Westport Pet Owners: Bringing Your Pet to an Emergency Vet
Most people know about the importance of vet care for cats and dogs, but do you know when you should bring your pet in to the Dartmouth emergency vet? Westport pet owners need to know the signs and symptoms to watch out for that could warrant a trip to the local emergency veterinary hospital. However, when it comes down to your pet’s health and safety, you are never wrong to be worried enough to at least call Anchor Animal Hospital to find out if you should bring them in for a veterinary exam.
Don’t ever feel embarrassed about calling your local veterinarian if you have a question about your pet’s health. Anchor Animal Hospital is a popular Dartmouth emergency vet and our team is used to fielding questions from worried pet owners. We are also prepared for emergencies and know how to handle them when they occur. We are an accredited member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and have undergone inspections since 1980 to ensure that we comply with their high standards of quality veterinary care.
Go With Your Instincts
You know your pet better than anyone else. You know what is “normal” behavior and what isn’t. You also know if something just doesn’t “feel” right. Sometimes all it takes is a feeling to know when your pet needs to visit the emergency veterinary hospital. Pets are notoriously good at hiding when they are feeling sick, it is a natural instinct to protect themselves in that way. Cats are able to conceal sickness even more.
If you aren’t sure, contact Anchor Animal Hospital to speak with our on-site Dartmouth emergency vet. They will ask you a few questions over the phone to determine whether you should bring your pet in right away for vet care for cats and dogs or if it can wait for a regular appointment visit. Even if it turns out to be nothing – or just something minor – when it comes to taking care of your furry friend, Westport pet owners are better off being safe than sorry.
What is an Emergency Situation?
Beyond instincts as a pet owner, there are other situations, signs and symptoms that you need to be aware of that could indicate a serious health problem for your pet. If you notice any of these symptoms, make sure to bring your dog or cat to the local emergency veterinary hospital right away. You can call on the way, but make sure you load your pet safely into your vehicle and make your way to Anchor Animal Hospital.
Some of the indications that you need to watch for include:
- pet isn’t breathing
- you can’t feel a heartbeat
- pet is unconscious and won’t revive
- vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours
- pet is vomiting blood
- suspicion of broken bones or a sprain
- difficulty breathing
- something stuck in the throat
- pet is having a seizure or has had a seizure
- bleeding from the eyes, nose or mouth
- blood in urine or feces
- concerns that something toxic was ingested, such as rat poison, antifreeze or medications that were not prescribed to your pet
- pet is unable to urinate or is straining when urinating
- showing signs of pain, including shaking, whining or refusing to socialize
- collapsing or having difficulty standing
- seems disoriented or starts bumping into things randomly
- abdomen is hard to the touch or swollen
- pet is gagging and trying to vomit
- pregnant pet has been in labor more than three hours without delivering or between delivering multiple babies
What Should You Do?
If any of the above symptoms are noticed, Westport pet owners should bring their pet to the local emergency veterinary hospital right away. Your local Dartmouth emergency vet can provide you with vet care for cats and dogs that could potentially save their lives. In an emergency situation, just get your pet to Anchor Animal Hospital right away. Delaying, especially during any of the indications listed above, could be potentially fatal.
Know your veterinarian’s hours for the emergency veterinary hospital. Anchor Animal Hospital is open seven days a week, but we refer our after hours emergencies to another local veterinary hospital. Make sure to contact our staff if you are a patient at our facility to know where to take your pet, based on the time of day and the problem that is being presented. Call us today at 508-996-3731 to learn more about our emergency veterinary services or to schedule an appointment for a veterinary check-up.