If you are unsure if your pet needs to be seen by a doctor it's always best to seek immediate medical advice or go directly to an animal hospital.
(Better safe than sorry!)
Is that an emergency?!
FAQ's
If I notice my dog or cat ingesting snail bait, do I need to be concerned?
YES! Snail or slug bait contains a tremorgenic toxin called metaldehyde. Pets do not need to ingest very much of the snail/slug bait to suffer from potentially fatal side effects of the toxin. Clinical signs can appear within 1-4 hours of ingestion. You may see signs including anxiety, hyperthermia, weakness, generalized muscle tremors, elevated heart rate, drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. Treatment must be initiated as soon as possible!! The veterinarian will induce vomiting or perform a gastric lavage to empty the pet's stomach of the toxin. Blood work, hospitalization, IV fluids, muscle relaxant, and anti-seizure medications are routinely needed in these situations. Liver failure may be seen 3-5 days following ingestion of snail/slug bait.
If I notice my dog or cat has a swollen face, should I bring my pet in to the clinic?
YES! A swollen face can indicate something as minor as an allergic reaction to a bee or spider bite, or may be as severe as a rattlesnake bite. Based on the veterinarian's assessment, your pet may be treated with a steroid and/or antihistamine injection or may need antivenin and multiple days of hospitalization. The causative factor is difficult to determine over the phone, so your pet needs to be evaluated as soon as possible.
If I notice blood in my pet's feces, is this reason to rush him/her in?
YES! Bloody stool can be an indication of many potential problems. The veterinarian may recommend a fecal test to determine if intestinal parasites are the culprit. Blood work and clotting times may need to be run in hospital to rule out more severe problems such as hemorrhagic gastroenteritis or bleeding abnormalities that could prove to be life threatening.
My dog got into a small amount of chocolate. Should he be seen by a doctor?
YES! You should call a veterinary clinic as soon as possible to determine if your pet needs to be treated. The need for treatment will be based on the amount and type of chocolate ingested, as well as your pet's weight. Baker's and semisweet chocolate are the most toxic, but even milk chocolate can be toxic if enough chocolate is eaten. Clinical signs of chocolate toxicity include trembling, hyperexcitablity, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated heart rate, and weakness.
My dog chewed up a bottle of Tylenol. Should I be concerned?
YES! Over the counter medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), can be extremely toxic to both dogs and cats. We highly recommend calling the ASPCA poison control hotline after any potential toxin ingestion. The information needed can be found on their website - http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc. NSAIDs can cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach and intestinal ulceration, and potentially liver and/or kidney failure if enough medication is ingested. NEVER give your pet human medication without consulting your veterinarian first!!
My male cat is frequenting the litter box. Does he need to be seen?
YES! If you cat is continuously in and out of the litter box, this can be a sign of cystitis, or inflammation of the bladder. Cystitis can be caused by a bacterial infection, bladder stones or crystals, tumors, or a disease process referred to as "feline lower urinary tract disease". Sometimes this situation can become life-threatening if the problem results in complete or partial obstruction of the urethra, preventing your cat from urinating!! IT is always best to have your cat evaluated to ensure he is not "blocked" and unable to urinate.
My rabbit (or guinea pig) has no interest in eating and seems lethargic. Is that an emergency?
YES! If your rabbit's (or guinea pig's) appetite has decreased, feces production has decreased, or activity level has dropped off, your pet HAS to be evaluated by a veterinarian. Rabbits and guinea pigs are not hardy creatures when ill. Any illness has the potential to be fatal if not treated immediately.
My bird is staying at the bottom of the cage and is acting unusual. Is that an emergency?
YES! Birds often hide most signs of illness until they are critically ill. These clinical signs are non-descript and can be for numerous reason caused by numerous disease processes. Your bird must be seen immediately for supportive care, which may include heat and oxygen support, fluid therapy, and possibly antibiotics. Diagnostics such as radiographs (X-rays) and minimal blood work may be indicated.
Written by: Jeanette Yamamoto, DVM
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| CPR Video by Pets America from YouTube |
| Animal Encounters offers Red Cross certification for Dog and Cat CPR / First Aid. Go to our Dog Training & Classes page, the class is called Pet CPR & First Aid. |
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