing and heart rate. The more details you can provide our veterinarian, the better they can be prepared.
  • Seek advice and care — Depending on your pet’s condition, call Bayview Animal Hospital for advice or go immediately to the local emergency animal hospital.

Preventing pet emergencies involves a combination of vigilance, education, and regular veterinary care. By pet-proofing your home, recognizing trouble signs, and taking proactive health measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of pet emergencies.

Never hesitate to call the Bayview Animal Hospital team if your pet is in trouble. Accidents do happen, and we are always available to provide expert advice and care. Call us today or schedule an appointment online to discuss any concerns or set up your pet’s annual check-up.