Real Pet Emergencies

What Can and Can't Wait

It's important to note that signs your pet needs emergency care aren't always obvious. There are many situations in which not taking your pet to the animal hospital can result in the situation being fatal. However, it can sometimes be difficult to judge whether your pet's illness requires immediate attention or if it's something that can wait until the next day. That's why at Westside Animal Hospital in Cincinnati, we can help you understand what pet emergencies can and cannot wait until the next day.

Pet Emergencies That Need Immediate Attention

Signs and symptoms that indicate your pet needs emergency veterinary care include:

• Difficulty breathing: There are numerous causes of difficulty breathing, and only a qualified vet can pinpoint the cause. When you notice your pet wheezing, breathing heavily, extending the neck to breathe better, or open-mouth breathing in cats, book an appointment right away at our animal hospital.
• Bloated abdomen: When you notice your dog has a bloated abdomen, accompanied by symptoms like twisting and gagging, it could be a sign of a life-threatening condition called Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). Book an appointment immediately, as the condition can lead to sudden death.
• Seizures: Convulsions in dogs and cats could signify tumors, poisoning, epilepsy, and other serious causes. Book an appointment with our vet for immediate attention.
• Odd urinating or defecating behavior: Difficulty passing urine or feces, failure to urinate for more than 24 hours, and diarrhea that lasts for more than 24 hours are signs that the pet needs urgent attention.
• Bleeding: Bites, severe trauma, and wounds that cause excessive bleeding need medical intervention right away.

Pet Emergencies That Can Wait

Here are pet emergencies that can wait until the following for an assessment:

• Sneezing accompanied by a running nose
• Coughing with no difficulty breathing
• Failure to eat for less than 24 hours
• Vomiting or diarrhea once or twice within 24 hours
• Itchy skin and rashes

Visit Us for Pet Emergency Treatment in Cincinnati, OH

If you are not sure whether the pet symptom is severe or not, don't take chances. Instead, contact our team at Westside Animal Hospital of Cincinnati for more information. Our team is here to provide the care your pet needs to live a long and healthy life.