As any pet owner will tell you they have each had at least one occasion where their dog or cat just didn’t seem quite right. Maybe the animal is exhibiting signs of not feeling well; perhaps the animal is vomiting, or just plain doesn’t seem right. And, every pet owner will ask themselves if this is an emergency or should they take a wait and see approach or take their animal to the vet.

I always advise clients if something does not seem quite right with your dog or cat, to err on the side of caution. Listen to that little voice in your head and if it is telling you to take your animal to the vet, I always tell clients to do so. Better to be safe than sorry.

However there are certain situations that are always an emergency and require a veterinarian’s care. If any of these signs or symptoms are present, run don’t walk to your vet!

• Seizures: Convulsions: Seizures can be caused by poisoning, head trauma or epilepsy.
• Arterial Bleeding: Bright red, spurting blood is present with arterial bleeding.
• Trauma: Any trauma to the head, chest, or abdomen
• Fractures: Can be due to falls, vehicle accidents or just plain exercise
• Poisoning: Bring the container of the suspected substance with you to the vets’ office because different types of poisoning require different types of treatment.

Next month I will give you the rest of my list of emergency situations requiring a vets’ expert care.

–Jan Brown

Jan is the Owner of Jan’s Pet Sitting and is a Pet Tech Pet First Aid Instructor.