03/26/2023
Taken from someone else but it is very good info. One thing I have always told owners is if you think it is an emergency, then it is! Always better to be safe than sorry.
“Hi, I’m not really sure if this is an emergency but…”
I hear this statement without fail multiple times a night in the ER. One of the toughest decisions as a pet owner is deciding when to wait something out or when you should pack up the dog, wake up the kids, and cart everyone off to the veterinary emergency room. While there’s never a truly 100% accurate way to gauge that, I figured having a few simple guidelines might be beneficial!
1. If it happened to a human toddler, would you seek emergency care? If your two year old, two legged child swallowed a battery, cut off a finger, or had vomited 27 times, and you wouldn’t hesitate to get to the human ER, it probably goes without saying your pet should do the same.
2. There’s blood coming from just about anywhere. Noses, ears, vomit, f***s, urine, you get the idea. Blood = needing a doctor sooner rather than later. Our exception here might be a broken nail, but even then if you can’t get the bleeding to stop, let’s head to the ER.
3. Seizures. (No explanation needed, just go)
4. Pet ingested something toxic, or you’re just not sure? Pet Poison Control exists, y’all, and it is a literal life saver. (800-213-6680) They’ll let you know whether or not you need to head in.
5. Your pet just “isn’t quite themself” but you can’t put your finger on way exactly? Go. Just go. Sometimes the simple little things can be the biggest red flags, and you know your baby better than anyone.
The bottom line is, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. We won’t know if it’s a true emergency until a doctor puts their hands on your pet. I know I would much rather see a healthy pet and alleviate your fears than hear you say “I just wish we had gotten here sooner.”
Lastly, because I know the ER isn’t cheap, believe me. Pet insurance that covers emergency visits is a great way to minimize the stress of unforeseen visits, and if you just really aren’t sure if you’re overreacting, give your local emergency room a call and chat with a staff member there. Even if they can’t give you a guarantee, talking through your concerns with a professional may be what you need to calm your fears.
Anything I missed? Share with the class 👇🏼