When is it a Pet Emergency: A Guide to Knowing When to Rush Your Furry Friend to the ER

As a veterinarian with experience treating beloved family pets, I have guided countless frantic owners through stressful medical situations. We have seen a wide range of emergencies including poisoning, trauma from accidents, animal bites, and breathing trouble. As a pet owner, you must act quickly at the first signs of a crisis.

Some of the signs that can warrant a trip to the ER vet can include the following:

• vomiting or diarrhoea persisting over 24 hours

• seizures

• collapse

• lethargy or weakness that causes immobility

• massive blood loss from injury

• airway obstruction

• toxin consumption or consumption of unknown substances

If your pet is experiencing any of the above signs, timeliness is key - the quicker you get treatment, the better the outcome.

I advise all my clients to have an emergency plan noting the route to the nearest 24/7 animal ER clinic. Familiarise yourself with common pet emergency symptoms so you can remain calm and make life-saving decisions for the furry members of your family.