An emergency is any sudden, serious problem that needs quick medical attention. Examples include severe injuries from accidents, burns, poisoning, a sudden new illness, or rapid worsening of a chronic condition. These situations often require immediate veterinary care. Calling your vet right away can help you figure out what to do next.
It is also helpful to talk with your vet before an emergency happens, so that you can act quickly if needed. Make sure you know the answers to these questions:
What number should I call if my pet gets sick or injured after regular business hours?
Where is the closest 24-hour emergency clinic? (Check the clinic's website, and map the route.)
Are pet first aid classes available nearby?
Do I have a complete pet first aid kit, and where is it kept?
How should I safely restrain my pet? Do I have a muzzle, if needed?
How should I transport my pet if it needs help?
What should I do if my pet’s airway is blocked by a foreign object?
As a caregiver, you can lower the risk of many emergencies by keeping your pet in a safe environment and keeping dangerous items out of reach. Still, you can’t guarantee that an emergency will never occur. Emergencies are sudden and unexpected, but you can prepare so that you can respond quickly.
Understanding your pet’s normal behavior helps you notice when something is wrong. Sudden changes in appearance, walking, activity, eating, bathroom habits, or grooming can be signs of a medical problem. Recognizing an emergency quickly and getting your pet to a veterinarian is one of the most important things you can do.
Keep your pet’s medical information and your vet’s phone number easy to find. Know the location of the nearest 24-hour veterinary hospital. Keep a first aid kit handy for minor emergencies.
Emergency cases are challenging because life-threatening problems require fast treatment, and some injuries or illnesses might not show their full effects for 24–48 hours. Many factors affect the outcome: how severe the condition is, how much blood or fluid is lost, how old the animal is, what previous health problems the animal has, and how long treatment is delayed.
