Signs That Your Pet Needs Immediate Care

Your pet may require emergency care due to trauma from an accident or fall, for example, or other life-threatening situations such as illness, choking, heatstroke, an insect sting, or poisoning. These are some signs that you should seek veterinary care immediately:

• Change in body temperature
• Difficulty standing/walking
• Disorientation
• Excessive bleeding
• Loss of consciousness
• Pale gums
• Paralysis (apparent/sudden)
• Rapid breathing
• Seizures
• Weak or rapid pulse

This excerpt is from our Pet First Aid Handbook. To learn more about what to do in a pet-related emergency, download the NorthStar VETS Pet Emergency Handbook.