Why Immediate Veterinary Care is Critical for Pets
As loving pet owners, there is always the greatest interest in the well-being of the pets, but there is at times not much clarity on the fact that this is the point when something seriously is wrong with their pet. Observation of early symptoms of a health problem may not be evident, and many of us may not know how to tell that their pet is in need of immediate attention from a veterinary doctor. Taking note of the most important signs of distress can significantly save your pet from succumbing to a trivial problem which with time may reach critical, life threatening situations.
In India, where the availability of veterinary services is not constant all over the country, taking care of pets and the medical attention for the pet if they fall sick has often times caused a need for many pet owners to grab the important hints that one’s pet should be viewed on a priority basis. This post focuses on the top 5 symptoms that should never be ignored in pet care and how a responsible pet owner should ensure that his/her pet receives timely and effective emergency care when it is most needed.
- Shortness of breath or extreme panting
One of the signs that should ring alarm bells in the concern of pet owners is shortness of breath or too much panting. The same can be said with the human beings, breathing problems in pets can also be an indicator of a very serious ailment. Be it acute or chronic in nature; difficulty in breathing can be a symptom of diseases like asthma, an allergic reaction or even heart problems.
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In India, a country which can be hot and humid, and concerned about pets, excessive panting may also be corresponding to heatstroke which should be avoided at all costs. One has to learn when to worry about panting beyond a response to heat. If a pet is breathing heavily busy with hot heavy panting and appears unable to get enough air in, she may require emergency relief. Another respiratory problem like a cough or wheeze may point to an infection such as kennel cough, or a doctor to say, choking and blocking the airway.
Whenever there is an exciting time lost in observing your pet, please rush him to a vet. Problems with the respiratory system can be very serious, and therefore, they cannot be ignored for a long time.
- Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea
Pets tend to be prone to such issues as vomiting and diarrhea, and maybe vomiting, as in this case, is not an issue, as it’s most likely a result of a slightly more serious concern this time, maybe some indiscretion with their diet. Even hormonal factors or pregnancy can cause vomiting or diarrhea. However, uncontrollable and repetitive vomiting and or mucus-rich diarrhea, especially within 24 hours, that occurs multiple times is distress. This may result into severe dehydration which poses more risk to smaller pets like puppies and kittens.
In India where the roundworms and tapeworms are prevalent, recurrences of vomiting or diarrhea could also indicate the presence of a parasite infection. Food poisoning could also be the other explanation why pets are vomiting, more particularly where the pet has eaten something like rotten food or some poisonous plants.
Bear in mind that pets don’t have the ability to tell us when they are sick therefore if looked like these symptoms, pet owners need to be very observant on their pets. Some pets shed vomit or have diarrhea the whole day with additional signs of being lethargic or weak and such pets should be rushed to the veterinary clinic.
- Signs of Severe Pain or Injury
Pets, by nature, mask pain. Regardless, some changes in behavior can indicate a concern. If your pet is limping and whining or unwilling to move around or is even licking one part of their body far too much, there is a likely illness injury, or other severe pain bothering them.
This is especially true when looking for suspicion of injuries when pets have been in an automobile or bike collision, a high fall, or a fight with another animal. In cases like these, and it initially looks fine, they could actually have internal damage such as bleeding or broken bones which goes unreported.
In the Indian context, where animals are roaming around freely and the road scenario can be quite erratic, injuries to pets seem to be common. If your pet has an apparent injury, refuses to go for a walk or screeches in pain when pet or becomes aggressive when touched, they should not be given time. Such injuries could be treated only through manual intervention and failure to do this could complicate or even be fatal.
- Seizures or other neurological symptoms
Both the owner and the pet may become stressed by the occurrence of neurologic signs in the pet. For instance, seizures, stupor as well as an inability to stand could be signs of a neurology problem. Seizures are of special importance as they are a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Neurological signs can have many origins including, but not limited to, head injury, poisoning or various diseases such as epilepsy. India is known for the provision of housing for domestic pets such as cats and dogs. However, this is not without its challenges as pets sometimes may be subjected to environmental factors that are hazardous to human health. Neurosurgical signs such as seizures and others are evident that urgent attention is required to the pet.
If your pet shows sudden abnormal behavior, seizure or other out of character syndrome, treatment is required as soon as possible. Prevention is better than cure and so early treatment will avoid mobilization of other healthcare workers and damaging his health.
- First of all, the belly is distended or appears bloated.
A swollen abdomen or a bloated appearance should never be taken lightly as it can be an indication of a dangerous condition called gastric torsion or bloat, especially in dogs. Bloat refers to the expansion of the stomach from gas build up or twisting of the stomach which prevents blood supply to major organs. This situation mostly occurs in large breeds but any dog can suffer from it.
If you see that your pet has a swollen abdomen, it feels hard when touched, or they cry and whine when lying down or getting up, then that is an emergency. Other signs can include erratic behavior such as continual pacing, ineffectual retching or mock vomiting, or excessive salivation. Irrespective of the cause, if there is bloat in the stomach and it is left untreated, it could lead to death within hours.
In India for example where heat and humidity generally increases cases of bloating and other related conditions are the more reason one should be on the lookout for what pet’s eat and their overall appearance. Take your pet to the vet without delay, if it has signs of a swollen tummy.
First Aid Tips Taken from Surveying Pet Emergencies
In cases of veterinary emergency, it is always advisable to seek professional attention; however, there are a number of steps you can take on your pet in order to intervene before getting them to the veterinarian:
- Difficulty in breathing: Be sure that the pet is in a spacious environment, and order any passengers not to touch any other part of the pet’s body apart from his head. Should choking be suspected attempt to dislodge the object from the throat.
- Vomiting or diarrhea: You should not withhold water from your pet as it may lead to severe dehydration. Try and keep your pet from eating until they have been checked out.
- Injury or pain: Avoid putting all your pet’s body focus on one limb or restrictive collars. Attempting treatment of any fracture or any external wound is prohibited.
- Seizures: It is important to be certain and dangerous objects or foreign materials wherever your pet is located. Do not hold down or restrain, but sit close for reassurance.
Do Not Wait Any Longer – as Everyone Else, Look for Assistance
Nothing is more important than your furry friends, and thus there is no overstatement in saying that one should err on the side of caution. If there is ever a moment when you think to yourself ‘does my pet require urgent care,’ do not think twice about calling a vet. A quick response could end up saving your pet’s life, and you will take comfort in knowing your pet has all the contact numbers that are essential for an emergency. PetVetCure agrees how dear is your pet to you and that is why we allay your concerns by helping you maintain their delightful and well-being as ever.