What Not to Do if Your Pet Is Having a Medical Emergency

Nowadays, a lot of people have pets. We get attached to them and they become fully fledged members of our families. More often than not, they are the only members of our families. Therefore, it’s only logical that you’d panic if your pet is having a medical emergency and, of course, you’d want to help them out the best way you can. 

However, this is where things can go from bad to worse faster than you realize. In an effort to help your pet out, you can easily make a mistake that will only result in things going astray. So try to calm down and if you’re thinking if there are any veterinarians near me who could come over and treat my pet, there are. 

Most veterinary clinics have mobile units that will come over and take care of your pet. This is especially true if you’re unable to take your pet to the nearest clinic for whatever reason. With that in mind, here are a few things you shouldn’t do if your pet is having a medical emergency. 

Should I attempt to diagnose and treat my pet myself in an emergency situation?

Absolutely not. The worst thing you can do is attempt to determine what’s wrong with your pet and then try to treat them yourself. Even if you’re on the phone with an actual veterinarian, they can’t tell what’s wrong with your pet until they examine them. Moreover, don’t try to look for advice online. 

The internet is full of medical advice for pets and quick tips for treating your pet when it’s sick but never rely on those even when things seem too dire. Always seek out professional help as that’s the only way you can actually help your pet in a medical emergency. Not doing anything may be difficult, as you no doubt care a lot for your pet but that is sometimes the best thing you can do, especially if you’re not a vet yourself. 

Are there any home remedies or treatments that can be used in an emergency situation?

No there are not. Since you don’t know what’s wrong with your pet, you also don’t know how to treat it. Some human medicine can be used in treatments of pets, depending on the pet and the condition, of course. 

However, animals and humans have different physiology, which is why the medicine for pets is completely different. So don’t make a mistake of giving anything to your pet, unless you’ve consulted with a veterinarian, beforehand.  

For example, if you suspect you pet is in pain, you might consider giving them ibuprofen to help them out. If you have a dog, for instance, ibuprofen can actually kill them as it literally burns a hole in their stomach. That’s why you should always refrain from treating your pet yourself with ointments and remedies you have at home. 

How to recognize the signs of a pet medical emergency

Recognizing the signs of a pet medical emergency can be difficult, as pets cannot communicate their pain or discomfort with words. However, there are certain signs that you should look out for that may indicate your pet is in need of immediate medical attention. 

If your pet is exhibiting any of the following symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, excessive panting or drooling, vomiting or diarrhea, loss of appetite or refusal to eat or drink, lethargy and lack of energy, sudden collapse or inability to stand up on their own, it’s of vital importance that you seek veterinary care right away. Furthermore, if your pet has been injured in any way – whether from an accident or fight with another animal – they should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. 

It’s also important to keep an eye out for any changes in behavior that could indicate something is wrong with your pet’s health. If you notice anything unusual about your pet’s behavior, such as increased aggression or anxiety, for example, it’s best to take them to the vet for a an immediate check-up.

What to do when your pet experiences a medical emergency

In the event of a medical emergency with your pet, it is important to remain calm and take action quickly. The best thing you can do is take your pet to the nearest veterinary clinic right away. If you believe that it’s not safe to move your pet, call the veterinarians and have them come over. 

Try not to wait to long before taking action as some medical emergencies require immediate care. Otherwise, your pet may suffer permanent damage or even die because it wasn’t treated on time. The thing about medical emergencies is that you can’t really tell if it’s an emergency or not. 

For example, your pet may act completely normal aside from having an occasional seizure. This is definitely a red flag but people often wait to see if the symptoms will go away since their pet is behaving as they usually do. You never know what’s going on on the inside so take your pet to the vet as soon as you notice something unusual. 

It is important to remain calm and call your veterinarian immediately when your pet is having a medical emergency. Do not attempt to diagnose or treat them yourself as this could be detrimental to their health.

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