Animal emergencies

What to do in an emergency? What is an emergency? When to go to the veterinary emergency service? In this article we deal with emergency situations.

What is not an emergency

As a loving pet owner, you often worry about your pet and fear the worst. But veterinary clinics often experience pet owners panicking in front of them with symptoms that are “half as bad”. The reason why this is addressed here is the following. If all supposed emergencies are taken care of immediately, there are long waiting times for other pet owners whose animals may be just as ill, and fewer resources are left for real emergencies.

A tick, mild inflammation, tartar, soft faeces and much more are serious issues that need to be treated, but not at the minute. Even if your pet has been unwell for days, it is advisable to seek out a vet straight away and not wait until it becomes a real emergency.

Emergencies – Which symptoms should be treated immediately?

• If something has been swallowed that does not belong in the body! For example, poison, foreign bodies and the like.
• If something does not come out of the body that should! Especially urine and faeces. If your pet is struggling at weaning and nothing comes out, then go to the vet. The same applies to a birth, when the puppies are “stuck”.
• If something comes out that should stay in the body. Vomiting and diarrhoea are not an emergency per se, but if there is blood or if your animal does not stop vomiting, you must act quickly.
• If something is open or off that should be closed or on! Wounds, fractures, but also possible injuries after a fall should be clarified as soon as possible.
• If the (mucous) skin is blue, white or yellow when it should be pink! Blood loss, oxygen deficiency or organ failure are emergencies and must be treated immediately.
• If your pet hardly moves or does not move at all! An emergency veterinary service must intervene in this case too.
• If breathing is difficult!

Emergency procedure

In these cases, it is important to act quickly and call the emergency veterinary service. Please do not try to treat your animal on your own and give first aid if necessary.

• Take care of yourself and stay calm
• Get the animal out of the danger zone
• Call veterinary clinic to announce yourself and follow instructions
• Check vital signs and resuscitate in case of emergency
• Give first aid
• Prepare the animal for transport and take it to the clinic. Ideally, you should be driven, because you are also in an emergency situation and are not as concentrated.