When to Take Your Pet to the Vet vs the Emergency Animal Hospital

As much as we feel like we can communicate with our pets, the truth is, they cannot tell us when they are in pain, feeling sick, or injured. Many pets enjoy going outside, exploring, and spending time with their humans. Sometimes, pets get injured, eat something weird, or roll in something foul. Some of these situations can be solved at home, while some involve a visit to the vet. However, there are some instances where it is best to take your pet directly to a Vancouver emergency animal hospital instead of making an appointment for your pet’s vet.

Like humans, sometimes life-threatening situations happen seemingly out of nowhere. When these happen, it is important for pet owners to recognize the signs so that they can get their pets the help they need as soon as possible.

It is important for our pets to get enough exercise and fresh air. However, too much of a good thing can be deadly. It is important to know the signs of heatstroke in your pets. Just like humans, pets also need to take breaks and drink water often during the hotter months.

Heatstroke, or overheating, happens when the body temperature increases above the normal range. This can happen at any time, but most commonly it happens in pets who are left outside in the sun for long periods of time without access to water or shade.

The heavier the fur coat, the higher the risk of heatstroke. Animals with heavy fur coats have fewer sweat glands to keep them cool. Animals with shorter respiratory tracts, such as pugs and bulldogs, are also at a greater risk for heatstroke. Weight, age, and health can all impact a pet’s well-being in the sun.

Signs of heat stroke include excessive panting and drooling, vomiting, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, stumbling, and seizures. These signs can indicate life-threatening situations for animals and should be taken seriously. If you suspect your pet may have heat stroke, take them to a Vancouver emergency animal hospital immediately.

If you think your pet is overheated, get them into a cool area and give them water. Mild symptoms can be dealt with at home, however, severe cases should be treated as a life-threatening situation and should be dealt with in a Vancouver emergency animal hospital.

Cold water will actually worsen your pet’s condition if they have heat stroke. If you suspect they are overheating, draping them with a lukewarm towel can help safely lower their internal body temperature. Hosing them down with cold water or giving them ice water to drink will only make matters worse. If you feel you are not equipped to take care of your pet when they are overheating, take them to a Vancouver emergency animal hospital.

Other reasons to take your pet immediately to a Vancouver emergency animal hospital, and not book a standard vet appointment include exposure to toxins, extreme pain, intense vomiting or diarrhea, the inability to urinate, and seizures.

Any of these symptoms could be a sign of more serious conditions such as bladder infections, injuries, poisoning, and illness. If you would take a family member to the hospital if they were experiencing the symptoms your pet is experiencing, take your pet to a Vancouver emergency animal hospital.

Our pets give us so much joy, care, and comfort, and it is our job to ensure that our pets are protected, safe, happy, and healthy.