Just like their owners, pets come down with short-lived sicknesses that resolve themselves without further care. Unlike humans, though, pets are unable to tell their healthcare providers about the severity of their symptoms. While it’s not necessary to take them in for Emergency Pet Care in Alexandria VA every time they get a stomach bug, good pet owners should always be on the lookout for the following signs that their beloved animals truly do need help.
Difficulty Passing Urine
If a dog, cat, or another household pet is experiencing difficulty or pain while passing urine, it’s always worth a visit to an emergency vet. This can indicate a urinary infection or an even more serious blockage in the urinary tract. The latter of these issues will require immediate treatment, so it’s worth spending the extra money on an emergency clinic.
Breathing Difficulties
Dogs and cats that are exhibiting rapid, shallow breathing may be suffering from a variety of potentially serious diseases or disorders. If the animal is simply out of breath after overexerting itself, give it a few minutes to calm down. If, on the other hand, those altered breathing patterns continue, it’s time to seek help.
Disorientation and Non-Responsiveness
If a pet is acting confused or disoriented, it could be due to dehydration, high blood pressure, or even a stroke. All of these issues require immediate care. If the animal has become completely non-responsive, its owners should look for Emergency Pet Care in Alexandria VA as quickly as possible.
Acute Trauma
Pets that have been hit by cars, gotten into fights, or experienced other forms of acute trauma should always be evaluated as soon as possible after the event occurred. Even if there are no external signs of injury, the animal could be bleeding internally and might require immediate care.
Extreme Vomiting or Diarrhea
Although one bout of vomiting or diarrhea isn’t necessarily a sign of serious trouble, repeated sickness is. If an animal is experiencing these digestive problems several times in the course of an hour or the problems last for more than four hours, it can lead to fluid loss. Visit us online to find out what to do next.
