How to Handle Common Pet Injuries
Our household pets bring so much joy to our lives but tend to have a knack for getting themselves in trouble. If your furry companion sustains an injury, our team at McKinney Emergency Veterinary Clinic is here to help. We are pleased to offer 24/7 emergency care tailored to your feline or canine friend’s needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
What Are Common Pet Emergencies?
The following are common pet emergencies and what you can do to help:
Foreign Body Ingestion: Pets are notorious for trying to eat just about anything, from rocks to your favorite socks, string, or yarn. While many foreign objects will pass, some can cause obstructions, posing a threat to your furry friend’s health. If your cat or dog vomits repeatedly, refuses to eat, is lethargic, or experiences severe abdominal pain, it’s important to seek immediate emergency care. Intestinal obstructions are serious and can be life-threatening without prompt care.
Animal Bites: Animal bites are among the most common pet injuries. They most commonly occur due to fights with other cats or dogs, leading to skin lacerations, deep wounds, and bruises. Use a clean towel or gauze to place gentle, firm pressure on any bleeding wound. Keep in mind that a bite may not seem as serious as it is, especially when it comes to cats, so it’s essential to seek immediate veterinary care.
Trauma: Accidents, such as being hit by a car, can cause serious injuries, which is why we highly recommend keeping your pet on a leash or under your control at all times. If your pet is hit by a car or suffers trauma, use gentle pressure to control any bleeding. Injuries, such as bruising of the lungs, are not always visible, so it’s important to seek emergency care.
Pet Poisoning: Ingesting certain household plants, chemicals, human foods, and medications can cause severe illness or even death to a curious pet. It’s important to keep anything toxic to your furry companion well out of reach. If you believe your furry companion has ingested something poisonous, contact our office or the poison control hotline for guidance. Never force your pet to vomit unless instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.
Eye Injury: A scuffle with a pet or even a favorite toy can result in eye injuries that can range from mild corneal scratches and abrasions to severe injuries and perforations. Signs of eye injury may include a noticeable wound, rapid blinking, tearing, or pawing at the area. If your pet shows signs of eye injury or won’t let you anywhere near their eyes, make sure to contact us for immediate care. The quicker you seek treatment, the better the outcomes for your furry friend.
A Torn or Broken Nail: While this may not be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to pet injuries, you may be surprised at the amount of blood a torn or broken nail can produce. Nail injuries often occur due to nails getting too long or accidentally nicking your pet’s “quick” when trimming the nails. If you can’t control the bleeding within a few minutes, bring your pet in for immediate care. Uncontrolled bleeding can pose a serious risk to your furry friend’s health.
Heat Stroke or Dehydration: It’s easy to overheat when outdoors during hot weather, especially when it comes to older or overweight pets. It’s also important to raise awareness about the perils of leaving pets unattended in vehicles. During summer, it only takes minutes for the temperatures to soar to dangerous levels, leaving your pet at risk of serious complications or even death. Signs of heat stroke may include panting, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and even collapse. This is a serious emergency requiring immediate care.
Emergency Care Near Me in McKinney, TX
If your aging pet requires emergency care, contact McKinney Emergency Veterinary Clinic right away. Our experienced emergency veterinary team will provide immediate care to ensure the best outcomes for your furry friends. You can always count on us for compassionate, state-of-the-art care.
If your pet experiences an emergency, please contact us at 469-820-0233. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care to household pets in McKinney, TX, and the surrounding communities.