When Do I Need to Take My Pet to Urgent Care?

Most pet parents will admit how terrifying it is to suddenly realize that something is wrong with their furry friend. It is especially traumatic when it happens in the middle of the night. Trying to determine whether the condition is severe enough to warrant a midnight visit to the vet can be difficult. 
 

Getting urgent care can help save the life of your canine companion. It is helpful to find out when you need to take your pet to urgent care. 

Exposure to Toxins

If your pet has encountered toxins, you need to contact your vet immediately. Many things around the home are toxic to pets. The products include human foods like chocolate and avocado, household products, medications, and garden plants like tulips, rhododendrons, and azaleas. Prompt treatment is vital when dealing with poison ingestion. It can help ensure a successful outcome.

A Swollen Abdomen

A sign that you should get urgent care for your pet is a bloated abdomen. A hard and swollen abdomen can signify different health conditions like liver dysfunction, heart failure, internal bleeding, or uterine infection. 

You should not ignore a swollen abdomen, especially if the pet is pacing or attempting to vomit. Take your pet to the vet immediately as this could help save its life. 

Signs of Extreme Pain

If your pet is exhibiting signs of extreme pain, you need to take him to the vet immediately. There are obvious signs of pain, such as panting, vocalizing, excessive drooling, or limping. Do not allow your pet to suffer unnecessarily, regardless of how late it might be. Visit the vet to find out the cause of the pain and get proper treatment. 

Diarrhea and Vomiting 

Dogs tend to vomit or produce loose stool, especially if they ingest something unsuitable. But vomiting is not always a serious situation. However, repeated vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration and signify a serious condition. 

They can be symptoms of gastrointestinal obstruction, poisoning, and other illnesses. It is vital to take your pet to the vet immediately if he experiences repeated loose stool or vomiting. 

Difficulty Urinating 

If your pet shows signs of reluctance or difficulty urinating, you need to take him to the vet. The pet could be suffering from a bladder infection or other serious health condition. Bladder infections are not life-threatening, but they can be very painful. If he is unable to urinate, your pet could require urgent care. Bladder stones can block urine, causing buildup. 

Other Reasons for Urgent Care

There are other reasons to visit the vet urgently. They include seizures, sudden collapse, fainting or unconsciousness, weakness or inability to stand, and dragging the hind legs. Others are lack of appetite, unproductive retching, choking, labored breathing, non-stop coughing, bleeding, and swollen eyes and limbs. 

Ultimately, the decision to take your pet to the vet is yours. As a responsible pet parent, you need to do what it takes to take good care of your furry family member. If in doubt, just be cautious and make a trip to the vet. 

For more on urgent care for your pet, visit Santa Monica Pet Medical Center at our office in Santa Monica, California. You can call (310) 393-8218 today to schedule an appointment.