5 Signs Your Pet Needs to See an Emergency Vet in Limerick, PA

When your pet is sick, it can sometimes be hard to tell just how sick they are. Cats and dogs tend to hide the severity of their symptoms from us and suffer in silence. It does not help that pets cannot tell us in words what they are feeling like.

This means that pet owners sometimes have to read between the lines to decide if their pet is feeling really bad or just feeling a little bit off.

Being sure of the conditions and signs that indicate a true emergency is important to pet ownership. There are some symptoms and behaviors that indicate that a pet needs to see the vet right away. If you know what these signs and symptoms are you will be much less likely to accidentally wait too long to get your pet the help that they need.

How to Tell if Your Pet Needs to See an Emergency Vet

Here are some of the most common signs that your pet needs to see the emergency vet.

1. Bloated Abdomen

This is a more common issue in dogs, but it can happen to other animals too. Bloated or distended bellies in animals can be a sign of many conditions but almost all of them are quite serious. Your pet might not seem to be in much distress other than this one symptom, but most of the conditions that are associated with this symptom need emergency care right away.

If your pet has suddenly become quite bloated, you will want to call the emergency vet right away, no matter what time of day it is. The sooner that your pet gets attention for possible internal bleeding, gastrointestinal distress, or ruptures and tears of vital organs, the better.

2. Difficulty Breathing

This symptom is more obvious in cats since they do not normally pant like dogs. However, dogs that are breathing harshly or panting far more than usual need to go to the vet right away too. Breathing issues can indicate heart problems, lung issues, or something that is lodged in the dog’s throat. If any of your pets seem to be having issues breathing, you need to take them to the emergency vet right away.

The sooner that your pet with breathing issues gets help, the more likely they will be to survive whatever condition is causing this issue. Neglecting breathing issues can lead to long-term health problems or even death. Breathing issues of any kind should always send you and your pet to the emergency vet clinic right away.

3. Bloody Vomit or Diarrhea

If your pet is experiencing bloody vomit or bloody diarrhea, this is always an emergency. They might have eaten something poisonous, or they could be experiencing a variety of other very serious health conditions. This is a very time-sensitive health condition, and you should get your pet to the emergency vet right away if they have displayed either of these symptoms.

The sooner that your pet gets help when they are experiencing blood in their vomit or stool the more likely you will be to save their life and get them back to full health. This is often a symptom of ingesting poison, but it can also indicate a serious obstruction that could lead to internal hemorrhage and death.

4. Seizures

If your pet has never had seizures before, you need to rush them to the veterinarian if they have started showing this symptom. This could be an indication that they have eaten something poisonous, but it can also indicate a stroke or other health condition. This is a serious problem that can lead to paralysis and even death and you need to seek help right away for this condition.

If you have a dog that has been diagnosed with mild seizures and you have been treating them, you should still consider an increase in the occurrence of these seizures or in the severity of them to be a worrying problem. Seizures are rarely a good sign in any kind of pet, and you will want to get your vet involved as soon as possible if your pet is showing this symptom.

5. Severe Injury

If your pet has been hit by a car or has suffered a serious fall, you will need to rush them to the veterinarian right away. While they might be acting like they are fine, internal bleeding and other issues can be going on that could lead to death. You will want a vet to look at your pet as soon as possible to be sure that they get the treatment they need for internal injuries or broken limbs.

Some pets are very stoical and can hide the true severity of their injuries from you. You will need x-rays and other tests to confirm that these pets are in fact not seriously injured. Being sure that your pet has been examined can give you peace of mind as well as the support that you need to treat your pet after this kind of accident.

Some Health Symptoms Should Not be Ignored

At the end of the day, if you think that your pet is acting in a way that is not at all normal for them and you are worried, you should reach out to your emergency vet for guidance. It is always wise to trust your gut instincts about your pet’s health and seek help even if they are not displaying these specific symptoms. Sometimes animals can hide very serious conditions from us as humans and we only know about the severity of their condition once we take them to the vet.

You should always be ready with the information for the nearest emergency vet in your area just in case the unexpected happens. You never know when your pet will come down with a health issue or get hurt in an accident and need the help of a skilled emergency vet for treatment. Call (610) 489-2848 to talk with your Limerick Veterinary Hospital veterinarian to choose the best emergency vet for your pet.