Unfortunately for pet owners, our animal friends are often unable to tell us when they’re in serious pain, or when something’s just not feeling right.
We have to rely on our pet’s non-verbal cues and physical symptoms to know if they may require treatment or emergency attention. These symptoms can alert owners to situations where professional veterinary care is advisable, so it’s important to be very familiar with your pet’s normal routines and behaviour – this way, you can tell when something is out of the ordinary.
To help you keep a close watch for any abnormal behaviour or unusual symptoms, we’ve put together a list of signs that can indicate the need for urgent vet attention. If your pet is displaying any of these signs, please seek professional veterinarian assistance immediately.
Common Reasons to Seek Emergency Vet Care
Some of the reasons you might need to seek emergency vet care can be more obvious, such as:
- Trauma – e.g. hit by car, fight wounds, falling from heights
- Evidence of poisoning
- Seizures – read more about seizures in dogs
- Snake bites
- Tick bites – read more about tick paralysis
Others can be more subtle, meaning you’ll need to watch carefully for:
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Abnormal bleeding
- Signs of pain – e.g. limbs, abdominal, back
- Paralysis, or reduced ability to move
- Straining to go to the toilet
- Changes in breathing – e.g. faster or harder than normal, excessive panting
- Collapse
- Weakness/lethargy
- Abdominal bloating
- Continued vomiting – e.g. many times throughout the day
You may like to print this page out and keep it on the fridge or somewhere handy at home, to refer to in case of emergency.
Advanced Pet Care
If your pet requires emergency or complex medical treatment, it is vital that they be taken to a clinic that has experienced vets and vet specialists and the necessary medical equipment and technology.
For example, if your dog or cat has been hit by a car or sustained injuries from another animal, they may need x-rays, blood tests and other expert services. Completing these services immediately in one location means faster treatment for your pet and a greater chance of recovery.
24-Hour Emergency Vet Care for Sydney Pets
Sydney’s Eastside Veterinary Emergency and Specialists is fully equipped for emergency vet and after hours vet services. With a team of qualified and professional veterinary staff on site 24 hours a day, we provide care and support for your pet in times of injury and trauma.
No appointment is required for animal emergencies – you can simply take your pet to Eastside’s 24-hour clinic at any time of day or night and the Veterinary team will be there to assist. If time does allow, it is helpful to call ahead and provide a brief description of your pet’s situation and your estimated time of arrival.
We hope this has provided you with some important information about signs and symptoms to watch for in your cat or dog, as well as a place to turn for emergency vet care in Sydney.
