Skip To Content

13 Common Pet Emergencies That Need Immediate Attention

cat-being-checked-at-vet

Having a pet is a commitment.

Most people misunderstand the most common pet emergencies, and don’t seek veterinary care or call for help until it’s too late.

Understanding and keeping a list of the most common emergencies that require a veterinarian’s attention will help keep a pet healthy for a long time.

1. Severe Bleeding

​This is the number one animal emergency because too many people believe an animal’s first aid can be done at home. If bleeding is severe or lasts more than five minutes, it must be checked by a vet. The fur could be hiding a bigger problem, or the animal might need stitches to heal without infection. The cut could be deeper than it appears, or there could be internal bleeding that needs surgery. Bring your pet to the vet if they are experiencing severe bleeding.

2. Choking And Difficulty Breathing

​As with humans, it’s never a good idea to “wait and see” when an animal cannot breathe. Never try to clear the airway, and learn animal CPR to keep the animal safe if they are experiencing difficulties breathing. Take the vet to emergency care, even if CPR helps the animal breathe again, to make sure the animal is safe. A vet is the best trained person to make sure the animal does not have internal damage that caused the breathing issues.

3. Blood From Extremities

​If there is blood in sputum, vomit, excrement, nose, ears, eyes, or mouth, it’s important to find out why. Perhaps the animal was injured while out of your sight, and needs emergency procedures or immediate treatment to live. Blood is one of the common animal emergencies that should never be taken lightly. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if blood is found coming from an animal. There could be unseen internal injuries.

4. Inability To Toilet

​If the animal has pain in urination or defecation, or can do neither, it’s important to find out why. The animal could have an issue larger than you can handle, and may need a doctor’s care. Animals often do not express pain, so an ongoing issue can progress to a life-threatening problem without your knowledge, which is why you should seek veterinary care immediately.

5. Injury To Eyes

​An animal’s eyes are structured differently than a human’s eyes. If the eye is injured, there could be internal damage to structures close to the brain. Asking a vet for help will save your pet further harm.

cat-getting-checkup-at-vet

6. Eating Poison

​Many things that are fine for humans are toxic for animals. Items such as antifreeze, multivitamins, chocolate, pest poison, and more are very dangerous and often require immediate treatment. They are also items an animal will ingest willingly. Learn what items are poisonous to your pet and call a vet emergency service immediately if you suspect your animal has ingested any poisonous substance.

7. Seizures

​If an animal seizes, vet attention is required immediately. Staggering also falls under this category. These activities indicate a problem with the brain, and the animal needs immediate veterinary help. A vet can assess the situation and might require more tests to find out how to best help the animal.

8. Lameness And Broken Bones

​It’s never a good idea to allow an animal to “heal” when he or she displays leg issues. Allowing this to happen will cause the animal unnecessary pain later in life. Avoid these issues by taking the animal to the vet and help him or her live a longer, healthier, happier life.

9. Pain And Anxiety

​As stated above, pets will not tell their humans when there is pain. If an animal is exhibiting signs of pain, it has progressed to a severe state and the animal must see a vet right away. Another method of expressing pain or illness is anxiety. If your normally happy dog suddenly snaps at your hand or does not welcome visitors, there might be a physical issue. Call a vet right away to have the animal evaluated to check for any possible pain. If you can pinpoint the area of the pain, it will help the vet’s diagnosis. Note the animal’s change in behavior and anxiety activities as well, as these notes will also help the vet.

10. Heat Stroke

​As more stories of animals left in cars surface, so does the awareness of heat stroke. If an animal is suffering from heat stroke, he or she must see a vet immediately. Some signs of heat stroke are:

  • panting excessively
  • dark or bright red gums
  • dry tongue
  • staggering, stupor or seizures
  • bloody diarrhea and/or vomiting

11. Severe Vomiting/Diarrhea

​Many people like to wait these out, but either of these items in their severity will cause dehydration and death quickly, which is why it’s best to seek immediate treatment. It’s important to find out why the animal is having this reaction. Take the animal to the vet, and try to remember what the animal has eaten. Consider any poisons the animal may have encountered using the poison list mentioned above. The information you can provide about your pet’s most recent activities will help the vet find out what’s wrong.

12. Refusal To Drink

​An animal will drink consistently. If the animal has had nothing to drink in the past 24 hours, despite available water, take the animal to the vet. It’s important to understand your animal and keep the water dish clean, but even if the dish is dirty, an animal will eventually drink from it. Any refusal to do so over 24 hours is an indication of an emergency situation.

13. Unconsciousness

​This item seems obvious, but some pet owners may think their animal is simply sleeping. If the animal cannot be roused from a sleep, contact a vet right away. The animal may have passed out. The vet will need to evaluate the animal to find out what could be happening to make the animal lose consciousness.

What Our Clients Have To Say

Yesterday was our first visit to this clinic. I brought my 6 year old Goffin Cockatoo Chance in for a wellness check and nail trim and also to discuss her ongoing feather plucking issues. Dr. Leigh Samanowitz was Amazing as were all the staff.

Margie Bauer

We’ve always had a great experience at University Animal Clinic. The doctors and team are all very knowledgeable and friendly. They get back to you in a timely manner and work with you when it comes to scheduling appointments.

Natalie Platt

I’m from New Jersey and our dog was hit by a car the day we arrived. The staff at the clinic were amazing. We went to the cliniceget out dog’s stitches out and both JJ (the nurse) and Dr. Sam both sat on the floor to make him feel comfortable.

Lambi Newsham

Dr Sam was very sweet, knowledgable and took the time to explain everything to me. The nurses and front desk staff were wonderful.

Kaila Baziuk

Dr Sam and staff are friendly, knowledgeable and truly care about your pets health and happiness! We wouldn’t trust our babies with any one else.

Sherry O’Neill

Very nice and welcoming entree, king and professional vet and nurse. Thank you very much, I will come back and be happy to recommend you

Simone Lutz

There are several Clinics near me so that say it all! Looking for the best care for your pet go no further. Starting with the Staff they are all caring, have excellent listening skills, and properly follow up and the facility is always clean. Dr.

Stephen Pierannunzi SR

The team at University Animal Clinic is so compassionate and caring, organized and punctual, responsive and appreciated!! Thank you so very much for all of your support and expertise.

Tamara Knapp

I took my galah Rosie for a general physical. The staff and vet took the time to show me (as a new bird owner) how to clip nails and wings and what to look for as far as outward signs of her health.

Susanne Arbagy

I just moved to Florida, and looking for a veterinarian I came across university animal clinic walking around the plaza so I decided to stop in and get information on the veterinarians, the women at the front desk was so kind and caring, I unfortunately forgot her name.

Karen Hulty
Back To Top