One of our main jobs as pet owners is to keep our furry pals happy and healthy. However, pets often find themselves in emergency situations. Our LaGrange Veterinary Hospital team has put together a list of a few of the most common pet emergencies we see and simple steps you can take to prevent them from happening. 

Toxin ingestion in pets

Pets are naturally curious and often taste things that are new to them or have an interesting scent. Unfortunately, many items can be poisonous if ingested. Here are some tips for avoiding run-ins with pet toxins: 

  • Keep medications locked away — Many prescription and over-the-counter medications that are safe for people are toxic to pets. Store all medications in a secure medicine cabinet, and ensure purses, backpacks, and guests’ luggage are hung on hooks or kept behind a closed door.
  • Store toxic household items out of reach — Products like paint, pesticides, antifreeze, fertilizers, and cleaning products can poison your pet. Store all household products on a high, out-of-reach shelf, or in a secure cabinet or drawer. 
  • Don’t share toxic human foods — Sharing with your pet can be tempting, but many foods we enjoy, such as chocolate, grapes, raisins,  onions, garlic, and sugar-free sweets, are extremely toxic to pets. Stick to pet food, with occasional pet-safe veggies (e.g., cucumber, green beans, broccoli) and fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, cantaloupe) as treats.
  • Know what plants are toxic to pets — Many people take pleasure in decorating their house with beautiful flowers, but some plants, including lilies, azaleas, and tulips, are poisonous to pets when ingested. Research which plants are safe for pets before taking your next trip to the flower shop. 

Heatstroke in pets

Heatstroke is a common, life-threatening condition in pets that is easily avoidable. Keep your pet cool during hot days by following these simple tips: 

  • Provide fresh water for your pet — Place several bowls of fresh water around your house and bring bottled water on walks and hikes to keep your pet hydrated. 
  • Let your pet play in the water on hot days — Fill a kiddie pool with water or mist your pet with a sprinkler on hot days to keep them refreshed and hydrated. 
  • Ensure your pet has a constant source of shade — During short outdoor potty breaks, ensure your pet has a shady spot to cool down. Additionally, take walks early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is less intense. 

Playtime injuries in pets

Consistent exercise and mental stimulation is vital for your pet’s health and well-being, but unsafe playtime can often lead to injuries. Tips to avoid an accident include: 

  • Keep your pet leashed while outdoors — Even the best-behaved dog can forget their training when they see a squirrel. Unleashed dogs are at risk for being struck by a car or attacked by another dog, so keep your pal on a non-retractable leash at all times. 
  • Use gates to block off unsafe areas — Install gates to block off the top and bottom of staircases to prevent your young or elderly pet from falling. 
  • Monitor your pet’s playtime — Keep a close eye on your dog when they’re playing with other dogs.  Watch for signs of distress or aggression, such as growling, pinned ears, exposed teeth, or raised fur, that indicate an impending scuffle that could lead to an injury, and remove your dog from the situation immediately. 

Provide consistent preventive care

Routine wellness check-ups and consistent at-home care are required to keep your pet healthy and detect problems early before they turn into emergencies. Essential preventive care includes: 

  • Yearly check-ups — Your pets should visit our veterinary team at least once a year so we can assess their overall health and physical well-being.
  • Vaccinations — Routine vaccination can help protect your pet from many infectious diseases. 
  • Parasite prevention — All pets should receive year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention to protect them from dangerous parasites and the diseases they transmit.
  • Exercise and diet — Provide a balanced diet according to your pet’s nutritional needs and daily exercise to help them maintain a healthy weight. 

By taking these proactive steps, avoiding pet emergencies can be easy. However, despite our best efforts, some pets will still find themselves in emergency situations. If this happens, don’t panic—contact LaGrange Veterinary Hospital immediately so we can treat your pet accordingly.