Pet First Aid: Recognising Emergency Signs

How to to recognise signs of an emergency in your pet

In this section of our first aid for pet owners series, we will discuss the important topic of how to recognise signs of an emergency in your pet.

Understanding what might be a sign of an emergency in your pet can be crucial. As pet owners we learn to understand lots of ways our pets communicate, whether they are hungry, need to go out, or when they want to play – but do you know the signs for when your animal is in distress? Some of them will be obvious, but not all.

Our pets can’t tell us, so being able to understand the signs of an emergency can make a huge difference. In this blog post we will explore the vital topic of recognising emergency signs in your pet. Being able to identify when your furry friend is experiencing a medical crisis is crucial for prompt intervention and ensuring their well-being. By understanding the signs of a pet emergency, you can take immediate action and seek veterinary care when necessary.

Difficulty Breathing:

• Rapid or laboured breathing: Your pet may exhibit unusually fast or shallow breaths, struggling to take in enough air.
• Choking or gasping for air: They may show signs of choking, coughing, or having difficulty swallowing.
• Bluish gums or tongue: If your pet’s gums or tongue appear bluish or grayish, it could indicate a lack of oxygen.

Uncontrolled Bleeding:

• Profuse bleeding from a wound or body orifice: Your pet may have an open wound or bleeding from the mouth, nose, or ears.
• Blood loss that doesn’t stop with direct pressure: If the bleeding continues despite applying gentle pressure, it requires immediate attention.
• Weakness or pale gums due to blood loss: Your pet may exhibit weakness, pale or white gums, or show signs of shock.

Loss of Consciousness:

• Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness: Your pet may not respond to stimuli, may appear disoriented, or be unarousable.
• Fainting or collapse: Sudden collapses or fainting episodes are significant indications of a pet emergency.

Severe Injury or Trauma:

• Deep lacerations or puncture wounds: Visible wounds that are deep, bleeding profusely, or exposing internal tissues require immediate attention.
• Suspected broken bones or limb deformities: If your pet has a misshapen limb, cannot bear weight on a limb, or shows signs of extreme pain, it could indicate a fracture.
• Severe pain or obvious distress: Your pet may exhibit signs of severe pain, such as constant whimpering, yelping, or aggressive behaviour.

Ingestion of Toxins or Foreign Objects:

• Ingestion of toxic substances (e.g., medications, chemicals, plants): If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially toxic substance, it requires immediate veterinary attention.
• Swallowing of sharp objects or foreign bodies: Signs can include choking, gagging, excessive drooling, or retching without producing vomit.

Acute Abdominal Distress:

• Abdominal bloating or distension: A visibly swollen or distended abdomen, especially if it is firm or painful to the touch, may indicate a life-threatening condition.
• Unproductive vomiting or retching: Repeated attempts to vomit or retch without producing anything can be a sign of gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) or other gastrointestinal issues.
• Signs of severe abdominal pain or discomfort: Your pet may exhibit restlessness, pacing, or vocalizing in response to abdominal pain.

Inability to Urinate or Defecate:

• Straining without producing urine or faeces: If your pet is attempting to urinate or defecate without success or only producing small amounts, it could be a sign of urinary obstruction or constipation.
• Distressed vocalizations during attempts to urinate or defecate: Crying out, whimpering, or showing signs of pain while attempting to eliminate can indicate an emergency situation.
• Signs of pain or discomfort in the urinary or anal area: Your pet may excessively lick their genital or anal area, exhibit signs of discomfort, or have swollen or red tissue.

Heatstroke or Hypothermia:

• Excessive panting and drooling (heatstroke): When exposed to high temperatures, your pet may pant excessively, drool excessively, or have bright red gums.
• Weakness, shivering, or disorientation (hypothermia): In cases of extreme cold, your pet may display signs of weakness, shivering, difficulty walking, or mental confusion.
• Unresponsive to temperature regulation efforts: If your pet fails to respond to efforts to cool them down or warm them up, it requires immediate attention.

Seizures or Convulsions:

• Uncontrolled muscle twitching or shaking: Seizures are characterized by sudden, uncontrollable muscle twitching, shaking, or convulsions.
• Loss of consciousness during episodes: Your pet may lose consciousness or become disoriented during a seizure.
• Abnormal behaviour or disorientation post-seizure: After a seizure, your pet may appear disoriented, lethargic, or exhibit unusual behaviour.

It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and there may be other emergency signs specific to your pet’s species or health conditions. Trust your instincts as a pet owner and seek veterinary care if you observe any sudden, severe changes in your pet’s behaviour or suspect an emergency, even if the signs are not explicitly mentioned here.

When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care:

Anytime you observe one or more of the above emergency signs or notice any sudden, severe changes in your pet’s behaviour, it’s crucial to seek immediate veterinary care. Do not delay in contacting a veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic, as swift action can be critical for a positive outcome. Remember, you are your pet’s advocate, and your quick response can make a significant difference in their well-being. 

Stay tuned for the next section of our Pet First Aid series, where we will discuss safe handling and transport of injured pets.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this series is intended as a general guide and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment of your pet’s specific condition.