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When You Suspect Your Pet Ate Something Dangerous - Like a Plastic Bag...
Pets Symptoms - Learn to Recognize the Signs of Illness, Poisoning, Disease and EmergenciesPets Symptoms - There are many symptoms that your pet may present --- to let you know that something is wrong.Some Pets Symptoms are subtle, such as pacing; others are obvious, such as throwing up or choking. Generally speaking, any change in your pet's normal activity warrants being looked into. Also, any change in your pet's appearance, skin, fur, eyes, nose, etc., should be noted and looked into. A common pet symptom is choking...Here's a useful Video by a Vet who demonstrates how-to dislodge something from inside a choking dog's mouth. I feel this Video is valuable because it may prepare you to help your pet if you are ever faced with a choking emergency:
It's essential that you know what your pet's "normal" appearance, habits and behavior looks like.Then, when something seems not right, you'll know when and how-to address the problem...Here are common things to look for...1. Drinking Water - Suddenly you notice your pet drinking MORE or LESS water. (More could indicate kidney problems or diabetes), less could indicate an infectious disease or other problems). Do not allow your pet to become dehydrated. Call the VET for advice on whether you should come in. 2. No appetite - Pets like food, so if your pet SUDDENLY stops eating, do not allow more than ONE feeding schedule to go by without eating. Call the VET for advice. Hint: Keep your pet on a regular feeding schedule so you'll know if a change in appetite occurs. 3. Tired - You pet is unusually tired and listless. This could be an advanced sign of poisoning or acute illness, so call the VET immediately. 4. Your pet is panting or seems to have trouble breathing. Call the VET immediately. 5. Your pet suddenly develops lameness or shows symptoms of pain. Try to examine the area for any imbedded object (splinter, seed, stone, glass, etc). If you can remove the object, clean the area well, and observe animal for up to 24 hours. If pain, tenderness, or swelling exists, call the VET. If there is no visible problem, your pet may have a fractured bone, pulled tendon or other damage, so call the VET. 6. Your pet seems to be acutely ill, or acutely in pain. Call the VET immediately and be prepared for an immediate emergency visit to an animal hospital. 7. You found evidence that your pet got into something that may be poisonous. (Cardboard box from chocolates, glass, spilled container of anti-freeze, for example). Call the VET immediately. 8. Bowel Problems: You notice changes. Dry or loose. Make it your business to observe your pet's business. Note the appearance, frequency and volume. Any changes lasting more than 24 hours need to be reported to the VET. Impactions are life threatening. 9. Urinating changes: As above, any changes lasting more than 24 hours need to be reported to the VET. Exception: If you notice your pet has not urinated in a 12 hour period, and there are any other symptoms, such as lack of alertness, showing signs of pain, this is an emergency, and you need to call the VET. 10. Signs of infection include watery nose, eyes, redness, swollen areas, and areas warm to touch. Lack of interest in food or water. Disinterest in normal activities. Call the VET to rule out a systemic problem or infectious disease.
Keep Your 24 Hour Emergency Vet's Phone Number Posted In A Convenient Place - such as taped inside a kitchen cabinet or inside a drawer. When an emergency strikes, you may panic, or need someone else to find the number. This could save your pet's life...
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