Our furry companions bring us joy, unconditional love, and cherished memories. But when your pet suddenly shows signs of distress, it can be overwhelming and frightening. Knowing when to seek urgent care can make a crucial difference in your pet’s health. At Animal Medical & Surgical Hospital in Tulsa and Broken Arrow, OK, we’re here to guide you through the signs that require immediate attention.
Understanding Urgent Care for Pets
Just like humans, pets can have medical emergencies. However, they cannot tell us what’s wrong or how they feel, making it vital for pet parents to observe their behavior and physical symptoms. Here’s when you should prioritize a trip to the veterinary urgent care.
Critical Signs Your Pet Needs Urgent Care
- Difficulty Breathing or Choking
- Symptoms: Open-mouthed breathing (in cats), loud wheezing, excessive panting, blue-tinged gums.
- Action: Difficulty breathing is life-threatening. Rush to urgent care immediately as it may indicate respiratory distress, a foreign object lodged in the throat, or a severe allergic reaction.
- Severe Bleeding or Traumatic Injury
- Symptoms: Continuous bleeding from a wound lasting over five minutes, road traffic accidents, falls from heights.
- Action: Severe bleeding can lead to shock. Even if your pet appears okay after trauma, internal injuries may exist.
- Uncontrollable Vomiting or Diarrhea
- Symptoms: Frequent vomiting (more than three times in 24 hours), bloody vomit or stool, severe dehydration.
- Action: These signs could indicate poisoning, gastrointestinal obstruction, or pancreatitis, all of which require urgent attention.
- Seizures or Collapse
- Symptoms: Sudden loss of consciousness, uncontrollable shaking, repeated or long-lasting seizures.
- Action: While one mild seizure may not be immediately life-threatening, repeated seizures or collapse requires urgent care to determine the cause.
- Signs of Poisoning
- Common Toxins: Chocolate, antifreeze, rat poison, certain houseplants, medications.
- Symptoms: Drooling, tremors, vomiting, convulsions.
- Action: Time is of the essence. If you suspect your pet ingested something toxic, seek care immediately. If possible, bring the packaging or label of the substance ingested.
- Distended or Bloated Abdomen
- Symptoms: Swollen belly, attempts to vomit without bringing anything up, restlessness.
- Action: Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus) is a life-threatening emergency, particularly in large, deep-chested dogs. Immediate treatment is required to prevent complications.
- Sudden Paralysis or Inability to Walk
- Symptoms: Inability to move hind legs, dragging limbs, sudden weakness.
- Action: This may be a sign of a spinal injury or neurological disorder. Your pet needs immediate evaluation and care.
- Eye Injuries or Sudden Blindness
- Symptoms: Squinting, pawing at the eye, swelling, sudden loss of vision.
- Action: Eye injuries can worsen quickly. Treat them as an emergency to preserve your pet’s sight.
- Excessive Lethargy or Unresponsiveness
- Symptoms: Extreme fatigue, unwillingness to get up, lack of response to stimuli.
- Action: Lethargy can be a sign of severe infection, organ failure, or other critical issues. Prompt care is essential.
- Urinary Blockage (Especially in Male Cats)
- Symptoms: Straining to urinate, crying in the litter box, producing little to no urine.
- Action: A blocked bladder is fatal if untreated, as toxins will build up in the body. Immediate veterinary care is needed.
Preparing for an Emergency Visit
When emergencies happen, a prepared pet owner can make a significant difference. Here are some tips to ensure you’re ready:
- Call Ahead: If possible, call Animal Medical & Surgical Hospital at (918) 492-2674 to let us know you’re coming and describe the issue. We’ll prepare to assist your pet immediately.
- Stay Calm: Your pet can sense your anxiety. Speak in a soothing tone and handle them gently.
- Transport Safely: Secure your pet in a carrier or use a blanket to support them if injured. Avoid excessive handling if they seem to be in pain.
FAQs: Urgent Care for Your Pet
Q: How do I know if my pet is having an allergic reaction?
A: Signs of an allergic reaction include swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, excessive scratching, and vomiting. If your pet’s face is swelling or they’re having trouble breathing, rush to urgent care.
Q: My dog ate chocolate, but he seems fine. Should I still come in?
A: Yes. Chocolate toxicity can vary based on the type and amount of chocolate ingested. Symptoms may not appear immediately but can be serious. Contact us right away.
Q: What should I do if my pet has a seizure?
A: Stay calm and remove any objects around them to prevent injury. Do not attempt to restrain your pet or put your hand in their mouth. Once the seizure ends, call our urgent care. If seizures are repetitive or last longer than five minutes, immediate care is necessary.
Q: Can you treat poisoning cases?
A: Yes, we are equipped to handle poisoning cases. Time is critical, so bring any packaging or samples of the ingested substance if possible. This helps us choose the most effective treatment.
Q: How do I handle a pet with a suspected broken bone?
A: Minimize movement and use a blanket or board as a stretcher. Avoid trying to reset the bone. Bring your pet to our hospital immediately for assessment and pain management.
Q: What is considered severe vomiting or diarrhea?
A: If your pet is vomiting or having diarrhea multiple times in a short period, or if there’s blood present, it’s a medical emergency. Dehydration can set in rapidly, so don’t wait to seek help.
Contact Us for Urgent Care
Animal Medical & Surgical Hospital is dedicated to providing exceptional care when it matters most. Our team is trained to handle emergencies with compassion and expertise. If your pet needs urgent medical attention, don’t hesitate to visit or call.
Tulsa Office
(918) 492-2674
Broken Arrow Office
(918) 355-5662
For reliable and compassionate urgent care, trust Animal Medical & Surgical Hospital. We’re here for you and your beloved pets, ensuring they receive the best care possible.