Some of the things that get people in a panic can be of no concern at all. One time, while working overnight in an emergency veterinary clinic, I saw a woman frantic because she thought pieces of her dog's intestines were leaking out his back end. In fact, the dog was infested with tapeworms. Definitely in need of treatment, but nothing that couldn't wait until the weekend was over.
Knowing what's a true emergency and what's not can save you hundreds of dollars, since emergency clinics – like human emergency care – can be quite expensive.
With the holiday season coming up soon, it's a good time to review when a pet needs to see a veterinarian. Anything is worth at least a phone call if you're not sure what's wrong, while some things require immediate attention by a veterinarian.
How to tell the difference? Here are some signs that should have you heading for a veterinarian, day or night:
• Seizure, fainting or collapse.
• Eye injury, no matter how mild.
• Vomiting or diarrhea – anything more than two or three times within an hour or so. Also, a dog that is trying to vomit (or may be vomiting foam, licking lips), has a drum-tight abdomen and a "roached-back" appearance indicative of abdominal pain.
• Allergic reactions, such as swelling around the face, or hives, most easily seen on the belly.
• Any suspected poisoning, including antifreeze, rodent or snail bait, or human medication. Cats are especially sensitive to insecticides (such as flea-control medication for dogs) or any petroleum-based product.
• Bites from snake or venomous spiders.
• Thermal stress – from being either too cold or too hot – even if the pet seems to have recovered. (The internal story could be quite different.)
• Any wound or laceration that's open and bleeding, or any animal bite.
• Trauma, such as being hit by a car, even if the pet seems fine. (Again, the situation could be quite different on the inside.)
• Any respiratory problem: chronic coughing, trouble breathing or near drowning.
• Straining to urinate or defecate.
Although some other problems may not be life-threatening, they may be causing your pet pain and should be taken care of without delay. Signs of pain can include panting, labored breathing, increased body temperature, lethargy, restlessness, crying out, aggression and loss of appetite.
Some pets seek company when suffering, while others will withdraw.
When in doubt, err on the side of caution, always. Better to be dead wrong about a minor medical problem than to have a pet that's dead because you guessed wrong about a major one.
Call your veterinary clinic or hospital before you need help to ask what arrangements the staff suggests for emergency or after-hours care. If your veterinarian refers clients to an emergency clinic after regular business hours, be sure you know which clinic, what the phone number is and how to get there quickly and safely.