4 Signs You Need to Take Your Pet to the Emergency Vet

If you have a dog or cat, you will want to keep it as healthy as possible. However, any pet is susceptible to various health conditions over the course of their lifetime. Some of these conditions will be minor conditions which affect the skin or injuries such as cuts or bruises. However, your pet is also at risk of developing more severe conditions which can pose a grave risk to the life of your pet. Below is a guide to 4 symptoms which indicate that you need to contact an emergency vet.

Seizures

If your dog or cat suffers a seizure, this is a very serious sign. A seizure could be caused by a condition such as epilepsy, a tumour in the brain or it may be triggered by toxins which your pet has ingested. Seizures can cause brain damage or could trigger a heart attack. For this reason, you should take your pet to see a vet if you notice that your pet is twitching, foaming at the mouth or suddenly collapsing.

Loss of appetite and thirst 

While the amount that your dog or cat eats and drinks may vary slightly, it should be quite predictable. If you notice that your dog is leaving dog food, or your cat is not lapping at their water bowl, this is a warning sign that something is wrong. It only takes a few missed meals for your pet to become weak and dehydrated. Once your pet becomes weak, the risk that underlying conditions could overwhelm your pet increase. You should take your pet to a vet if your pet doesn't eat or drink as usual.

Bloating 

Bloating occurs when gas builds up within the stomach and intestines of your pet. The symptoms of bloating include unusual panting, distention of the abdomen and restlessness. You may notice that your pet has problems when trying to lie down. Bloating can interrupt the flow of blood to your pet's heart causing it to fail, can tear the stomach lining and make it difficult for your pet to breathe. If you notice signs of bloating, you should contact an emergency vet immediately.

Difficulty breathing

Difficulty breathing is a very serious symptom. You may notice that your pet is labouring to catch their breath, excessive panting or puffed lips. Your pet can only survive for a few minutes without oxygen so you should seek immediate assistance from an emergency vet.

If you would like to find out more about caring for your pet, you should contact a vet today.