Our pets are our companions, loved ones, and members of the family. When they are sick and hurting we hurt with them. Sometimes it is much more than a simple stomach ache or low energy afflicting our furry friends however, and more serious problems are going on. Here are 5 signs that indicate your pet could be in dire straits and needs to see a veterinarian immediately.
Breathing Difficulties
Any form of labored breathing whether it be rapid short breaths, unabated wheezing or coughing, or using stomach muscles to breath all mean something serious is going on. According to the Seattle Emergency Veterinary Hospital, these symptoms can indicate an emergency condition such as a collapsed lung or airway obstruction. There is also other conditions it could be as well that will require immediate attention.
Difficult Urination
Not being able to pee is a sure sign of something serious. Your pet could have an urinary tract infection which can affect the urethra, kidneys, bladder, and uterus. If not taken care of immediately it will become fatal.
Trauma
This might seem like a no-brainer, but many times pet owners will either overlook or not give proper credence to cuts, wounds, or scratches. It is easy to think that they are animals and this is just a normal part of their environment to get banged up. However, just as with humans our pets can also suffer from infections that can become serious if not treated promptly.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
While the occasional bout of either one of these doesn’t indicate anything wrong other than your pet getting into something they shouldn’t have or a mild food allergy, persistent recurrence does mean there is something serious going on. Ulcers, cancer, liver, and kidney failure are just a few of the possible explanations and all of these require immediate veterinary attention.
Fatigue
Your pet being constantly lethargic and laying around all day does not immediately indicate that emergency care is necessary. Behavioral problems or common sickness could be the culprit. However, ingesting something poisonous could also be the reason, and if you find evidence of, or suspect poisoning, then you need to seek emergency care immediately.
Keep in mind that when it comes to our pets health and well-being it is always better to err on the side of caution. They cannot vocalize what is wrong so we have to rely of these signs as their way of asking for help.
