Your pets are subject to any of the same kinds of medical emergencies as humans can be, with some issues like poisoning, there can be an even higher risk. However, with animals, it can be harder to tell what’s wrong medically, as they cannot communicate verbally. It can be difficult to know what a true emergency is or what can wait for a general appointment. You have to become adept at reading their cues and looking for signs that an injury or condition is beyond routine. The following overview can help to provide a guide regarding what situations could require emergency treatment from Laurelwood Animal Hospital:

Common Pet Emergencies:

• Poisoning

• Sudden upset stomach/vomiting

• Severe skin burn/rash

• Trauma, such as being hit by a car

• Unconsciousness

• Choking/airway restriction

• Severe bleeding from an orifice

• Broken bones

• Eye injury

• Complications while delivering kittens/puppies

Symptoms That Indicate Emergency Treatment is Likely Needed:

• Lack of appetite

• Sudden low energy

• Severe cuts

• Sudden limping

• Sudden disorientation

• Inability to urinate or defecate

• Refusing to socialize/personality changes

These are some of the signs and symptoms that emergency care is required, but even here there can be some gray areas. As with people, it is always best to err on the side of caution. It’s never wrong to bring your pet to Laurelwood Animal Hospital, or at least call to speak with our Laurelwood team to determine the best course of action for your dog, cat, or other pet.

Laurelwood Animal Hospital is open 5 days per week and can bring wisdom, experience, and expertise to every pet emergency situation. We can provide insights and advice over the phone, and we also have expert diagnostic tools and techniques in-house. We can rapidly and efficiently determine the cause of your pet’s distress even if it is not immediately obvious. Ultimately, you know your pet better than anyone else. If your intuition is telling you that something is seriously wrong, you are likely correct. Again, it is never a mistake to bring your pet in for emergency care when a serious issue is suspected. The stakes of not bringing them in and being wrong are just too high.