Thursday, July 18, 2013

Pet Emergencies That Require a Veterinarian's Attention

Whether you're a new pet owner or a life-long pet lover, you want your furry friend to be in good health. It may be tricky to diagnose your pet's symptoms at home. Since your pet cannot communicate in the same way a human can, you have to be alert and aware. Your observations are all you have, so try to see what your pet is telling you without using any words. There are some alarming symptoms to be aware of, though. If you notice anything listed below, you'll want to contact our Fridley-area veterinarian at Northern Lights Veterinarian Services, Dr. Elizabeth Stoltz immediately.

Dog Medical Emergencies
- Weakness: Sudden or prolonged weakness can be the sign of a larger underlying problem. It is probably an indicator some of the major internal organs are being affected in some way.
- Difficulty Breathing: Breathing difficulties can be one of the most alarming physical problems your dog can have. Three minutes without air will be detrimental to your dog's life.
- Seizure: A seizer can be one of the scariest episodes to have to witness. A seizure is most likely a sign of deterioration in your dog, which requires immediate attention.

Cat Medical Emergencies
- Severe Pain: If you cat is displaying obvious signs of pain, those areas need to be examined. You can never know what is the underlying cause for their pain.
- Paralysis: If you notice a sudden loss of the ability for your cat to use any of its legs, this should be a red flag. It can signify a pretty significant medical problem.
- Trauma: If your cat falls victim to any traumatic event or ingests a known toxin, a Fridley veterinarian should be contacted immediately. These events can affect your cat's overall health.

These are only a few of the major reasons to contact a veterinarian. If you're not sure whether to see a veterinarian, call or bring your pet in. It's better to be safe than sorry. You know your pets better than anyone else. If you notice something out of the ordinary, take all the necessary precautions to ensure their health.


To contact our Fridley veterinarian, call 763-754-2381 or Contact Us Online.