As Veterinary Emergency care specialists, we see and treat pets for many different reasons – from minor sicknesses to trauma or foreign body surgeries. We’ve compiled a list of some of the top hazards that we’ve seen at our ER.
1. Chocolate – It is very important to seek veterinary advice in regards to chocolate. The degree of toxicity is dependent on the size of the pet and the type of chocolate. For example, milk chocolate is less toxic than dark chocolate. This is much more of a concern for dogs than cats.
2. Holiday Meals – Big trouble can arise if our pets partake in the richness of our traditional holiday meals. An excess in calories and fat can lead to gastrointestinal upset (vomiting and diarrhea). In more severe cases, pancreatitis can develop. Pancreatitis often requires a hospital stay (24-48 hours). Pancreatitis is much more of a concern for dogs than cats.
3. Plants – The ingestion of toxic plants can also serious medical emergencies. The most important of these are lilies. These flowers can cause kidney failure in cats. Here is a list of plants that are toxic to pets.
4. Foreign Bodies – Common signs of foreign body ingestion are a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain. We often see a spike in ingested foreign material during the holidays that often require surgery.
5. Trauma – If pets are not acclimated to each other, fights and bites can occur. If there is a significant size difference between pets, major injuries can occur.
If your pet ever has an emergency, we’re here for you.