Sometimes it is hard to know when to call the vet or not. Pet owners are sometimes faced with emergency situations involving their pets without the presence or guidance of their veterinarian. Animals can get sick or require first aid any place at any time. Murphy's Law tells us that this will most likely happen when your veterinarian is unavailable. If you as a pet owner have the knowledge of basic pet first aid, then the care, treatment and prognosis for your pet will improve significantly. Below are some guidelines to help you make that decision.
You should also pay close attention to the environment around your pet. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, contact a veterinarian immediately! Do not try to induce vomiting until you speak with a veterinarian, and be prepared to describe as best as you can the suspected poisonous material.
CALL IMMEDIATELY FOR THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS:
· Burns: Often difficult to assess depth and extent
· Choking: Appears distressed, extends head and neck, salivates, coughs, paws the mouth
· Collapse Or Loss Of Balance: Depression, staggering, falling over, walking in circles, rigidity, unable to get up
· Difficulty Breathing: Noisy breathing, blue tongue, gasping
· Continual Straining: Attempting to defecate or urinate with little or no result
· Heavy Bleeding: From any part of the body. Apply pressure
· Injury: Puncture wound, exposed bone, lameness, pain
· Pain: Severe, continuous or spasmodic
· Itching: Uncontrollable scratching or biting, bleeding
· Vomiting And/Or Diarrhea: Severe for more than two to three days
· Poisoning: Chemical, snake, spider or plant, retain for veterinarian to identify type of poisoning
CALL SAME DAY FOR THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS: · Breathing Difficulties: Labored, rapid or shallow · Diarrhea: Fluid and/or putrid · Eye Problems: Eyelids partially or completely closed, cornea cloudy, tears streaming down cheeks · Itching: Biting, scratching, hair loss, skin red and inflamed · Frost Bite (Hypothermia): Low body temperature, wrap in blankets to keep warm · Not Eating: Loss of appetite in conjunction with other signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, pain, depression, labored breathing · Swelling: Hard and painful · Vomiting: Vomiting associated with lethargy WAIT 24 HOURS BEFORE CALLING FOR THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS: · Diarrhea: No signs of abdominal pain or blood · Itching: Moderate, no sign of skin damage · Odor: Unpleasant odor, other than a soiled coat · Vomiting: On 2-3 occasions, no other symptoms · Lameness: Depressed but not affecting eating or other bodily functions
When calling your veterinarian to discuss your pets illness, have the following information ready.
· Time of onset illness
· Pets general appearance
· Any physical signs present, in order of appearance
· Appetite and oral intakes within the past 24 hours
· Temperature, if possible
· Any remedies or medications already administered
Call today for an appointment at:
(714) 776-7387
1301 S Brookhurst Anaheim, Ca 92804
Hours of Operation:
Mon.-Fri. 8:00 A.M. -5:00 P.M.
Sat. 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
