This article appeared in the March 2006 PET Friendly Magazine and was written by our employee, Erica Jensen, CVT

An emergency is defined as a serious situation or occurrence that happens unexpectedly and demands immediate action. Emergencies happen unexpectedly, but you can be prepared in the event of a pet emergency. Being able to recognize an emergency and taking a few steps to ensure your pet gets the attention it needs, can make all the difference.

To recognize an emergency you need to follow your senses. You know better than anyone, and should easily detect small differences in noises they make, how they look, their odor, or their behavior.

Sudden changes in noises can mean your pet is barking, when it usually does not, or not barking when it usually does. Cats sometimes vocalize very deeply and loudly when in distress. Is your pet moaning or whimpering? These can be signs that your pet is in pain or agitated due to a serious condition.

How does your pet look? A veterinarian should observe any unusual swelling on your pet's body. Swelling in face and limbs signals a possible allergic reaction.
Is the abdomen enlarged? An enlarged abdomen can be an indication of anything from bloating to cancerous tumors. Interpret your pet's body language.
Are they lying in a strange position, restless, weak, shaky, or disoriented? If so, contact a veterinarian immediately.

There are serious medical conditions that can cause changes in your pet's breath, urine, or feces. Undetected wounds can also become foul smelling if not treated.

Behavioral changes are probably the number one observation pet owners make indicating an emergency. Since our pets cannot vocalize their symptoms, it is often changes in behavior that alert us to possible problems. Everything from acute changes in eating habits, to how your pet greets you, can be a sign of illness.

Anytime your pet is involved in a trauma, they should be seen by a veterinarian. Trauma includes being hit by car, bitten by snake, experience extreme heat or cold, ingesting poison or a foreign object, experiencing a seizure, getting burned, etc. All pets react differently to trauma. Your pet may seem normal after a serious trauma, but could have injuries that cannot be detected without diagnostic testing.

If your pet is bleeding, having difficulty breathing, choking, straining to urinate or defecate, vomiting or having diarrhea, even if the reason is unknown, it should be seen by a veterinarian.

If, at any time, you are unsure is your pet's condition is an emergency, please call your local emergency hospital. Emergency hospitals are available 24 hours to answer any questions you may have. However, a good general rule to follow is...if you are concerned enough about your pet to call, he probably needs to the seen by a veterinarian!

Part 2
Printed April 2006

In last month's article we talked about how to recognize an emergency, here are a few things you should know that could save your pets life in an emergency.

Always approach an injured animal with caution. Even the most loyal and beloved pets will bite when in pain and scared. Transport them to the nearest emergency hospital quickly but safely. Try to remain calm and avoid accidents.

Take a pet first aid class. Knowing basic first aid or CPR techniques could save your pet's life.

Come on down to the nearest emergency hospital. When an emergency happens, you don't have to bother with directions or getting lost. While you are there you can possibly tour the facility and meet the staff. It is comforting to know just where your pet will be taken care of when it is important. You could also fill out initial paper work so your pet's information will already be in the hospital's records.

Keep the number to your local emergency hospital next to the phone or with other emergency numbers. Many Emergency hospitals supply magnets, with a phone number that can be easily seen from your refrigerator.

Make sure your pets have identification. Microchips work well; they cannot be lost. A readable, updated nametag is the next best thing. Many pets are injured while they are not with their owners.

Keep your pet's medical history and a list of current medications in a safe place. Keep medications where they will be available for you to find in an emergency. Pet sitters should have access to this and instructions on what your wishes are in the event of an emergency. Make sure they know the phone number and location to the nearest emergency hospital.

In life, emergencies happen. They are unexpected and frightening. By preparing yourself and your pet, you could save a life.

*This is not a complete listing of emergency symptoms and breed/size specific ailments. Please contact your veterinarian and/or your pet's breeder for more information.