Emergencies Happen

Emergencies always seem to happen when your family veterinary office is closed, don’t they? Suddenly your pet seems ill.

Is your pet sick enough for a trip to the emergency veterinarian?

Anything is worth at least a phone call if you’re not sure what’s wrong, while some things require immediate attention by a veterinarian.

How to tell the difference? Here are some signs that should have you heading for a veterinarian, day or night:

Seizure, fainting or collapse.
Eye injury, no matter how mild.
Vomiting or diarrhea
Anything more than two or three times within an hour or so. Also, a dog who’s trying to vomit (or may be vomiting foam, licking lips), has a drum-tight abdomen and a “roached-back” appearance indicative of abdominal pain.
Allergic reactions, such as swelling around the face, or hives, most easily seen on the belly.
Any suspected poisoning, including antifreeze, rodent or snail bait, or human medication. Cats are especially sensitive to insecticides (such as flea-control medication for dogs) or any petroleum-based product.
Snake or venomous spider bites.
Any wound or laceration that’s open and bleeding, or any animal bite.
Trauma, such as being hit by a car, even if the pet seems fine. (Again, the situation could be quite different on the inside.)
Any respiratory problem: chronic coughing, trouble breathing or near drowning.
Straining to urinate or defecate.

Although some other problems may not be life-threatening, they may be causing your pet pain and should be taken care of without delay. Signs of pain can include panting, labored breathing, increased body temperature, lethargy, restlessness, crying out, aggression and loss of appetite. Some pets seek company when suffering, while others will withdraw.

When in doubt, err on the side of caution, always. Better to be wrong about a minor medical problem than to have a pet who becomes critically ill because you guessed wrong about a major one.

Call Waldorf Emergency Care if you have any questions. Our staff is here
24/7/365. (301) 705-9700

Emergency Call

Mobile Check-in

24/7/365