When a veterinary health emergency strikes, our emergency hospital is here to help. As pet owners ourselves, we understand how stressful a pet health emergency can be. Learning the warning signs for a veterinary health emergency, when to contact our Midland emergency veterinarian, and what to expect during your visit to our emergency veterinarian in Midland is important for all pet owners. Below, our veterinary care team has answered your top emergency care questions.

#1: “What are the symptoms of a pet health emergency?”
Difficulty breathing is one of the most serious pet health emergency symptoms. If your pet is having trouble breathing, is making alarming noises, or is puffing his lips when he breathes, your pet needs immediate emergency care. Restlessness, panting, and an inability to lie down are also common symptoms for health emergencies. Pets may unsuccessfully attempt to vomit or experience excessive diarrhea and vomiting. Collapse, profound weakness, and seizures are extremely serious. These can be symptoms of major internal problems, such as internal bleeding, cardiac compromise, poisoning, anaphylactic shock, or even organ failure. Profuse hemorrhage and major trauma (e.g., being hit by a car) also require immediate medical attention.

#2: “When should I bring my pet in for urgent care?”
If your pet exhibits any of the above symptoms, our Midland veterinarian recommends bringing your pet in for immediate urgent care. In general, we recommend that you err on the side of caution. If your pet has been vomiting or experiencing diarrhea for more than 24 hours, for example, the animal may be suffering from dehydration in addition to other health problems. While no appointment is necessary, we do recommend contacting our Midland emergency veterinarian clinic when you are en route to our emergency hospital. This way we can prepare for your arrival and have our Midland emergency veterinarian ready to treat your pet. When an emergency strikes, every moment matters!

#3: “What are signs of heat stroke?”
Heat stroke is a serious emergency that requires immediate medical care. Symptoms of heat stroke include heavy panting, excessive thirst, glazed eyes, excessive drooling, vomiting and bloody diarrhea, staggering, weakness, and collapse. Seizures and unconsciousness are symptoms of serious medical emergency. If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, immediately contact our veterinarian in Midland. Emergency care is critical to preventing your pet from experiencing sudden death.

#4: “What are the most common pet emergencies?”
Gastric torsion is one of the most common pet emergencies. Also known as “bloat”, gastric torsion is a life-threatening emergency. Some dogs may exhibit all of the symptoms of bloat, while others may only exhibit a few. Symptoms include restlessness, panting, an inability to lie down comfortably, unsuccessfully attempting to vomit, and abdominal distention. Because bloat is a serious, urgent medical condition, pets exhibiting bloat should be rushed to our veterinarian in Midland as quickly as possible. Surgery at our Midland emergency veterinarian clinic may be necessary to relieve the gas build up and protect your pet from serious health problems.