Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore: When to See an Emergency Veterinarian

   It's important that as pet owners, we are able to assess a situation with our pet and determine whether or not it is critical that they see a veterinarian, including an emergency veterinarian.

Here are some signs and symptoms you should never ignore when it comes to your pets:

• Seizure, fainting or collapsing
• Any injury to an eye - no matter how small or minor you believe it to be
• Vomiting or diarrhea, two or more times (your pet can become dehydrated, experience organ failure and even death if untreated).
• Allergic reactions (swelling around the face or anywhere else on the body or even hives [most often 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.
• Any snake or bug/insect bite
• Thermal stress; whether your pet may be too hot or too cold, it's important you have a veterinarian examine your pet.  Even if your pet may feel fine to the touch, what is going on internally can be a whole another story.
• 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.  Internal bleeding, broken bones, ruptured organs are just a few of the things we see when a pet is "fine" after trauma.
• Any respiratory problem: chronic coughing, trouble breathing or near drowning.
• Straining to urinate, defecate or give birth.

   Although there are some problems that are not life threatening for your pet, they may be causing your pet pain/discomfort and should be taken care of without delay. Signs of pain or discomfort include:

• Panting or labored breathing
• Increased body temperature
• Lethargy or restlessness
• Crying out, yelping
• Aggression
• Change in appetite

   If you feel that any of the above is relevant to how your pet is doing right now, please seek immediate emergency care.  At the very least, call us to discuss the severity of your pet's condition.  And remember, we are open for veterinary emergency care every night between 6:00pm and 8:00am, while open 24 hours on weekends and holidays: (925) 754-5001