- Ingestion of rat poison, chocolate or anti-freeze needs IMMEDIATE attention. A list of toxic substances for cats and dogs may be found here.
- Difficult or labored breathing
- Any trauma (hit by car, lacerations, etc.)
- Lethargy or unusual restlessness
- Seizure activity
- Difficulty urinating, bloody urine, unable to urinate
- Rapid swelling or distention, especially on the head or abdomen
- Vomiting/loss of appetite
- Diarrhea/constipation
- Excessive salivation / Difficulty swallowing
- Difficult or unusual movement. Collapsing needs IMMEDIATE attention
- Rapid or extremely slow pulse
- Excessive coughing or sneezing
- Excessive water consumption
- Porcupine Quills
Tips on Dealing with Emergencies
- Be cautious when handling injured pets. Animals in pain may become aggressive, even when they are normally friendly.
- DO NOT attempt home remedies unless directed by a veterinarian as this may make the situation worse.
- If your pet ate medication, rodent poison, chocolate, or any other potentially toxic item bring the wrapper/container with you.
- If your pet ingested anything toxic, please bring the PACKAGING, CONTAINER, and/or SUBSTANCE with you to the clinic. It’s highly recommended to call Pet Poison Helpline at 844-492-9842 before your visit. Please write down your case number when they give it to you, so that if you have to bring in your pet our doctors can consult with the toxicologists for your pet’s treatment plan.
- Try to remain calm.
