Emergency Care FAQs and Answers from Our Veterinarian in Charlotte

At Compassionate Care Veterinary Hospital in Charlotte, our veterinarian sincerely hopes that your pet will never experience a medical emergency. Unfortunately, emergencies can occur very which is why it's so important for pet owners to be aware of the common signs of pet emergencies, what to do if such a situation arises and when to bring a pet into our animal hospital. We receive many common questions about pet emergencies, so our veterinary team has taken the time to compile some answers to these frequently asked questions for your reference below.

1. What is considered a pet emergency?

There are many common emergencies that we see fairly regularly. These include accidental ingestion of poisons/toxins, traumatic injuries (such as from being struck by a car), and lacerations from animal fights. Any situation where a pet's life could be on-the-line if care isn't received promptly is considered a medical emergency.

2. What signs and symptoms should I watch for?

Sometimes, it may not be obvious when a pet is suffering from a medical emergency. Some signs to watch out for that could indicate the need for emergency care include:

• persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea
• unexplained lethargy or change in temperament
• sudden loss of appetite
• seizures, convulsions, or loss of consciousness

3. Is it safe to approach an injured animal?

Generally, you should not attempt to handle an injured animal if you are not aware of their temperament, as this could pose a danger to you. Even house pets that are usually friendly may try to bite or attack if they feel they are in danger, so always approach and handle even your own pet with extreme caution.

4. Can I attempt to treat a pet myself?

You should never attempt to treat in injured or sick pet yourself; at the very least, please give our office a call so we can determine whether or not your pet needs to be brought into our office for evaluation or treatment.

5. When should I contact an emergency vet in Charlotte?

Any time your pet is showing signs of distress, difficulty breathing, or other life-threatening symptoms, it's important to contact an emergency vet right away. Every second counts when a pet is suffering.

Contact Our Veterinarian in Charlotte, NC Today!

If you have additional, non-urgent questions about Charlotte pet emergencies, feel free to contact our veterinarian in Charlotte NC today by calling 704-847-4796. Compassionate Care Veterinary Hospital of Charlotte offers both emergency and non-emergency services, including microchipping in Charlotte.