All pets are vulnerable to falling sick. However, since this can happen at the most inconvenient times, you may be thinking that your pet can weather the illness overnight and then you can take them to the vet first thing in the morning. While this may be alright with minor ailments that will not jeopardise their health, it is critical to note that some symptoms will require immediate attention. And if you are a first-time pet owner, you may not know how to tell the difference. The following article will enlighten you about symptoms that show your pet is in crisis and will constitute a vet emergency.

Your pet is breathing abnormally

When your pet starts to exhibit changes in their breathing, it should be cause for concern. These changes could manifest as panting, gasping and overall problems with inhaling and exhaling. Abnormal breathing could come about due to several things. The most common cause is if there is a foreign object that lodged in their respiratory tract, and if not addressed could cause them to choke to death. If you cannot see any blockage in their throat, you should be concerned about underlying health problems such as lung or heart issues. Regardless of the cause, it is crucial to take your pet to the emergency room so that their breathing is stabilised.

Your pet is excreting bloody stool

When your pet is in good health, their stool should be moist and solid. Your pet may experience diarrhoea from time to time, but if it does not persist, then it is not a critical emergency. However, when you notice that your pet's stool has become hard, you should be worried about constipation and bloat. If the stool is streaked with mucus or blood, then it is essential to rush them to the emergency hospital. Changes in the stool may be indicative of a gastrointestinal disease that is yet undetected. Your pet's stool may also become affected if there is a blockage in their digestive tract so an emergency vet should address any sudden changes.

Your pet is physically incapacitated

If you do not spend the entire day with your pet, it is easy for them to acquire an injury and end up going unnoticed by you. Thus, it is advisable to pay attention to any changes in their physicality. If your pet seems unusually lethargic or has developed a limp, you may want to have their physical health checked out to be on the safe side.