Common Pet Emergencies Pet Parents in Atlanta, GA Should Know About
Do you live in Atlanta, Georgia? Do you have a pet? If so, you should brush up on some of the most common pet emergencies in this part of the country. The more you know about these emergencies, the easier it will be for you to respond if your pet encounters one.
6 Common Pet Emergencies That Can Happen in Atlanta, GA
Read through the information below to learn more about a few pet emergencies you need to know about when you live in and around Atlanta. This information can make it easier for you to keep an eye on your furry friends and make sure they stay healthy and happy at the same time.
6 common pet emergencies pet parents in Atlanta should be aware of include:
Vehicle Trauma
Atlanta is a very large city, and because of this, there are many vehicles on the streets at any given time of the day or night. Animals who are allowed to roam freely or who escape from their owners may be susceptible to acute trauma related to vehicle accidents.
You can usually tell if your pet is injured by a vehicle. However, if your pet shows no outward signs, you should still take her to the emergency vet in Atlanta, GA right away to be checked for internal damage.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is extremely common in pets in Atlanta. During the summer months, it gets extremely hot in this part of the country, and the asphalt throughout the city doesn’t help. Pets most commonly suffer from heatstroke when left unattended in vehicles, but this emergency can also occur in pets who exercise or play too hard in hot weather.
Signs of heatstroke include excessive drooling, excessive panting or labored breathing, increased heart rate, lethargy, and collapse. The sooner you get your pet to the emergency vet when dealing with heatstroke, the better chances she will have of recovering.
Snake and Insect Bites
Although Atlanta is a city, that doesn’t mean it’s free from snakes and insects that could cause harm. In fact, depending on where you are in Atlanta, these can be a serious problem for you and your pet. Venomous snakes and biting or stinging insects can all cause serious reactions in animals.
If your pet has been bitten or stung and is swelling in the face or snout, go to the emergency vet in Atlanta right away. Additionally, if your pet has been bitten or stung and is vomiting, having diarrhea, showing lethargy or weakness, or seems to have a fever, these are all signs of an emergency as well.
Attacks from Other Animals
Atlanta is home to many animals, both domestic and wild. Other pets in your area may be more aggressive than yours and may attack or get into fights with your pet, especially if they are left unattended together or if your pet roams. Wild animals may also attack, bite, or scratch your pet if your pet spends time outside without supervision. This is why attacks from other animals is considered to be one of the common pet emergencies that can occur in this area.
In these instances, it’s always important to go to the emergency vet, even if your pet doesn’t seem to be seriously injured. If you don’t know the vaccination history of the other animal—or if the other animal was wild—your pet may need treatment for various diseases.
Ingestion of Toxic Substances
Cities like Atlanta are packed with toxic substances that pets may ingest, and many of these are related to vehicles. Substances like antifreeze are common causes of pet emergencies in Atlanta and elsewhere too.
Learn how to recognize the signs of when your pet may have ingested a toxic substance or other common poisons. Your pet may become severely lethargic or may be unable to stand. Your pet could suffer from seizures, have excessive drooling, vomit frequently, or have a lot of diarrhea. All of these signs are cause for concern and should be treated as emergencies.
Ingestion of Foreign Objects
Finally, your pet may also suffer from the ingestion of foreign objects. Even within the home, pets may be at risk for swallowing or inhaling objects that they shouldn’t. For example, pets may chew off small pieces of their toys and then swallow them, leading to an airway obstruction.
If your pet has ingested or inhaled a foreign object, you can tell because your pet will start having trouble breathing. You may also notice signs such as excessive drooling, change in the color of your pet’s gums, or restlessness. Go to the emergency vet in Atlanta right away if you see these signs.
Go to The Village Vets for All Common Pet Emergencies in Atlanta, GA
These are just some of the pet emergencies you might encounter in Atlanta, Georgia. However, they can give you a good starting point to help you better understand what problems to be on the lookout for with your own pet.
No matter what type of pet you have, it’s important to learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of these emergencies before they become a problem. Once you know your pet is dealing with an emergency, you can go to the emergency vet as soon as possible.
If your pet is experiencing one of the common pet emergencies mentioned here, or any other kind of emergency, contact our team at The Village Vets right away. We have an emergency animal hospital in Atlanta that’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so your pet never has to wait to get the care they need. When it comes to the safety and wellbeing of your pet, never hesitate to seek immediate help. Call us today at (404) 371-9774 and bring your pet right in.