As pet parents, we always want the best for our animals, but
it’s not always easy to give them what we need if we don’t know what to look
out for. Pet emergencies can be stressful and hard to handle. Even trying to
understand when to seek veterinary care is a big deal. To help you out, here
are a few things to consider when dealing with a pet emergency:
When they are constantly itching...
Something to keep an eye on as a pet parent is when your
animal seems to be scratching a lot. This could be a telltale sign that they’ve
got allergies that could need some veterinary attention. While not necessarily
a vet emergency as in their life is being threatened, if allergies are left
unchecked, it could become a problem. This is especially true if your dog has
allergies or mites in their ears. You’ll want to talk to your vet about treatment for dog ear issues
right away.
When they seem overwhelmed with anxiety...
Something else to think about is when your pet deals with a
lot of anxiety. Although it’s not always cause for alarm, if your pet has a
hard time with walks, being in new places, or simply staying calm throughout
the day, it doesn’t hurt to talk to your vet about anxiety medication for pets.
Although pet parents want to avoid anxiety medications, sometimes they can
restore the pet’s peace of mind and quality of life, so consider them when your pet
seems to be constantly anxious.
When they stop eating...
Something that should be taken seriously is when your pet
stops eating. This is especially true for animals, who tend to love food and never turn it down. When your pet stops eating, talk to your
vet about what you should do. They may suggest waiting a bit, or they may ask
you to come in right away if your pet is showing other symptoms along with the
lack of appetite. Sometimes they may just have a stomach upset. At other times,
it could be something that requires medical attention.
When they aren’t as energetic as they typically are...
Along the same lines, a lack of appetite is when your pet
doesn’t want to do their typical activities. If your dog typically loves
playing fetch but shows lethargy or a lack of interest, this could be
concerning. While you don’t want to seek veterinary care the first time this
happens, if it continues to happen throughout a couple of days, reach out to
your vet.
Lethargy is a symptom that shouldn’t be ignored, especially
if a lack of appetite accompanies it. The same is to be said about issues
regarding a lack of mobility. If they seem to walk wobbly or are not able to
walk at all, go to your vet right away.
Severe stomach upset
Dogs and cats tend to eat things they shouldn’t, and some stomach upset is
typically not something to be too worried about. However, if they seem to have
excessive diarrhea or vomiting, you may want to take them to the vet. Not only
can it be a sign of something serious, but they could also get quite dehydrated
from a severe stomach upset if they don’t get some IV hydration.
A throw-up session on the rug that isn’t accompanied by
lethargy or loss of appetite shouldn’t concern you too much. But frequent
diarrhea or vomiting should take you to the vet.
In Conclusion
Learning about signs and symptoms to pay attention to with
your pet can help you save money when they’re not feeling well, but it’s not an
emergency. It can also save their lives. Being a pet parent sometimes means going to the vet when you’re unsure, and it
also means paying close attention to your animal’s behaviors so you can prevent
any serious issues.
