WHAT IS CONSIDERED A PET EMERGENCY?
YOUR VETERINARIAN KNOWS BEST! As a pet owner, it is extremely important to understand the risks and dangers that can affect your pet's health it is essential for providing responsible care. We know you love your pet; If you suspect that your pet is sick or injured , please do not hesitate to bring him in to Clark Animal Hospital A.S.A.P. Do not try to self-diagnose or treat your pet at home because many human medications can be hazardous to pets and performing the wrong treatment can be harmful, if not fatal. If you are unable to immediately bring your pet to our hospital give us call (732) 388-3379 and we will advise you further. Please remember that the earlier you bring your pet in to see one of our veterinarians, the earlier the problem can be identified. The earlier the problem is identified and the appropriate treatment is started, the chances that your pet will recover are greatly increased.
Your Safety Is Important Too!
When bringing your pet to Clark Animal Hospital be sure to carefully restrain your sick or injured pet. Even the friendliest of pets can bite or scratch when they do not feel well or are in pain. All dogs should be muzzled unless they are: unconscious, have difficulty breathing, or have a mouth injury. For cats we recommend using a big thick towel to pick up your pet and safely place them into a pet carrier. It is important not to panic in emergency situations, not only for your pet's safety, but yours as well. Staying calm will help you to accurately describe the incident and your pet's symptoms to your veterinarian.
EXAMPLES OF PET EMERGENCIES If an animal is lying around unresponsive.
Difficult and labored breathing.
Suddenly falling and not being able to move around.
Acute bleeding, wounds, fractures/broken bones. Some fractures are not readily apparent. That is why it is so important to have your pet checked by your veterinarian ASAP.
Burns
Decreased body temperature (Pet's body is cold) or increased body temperature (pet feels warmer than normal) - The normal body temperature for dogs and cats is 100 - 102.5 degrees.
Excessive drooling, choking, severe coughing with phlegm and/or foam production.
Extreme lethargy, weakness.
Pale mucus membranes (Gums or the inside of your pet's ears), yellow mucus membranes, yellow skin: any one of these conditions may indicate an emergency situation.
Ingestion of household chemicals or other hazardous items: call us if you are unsure (732) 388-3379
Unable to urinate (pass urine) despite trying, Blood in urine, Unable to defecate (pass stool) despite trying.
Hit by car/vehicles. Even if you do not notice outward abnormalities, the pet should be checked for shock and internal bleeding, and may be given anti-shock medicines to prevent shock and PVCs (a kind of heart attack that can happen within 48 hours of blunt trauma).
Extremely painful eye(s)
Pink/red eye(s)
Eye(s) that are sensitive to light
Eye(s) that appear to be bulging
Reaction to drugs / vaccinations/injections:
Breathing difficulty, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, rash on face and skin including facial swelling. Also sudden itching of the face or other parts of the body, and hives or skin bumps. Contact nearest animal hospital/animal emergency clinic ASAP.
SOME BASIC SAFETY TIPS
In most households today we may be treating our pets more like people/family most of the time, but we shouldn't forget some basic safety tips for interacting with them, for our protection and theirs.
· Always wash your hands after touching pets, food bowls, litter stations and other pet-related equipment.
· Cats are better off indoors, so they don't eat things they shouldn't, dart into traffic or pick up diseases from wild cats or wild animals.
·Always keep your dog leashed when walking and adequately restrained when not supervised.
· Keep litter boxes as clean as possible by using disposable plastic liners and disinfect them often. Also, keep the litter box well away from cooking and eating areas.
· Trim your dog's or cat's nails regularly to prevent them scratching you and your furnishings. If someone is scratched, wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible and seek medical attention. It is also recommend to contact your veterinarian to make sure that your pet's vaccinations are up-to-date and see if there are any recommended tests to identify zoonotic (diseases that are shared by humans and animals) threat .
· Ask your veterinarian what tests and preventative medicines are available to prevent zoonotic threat (diseases that are shared by humans and animals).
· Use covered trash bins to prevent access to disposed medication, empty cleaning bottles, dental floss and food.
·Do not store household cleaners or medications in easily accessible areas.
TOP TOXINS
Acetaminophen (tylenol or advil)
Ibuprofen
Plants
Human Food
Automotive Antifreeze
Over-the-counter flea treatments
Pesticides
Household Cleaners
