Everybody wants to provide the best for their pets. We give them the highest quality foods, make sure they get exercise, and shower them with all the love and affection that they have for us. But when it comes to making medical decisions for our pets, many of us are awash. Since they are incapable of communicating with us, we can’t know what kind of pain or symptoms that they’re feeling, like we would with a child. Sometimes all that’s needed is a check-up with your regular vet, but just like with people, sometimes your pet needs to go to the hospital.
When to Call the Hospital
- When your pet has stopped breathing.
- When you have trouble locating a heartbeat.
- When your pet is unconscious and non-responsive.
- When your pet is vomiting blood.
- When they have a broken bone, or if you suspect they have a broken bone.
- During or after your pet has had a seizure.
- If you think your pet has eaten something toxic.
- If your pet is bleeding from any orifices.
- If your pet is showing consistent signs of pain, such as whimpering or whining.
- If your pet collapses, or is unable to stand on their own.
- If there is visible injury to their eyes, or if they seem to have gone blind.
- If their abdomen is swollen and hard.
- When your pet is trying to gag or vomit.
- If a pregnancy is not continuing as it should.
- If you’ve called your vet already and they aren’t open.
When to Call the Vet
- When your pet is vomiting normally.
- When your pet has diarrhea
- When your pet seems to have low energy.
- If your pet is having trouble urinating.
- If your pet is disoriented or bumping into things.
- When your pet refuses to eat.
- If your pet seems to be losing weight or look sickly.
- When your pet has been sleeping more than usual.
You generally don’t want to let anything come to a crisis if you can help it, so make sure to make regular appointments with your veterinarian to keep an eye on your pet’s health. This list shouldn’t be an end-all, either, but a set of guidelines. If you feel like there is something beyond the norm with your pet, even if you can’t put a finger on it, please take them to a veterinary hospital. In Chicago, there are a number of such options, and veterinary hospitals are capable of providing more immediate and extensive care than most veterinarians. Contact Portage Park Animal Hospital & Dental Clinic for more detail or visit .
