Pet emergencies are every dog and cat owner’s nightmare. And, although you may not be able to wrap your four-legged friend in bubble wrap to protect them from every possible danger, you can minimize their risk for the most common pet emergencies.

Here are seven tips for avoiding the pet emergencies most frequently seen at Colony Veterinary Hospital.

#1: Keep your cat indoors and leash your dog

Loose pets will more likely be involved in an accident or emergency situation. Roaming dogs or cats are not only at an increased risk for being hit by a car, but they also are more frequently attacked by a dog or wildlife, or become the victim of violence or abuse. Avoid these preventable tragedies by keeping your dog on a non-retractable leash any time you’re away from home. Ensure your yard is adequately fenced and check regularly for damage, gaps, or holes. Keep cats indoors and mentally engaged through environmental enrichment.

#2: Restrain your pet for safe car travel

Unrestrained pets in a vehicle are at an increased risk for serious injury. Loose pets can be thrown against car seats, pushed through the windshield, or thrown from a vehicle that stops suddenly. Dogs who hang out of a window can fall and be crushed beneath the car. Unsecured pets also put their owners at risk by distracting them, which causes an estimated tens of thousands of vehicle accidents per year. 

Avoid these unnecessary risks by securing your pet for all car travel, including short trips. Restraint options include:

  • Dog crates — Place the crate in the car’s back seat or cargo area. Secure the crate with tie-down straps or bungee cords to minimize movement.
  • Seat belts — Pet seat belts keep pets safely confined to the back seat and prevent an escape when you stop.
  • Cat and small dog carriers — Small pet carriers should be placed on the floor behind the front seats to prevent falling.

#3: Recognize common pet emergency warning signs

Every second counts during an emergency, but knowing when your pet needs urgent veterinary attention can be difficult. Common warning signs that can indicate your pet is in active distress include: 

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Obvious pain
  • Recurring seizures
  • Eye trauma or visible injury
  • Pale or discolored gums (e.g., white, grey, blue, or brick red)
  • High heart or respiratory rate
  • Inability to urinate
  • Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
  • Bloated or swollen abdomen
  • Unproductive vomiting (i.e., retching)
  • Unexplained lethargy
  • Collapse or fainting
  • Severe weakness 
  • Incoordination
  • Paralysis or limb dragging
  • Loss of consciousness

#4: Securely store common pet toxins or replace with pet-friendly products

Accidental poisonings and toxin ingestion are some of the most common preventable pet emergencies. Check your home for common household toxins and remove them from your pet’s reach. These may include:

  • Human and pet medications and supplements
  • Harmful foods
  • Home repair items
  • Toxic plants
  • Rat and mouse bait
  • Antifreeze that contains ethylene glycol
  • Fertilizer

Whenever possible, swap harmful items with pet-safe alternatives. 

#5: Pet proof your home

Home is where the heart is, but also where a fair number of pet accidents and emergencies occur. Minimize your pet’s risk for household injury or death by pet proofing common pet areas, including:

  • Securing electrical cords
  • Removing breakable, fragile, or keepsake items
  • Relocating toxic plants
  • Securing tall or heavy furniture (e.g., book cases)
  • Storing food toxins on high shelves or in pet-proof containers
  • Tying up blind cords and similar choking hazards
  • Preventing access to doorways, open windows, and other unsafe areas with pet gates or similar barriers

For the greatest peace of mind, confine your pet to a crate or small pet-safe room whenever you cannot supervise them.

#6: Keep your pet cool during hot weather

Heatstroke in pets is a dangerous, rapidly fatal condition. Sadly, despite increased awareness about heat-related risks, countless pets die every year when they are left outdoors without water or shade, or in a parked car. Brachycephalic (i.e., flat-faced) pets are at increased risk, and should always be closely monitored, including on mild weather days.

Protect your pet from heatstroke and heat exhaustion by keeping them indoors during extreme heat, limiting warm weather outdoor activity, exercising in the early mornings or evenings, and never leaving them in a parked car. They are in rapid danger, no matter how briefly you’ll be gone or whether you’ve cracked the windows.

If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stress, don’t wait for their condition to improve. Call Colony Veterinary Hospital or the nearest veterinary emergency center for guidance and care.

#7: Schedule annual veterinary wellness screenings to ensure early disease detection

Your pet’s yearly or twice-yearly wellness exam and screening tests can reveal hidden diseases that may not otherwise be detected until your pet’s condition is emergent or irreversible. Early diagnosis ensures rapid intervention, often with less invasive and more affordable treatment options. Pets who benefit from early detection and treatment also enjoy a better prognosis. 

Pet emergencies can feel like a living nightmare. But, like turning on the light, a few proactive measures can prevent this dark shadow from hanging over you and your pet.

If the unthinkable does happen and your pet needs emergency attention during our normal business hours, immediately contact Colony Veterinary Hospital. Our skilled team can triage your pet’s condition over the phone and advise you on next steps, or refer you to the nearest 24/7/365 veterinary emergency center.