4 Common Pet Emergencies That Warrant A Trip To The Animal Hospital

It's any pet owner's worst nightmare: having to rush your pet to an animal hospital for emergency care. Unfortunately, pet emergencies happen more often than you might think, and they can happen at the absolute worst times. As a pet owner, it's important to be aware of some of the most common pet emergencies and when to seek immediate medical care. Knowing what to do just could save your pet's life.

Toxin Ingestion

Pets can be fatally poisoned by many household items. For example, did you know that the lily flower can be deathly poisonous to cats? Even ingesting a small amount of lily pollen can prove fatal. Another dangerous household item that pets will sometimes get into is that of antifreeze. Some other potential household toxins that will warrant a trip to the emergency vet if ingested include chocolate, garlic, and most household cleaners. 

Foreign Object Ingestion

Pets can be curious creatures, and sometimes they will eat things that they have no business eating. Some common culprits for dogs include shoes, socks, towels, and small toys. Cats may be more drawn to string, twist ties, and other small objects. Any time your pet has ingested a foreign object, it's important to seek emergency care right away. Otherwise, the object could create a blockage in your pet's stomach, intestines, or elsewhere in the body that could prove fatal very quickly.

Struck By a Vehicle

Vehicle injuries can be extremely serious, no matter the size of your pet. If your pet has been struck by a car, even if he or she doesn't appear to have any obvious major injuries, seeing an emergency vet right away is a must. After all, your pet could be suffering from internal bleeding that can prove fatal if not treated right away.

Fight With Another Animal

It's not uncommon for pets to scuffle with each other, but if your pet gets into a fight with an unfamiliar animal or is seriously injured in a fight with a familiar animal (such as another household pet), it's important to see an emergency vet. Even if you pet doesn't appear seriously injured, a small bite or scratch from an unfamiliar animal (such as a stray) could lead to your pet contracting a serious virus or disease.

Hopefully your pet will never be in any of these emergency situations, but if he or she is, you'll know to seek immediate care. For more information, contact establishments like Kenmore Veterinary Hospital.