What are signs of a Pet Emergency?
- Difficulty breathing, blue tongue or raspy breath sounds
- Swollen or distended abdomen, with or without productive vomiting
- Inability to urinate or defecate, especially if straining. (Cats may repeatedly go to the litter box, lick at the genital area, and/or vocalise)
- Ingestion of toxin, including but not limited to: chocolate, rodenticides (mouse and rat bait), garden pest control products (snail baits), prescription, over the counter or illegal drugs, and household cleaners. PLEASE BRING THE CONTAINER WITH YOU!
- Trauma such as being hit by a car, a fall from a height or a blunt force, even if the animal is NOT showing any ill effects!
- Collapse/inability to stand or walk
- Loss of balance or consciousness, convulsions or seizure activity
- Penetrating wound, such as bite wounds (dog or cat), gunshot or stab wounds.
- Bleeding that does not stop. (Apply pressure with a clean cloth while on your way)
- Vomiting or diarrhoea with blood
- Heatstroke: heavy panting, weakness on a warm day
- Exposure to snakes or ticks
Any of these? Then Google search your nearest Emergency Vet, phone them, and stay calm. If you can't get through on their phone - you will need to take the pet and drive there ASAP.