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Pet Health Articles

Emergencies

  • Fight wounds often result in infections that can become serious if left untreated. Punctures from bites seal over quickly, trapping bacteria under the skin. If your cat is bitten, it is important to be seen by a veterinarian for treatment as soon as possible.

  • Bleeding is concerning if a lot of blood is lost. To minimize external blood loss and prevent shock, you can provide first aid for bleeding cats until you arrive at your veterinary hospital.

  • Bleeding is concerning if a lot of blood is lost. To minimize external blood loss and prevent shock, you can provide first aid for bleeding dogs until you arrive at your veterinary hospital.

  • Broken nails are acute, painful injuries that require first aid, and in some cases, a veterinary visit. Bleeding should initially be controlled with pressure from gauze or a towel, followed by cauterizing powder if needed. Any remaining damaged part needs to be removed, which usually requires veterinary care. Broken nails are best prevented by keeping all nails short through regular trimmings.

  • Broken nails are acute, painful injuries that require first aid, and in some cases, a veterinary visit. Bleeding should initially be controlled with pressure from gauze or a towel, followed by cauterizing powder if needed. Any remaining damaged part needs to be removed, which usually requires veterinary care. Broken nails are best prevented by keeping all nails short through regular trimmings.

  • Medical emergencies occur without warning. It is important for cat owners to understand common veterinary medical emergencies and basic first aid for their pets. This handout provides guidelines to follow if your cat is experiencing shock and/or requires rescue breathing or CPR.

  • Medical emergencies occur without warning. It is important for dog owners to understand common veterinary medical emergencies and basic first aid for their pets. This handout provides guidelines to follow is your dog is experiencing shock and/or requires rescue breathing or CPR.

  • Even though cats usually land on their feet, they can still sustain injuries when they fall. Prepared cat owners should be aware of the problems that can result when a feline takes a tumble. Serious injuries need to be evaluated immediately by your veterinarian, but there are steps you can take at home to prepare your pet to be transported to your veterinary hospital.

  • Even though dogs have four feet, it only takes a stumble on one foot to make a dog tumble down. Dogs that fall from heights can suffer sprains, broken bones, head trauma, and chest or abdominal injuries. Small dogs can incur injuries from falling much smaller distances. Serious injuries need to be evaluated immediately by your veterinarian, but there are steps you can take at home to prepare your pet to be transported to your veterinary hospital.

  • Insect stings or bites can cause mild signs of swelling, pain, and itching or can be more severe, causing hives, anaphylactic reactions, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures. In more severe cases, emergency veterinary attention is required to stabilize the cat, screen for organ dysfunction, and provide supportive care.