When To Take Your Pet To An Emergency Vet

Owning a pet is a big responsibility. Your pet will depend on you for food, shelter, love, and attention. It will also rely on you for medical care. Annual wellness visits at Valley Veterinary Hospital of Helena are essential to ensure your pet’s health. There are also times where your pet will need an emergency vet visit. We would like to explore what health issues are considered an emergency so your pet can get the treatment that he or she needs.

Wounds

If your pet has a wound that is anything more than a scratch, you should schedule an emergency visit with one of our veterinarians. Without proper treatment, your pet can lose a lot of blood and develop an infection.

Trauma

If your pet suffers an injury after getting hit by a car, stepped on, suffering a fall, or being attacked by another animal, you should schedule an emergency vet appointment. Even if there are no visible injuries, your pet needs to see the vet to check for internal injuries.

Breathing Issues

If your pet is coughing, wheezing, or having trouble breathing, it needs to go to the vet immediately. Waiting too long to seek veterinary care could be deadly.

Excessive Vomiting or Diarrhea

It is not uncommon for a pet to vomit or have diarrhea if they eat something they shouldn’t. However, if your pet is vomiting or having diarrhea several times a day, it should go to the vet right away. These issues can cause your pet to become dangerously dehydrated, and IV fluids may be necessary.

Trouble Going To The Bathroom

If your pet hasn't urinated or had a bowel movement for 12 hours or longer, you should schedule an emergency vet visit. Pets often eat things they shouldn’t which do not digest properly. Your pet could have a blockage that requires emergency surgery.

Refusing to Eat or Drink

If your pet refuses to eat or drink for 24 hours or longer, there is likely a medical reason. It is essential to your pet's health that you get it to the vet immediately to figure out why your pet won't eat or drink.

Get Emergency Veterinary Care in Helena, MT

If your pet experiences any of the issues above, or any other issues that may cause you concern, call our veterinarians at Valley Veterinary Hospital of Helena at (406) 442-0188. Keep our number stored in your phone so that it is ready when a pet emergency happens. Our veterinarians are here for you and your pets when you need us.