As a pet owner, it can sometimes be hard to tell when your fur baby needs immediate attention, or if it’s safe to wait until regular veterinary office hours to bring them in for care. We talked to Bridger Veterinary Specialists (BVS) to get their top tips for assessing potential emergency situations.
RATTLESNAKE BITES
What does a rattlesnake bite look like?
- Typically occur on the front limbs and face
- Characterized by 1 or 2 weeping puncture wounds
- Rapid pain and swelling
What should I do if my pet is bitten?
- Stay calm and contact your vet, even if your pet has been vaccinated.
- Remove collars, harnesses, or any items that may become constrictive as the affected area swells.
Do NOT:
- Administer any medication without veterinary approval
- Suck out the venom
- Apply tourniquets or ice packs
TOXIN INGESTION
What are some common household and outdoor items that might be toxic to my pet?
- THC or marijuana products
- Rat/gopher poison
- Human or veterinary medication
- Lillies
- Chocolate
- Grapes/raisins
- Playdough
- Xylitol (found in chewing gum and some peanut butters)
What are some of the potential signs that my pet has ingested a toxin?
Potential signs include but are not limited to:
- Hypersensitivity to light/sound
- Vomiting
- Unsteadiness
- Excessive panting, trembling, or flinching
- Leaking urine
- Lethargy and loss of appetite
- Seizures
- These signs can happen immediately, or up to one to to days after ingestion
What should I do if my pet has ingested a toxin?
- Call your regular or emergency vet immediately, or pet poison control (Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661, ASPCA Poison: 888-426-4435).
- Save the packaging of what they ingested if possible, and bring it with you to your vet visit.
- Do NOT administer hydrogen peroxide without direction from a veterinary professional.
END-OF-LIFE CARE (EUTHANASIA)
What should I know about end-of-life care at BVS?
- The staff at BVS understands that it is a very difficult and personal decision for pet owners.
- There is a saying that “one day early is better than 1 day too late” when it comes to the well-being of the pet.
- Euthanasia is usually very peaceful when provided in a planned and controlled setting, rather than feeling rushed and urgent.
- If a pet owner is unable to be with their pet at the time of its passing for whatever reason, BVS veterinary professionals sit with the pet and talk to them as if they were their own.
- There is no pressure and no rush. Owners can spend as much or as little time as they would like with their animal before and after euthanasia takes place.
- BVS handles all aftercare arrangements.
- BVS provides a Pet Loss Support Group. Meetings are held at BVS on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:45pm. All are invited and there is no cost to attend.