What are some signs that my pet needs emergency services? Jacksonville, FL vet gets you through the “worst”

At Bluestar Pet Hospital and Grooming, we take great pride in our accessible, urgent care and state-of-the-art emergency vet services. This provides peace of mind to pet parents. In some situations, moments matter. Drs Sri, Gutta, and Amar of our Jacksonville, FL location are happy to provide a guide to get your dog or cat back to feeling his or her best in no time.

What “trouble signs” should I watch for?

Well, that depends on if you have a dog or cat. Cats tend to be more subtle in their expressions of pain or discomfort. Dogs can be more overt in expressing pain. And, just like people, each pet expresses strong emotions in different ways. Generally, while pets cannot use language to tell us how they feel, it does not mean that they are not trying to “say” what is wrong in their own way.

Here are some of the common signs of pain among cats, decoded:

• Uncharacteristic hiding
• Flinching (especially when certain parts of the body are touched)
• Unusual or more frequent vocalizations
• Scratching
• Biting
• Growling
• Stiff, tense posture
• Poor grooming
• Rapid breathing
• Not eating

Among dogs, potential trouble signs include:

• Lack of appetite or usual interactions with people
• Persistent trembling
• Panting
• Muscle tension (i.e., “furrowed brows”)
• Grimacing; lips drawn
• Dilated pupils
• Flat ears
• Whining and whimpering
• Dilated pupils
• Pacing or inability to relax and lay down

What steps can we take?

We are glad you asked! It always pays to be prepared. Like the American Veterinary Medical Association, we encourage you to have a pet First-Aid kit at the ready, especially when traveling. We can suggest the right products, such as antidiarrheal meds, for your pet. Always have our number, 904-379-9373 , in your phone or in a place where everyone can access it. Be sure to share our number with pet-sitters or family members that may be watching your pet. Add the national poison control hotline number (888-426-4235) to your list of contacts and update the 24-hour emergency vet hospital to account for wherever you may be staying when you go on holiday or visit a loved one out of town. First-Aid is never a substitute for professional care. So, when in doubt about your fur-baby’s health, call us.

If your dog is in extreme distress, he or she may act uncharacteristically aggressive. Approach slowly and calmly and kneel to his or her level. If your pet is showing aggression, covering them with a blanket before moving them can help calm them. If your pet is not trying to bite or attack, gently position him or her onto a flat surface (like a “makeshift stretcher”). Gently lift while supporting the head and neck. To prevent injuries from biting or further distress among cats, gingerly place a soft blanket or towel over the cat. Slowly place him or her into a carrier, or other safe and comfortable form of transportation. Avoid fast, excessive or twisting movements that can further injury or upset your kitty.

Apply pressure to any open, obvious wounds and check for any foreign objects that may be interfering with your pet’s airway.

We at Bluestar at Baymeadows are here for you and your furry family member, in good times and bad. Do not hesitate to contact us today.

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