Tips to Avoid Pet Emergencies

Do you have a problem that requires urgent help? 

When in doubt, call one of our clinics!  Phone call advice is free and we will help you decide the risks. 608-274-7772

The best tip for handling pet emergency situations is to be able to react calmly and decisively, and contact a professional. General signs of complications like the following should encourage you to contact your regular vet or us:

1. Labored breathing, excessive panting, persistent cough
2. Vomiting if persistent, bloody or nonproductive
3. Pain. Pet has trouble getting comfortable, cries, or is painful to the touch
4. Gums which are not their normal pink color, especially if white, gray or blue
5. Diarrhea, especially if persistent, bloody or painful
6. Excessive sleepiness (pet can not be roused)
7. Pus or bloody discharge from any part of the body or surgical incision
8. Straining to urinate or defecate, especially if nonproductive
9. Seizures, loss of consciousness or episodes of bizarre behavior.
10. Pet continues to not eat or drink for more than 24 hours.

Here are Some Words To Live By:

1. Never give a medication to your pet without discussing it first with your vet!!  Human medication doses and conditions vary greatly.  Some animals will die with even a small dose of certain medications.  This is especially true in cats, who metabolize aspirin differently and can die if given Tylenol.
2. Get advice early, it is usually free.  If you suspect a problem of any sort, call for advice!!
3. Leashes are much, much cheaper than treating injuries caused by being hit by a car!!!
4. Early detection allows early intervention which favors better outcomes.