Pets are family, and like their human companions, they may come down with an illness or have an accident at some point. Since pets can go downhill quickly, it’s important to seek Emergency Vet Care in Alexandria VA if a pet begins to act strangely or becomes injured in any way. Attending to problems early on can minimize a pet’s discomfort and prevent more serious issues from occurring.
Illness
There are several signs that may indicate that a pet is not feeling well. Sudden changes in eating, such as a loss of appetite or excessive thirst, a rough or dry coat, uncharacteristically sluggish or tired all of the time, frequent vomiting or diarrhea especially if blood is present, unusual stools, red or cloudy eyes, a sudden loss of weight, scooting or dragging their back end across the floor, or any other obvious signs of an injury may indicate that something is wrong. IF a pet exhibits any of these behaviors, it may be time to Contact Hayfield Animal Hospital and have the pet checked out.
Injury
An injury usually happens as the result of an accident. If an animal has been hit by a vehicle, has taken a fall from a height of any kind, has difficulty breathing, is unconscious, whimpers or cries from pain or is bleeding, then Emergency Vet Care in Alexandria VA should be sought out as soon as possible. Injured animals can go into shock quickly, which can escalate into a life-threatening situation if the animal’s pain and anxiety aren’t dealt with in a timely manner.
When to Seek Care
What may be normal behavior for one pet may not be normal behavior for another animal. It’s important to treat each pet and each symptom on its own merit in order to properly determine if a pet needs to be seen by a veterinarian. If any behavior appears to be out of the ordinary, then the animal should be examined at a veterinary office. It’s much better to play it safe than to risk being wrong.
Wellness care can help a pet to avoid contracting an illness that is preventable. Regular checkups can catch a problem in an early stage before it turns into a serious issue. If a pet isn’t acting normally, a veterinary exam can determine what’s wrong.
