Common Pet Emergencies in South Loop, IL

Do you live in the South Loop part of Chicago, Illinois? Do you have a pet? If you’re a South Loop resident and a pet owner, it’s important to brush up on the possible issues and common pet emergencies you may face with your furry friend in this part of the country.

6 Common Pet Emergencies to Be Aware of in South Loop, IL

In the article below, you’ll find out more about some of the most common pet emergencies in South Loop. You can use this information to plan ahead and protect your pet against as many of these risks as possible, both in your home and outside, too. It’s very important to go to your nearest emergency vet in South Loop, IL should your pet experience these emergencies or if you’re concerned about their health.

6 of the most common pet emergencies that an occur in South Loop, IL include:

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is more common in hotter climates, but there are still plenty of hot days in the summer months in South Loop, and the pavement can make the reflected heat even hotter. Pets are at risk for heatstroke if they are left outdoors or allowed to overexert themselves on a very hot day, or if they are left alone in a vehicle even on a mild day.

Some pets are more at risk than others, this includes our older animals and brachycephalic dogs (short nosed – bull dogs, pugs and french bull dogs). Please be aware that come of these pets are more prone to heat stroke than others!

Your pet may also risk burning his paw pads if he walks on very hot asphalt or pavement during the summer. All of these instances are emergencies.

Frostbite

Frostbite is common in pets in Chicago due to its very cold temperatures. Just like humans, it is more common in the extremities (feet and toes). If it is extremely cold outside, consider buying booties for your dog’s paws to keep them dry and a bit warmer.

Additionally, if you live in the part of South Loop with quick access to the lake, your pet may try to go swimming during the colder parts of the year and may be more at risk of frostbite from this habit, too.

If your pet’s skin turns bright red, blue, gray, or black, go to the emergency vet immediately. Additionally, if your pet’s skin is very icy and cold to the touch even after he has been indoors for a couple of minutes, this can be an early sign of frostbite as well.

Vehicle Injury

Vehicle injuries are sadly all too common in big cities, which is why this is considered to be one of the common pet emergencies that can happen in the South Loop area. Pets who are allowed to roam freely are at a much greater risk, but there is always the chance your pet could get away from you on a walk or slip past you when you open the front door and run into the road, too.

If your pet is injured by a vehicle, go to the emergency vet right away. The sooner you get there, the more likely the vet will be to save your pet and help heal any damage. Even if there are no obvious external wounds, there may be something insidious going on internally after a big trauma, so it is best to get them checked out immediately.

Bite from a Wild Animal or Other Pet

In Chicago, there are a lot of pets as well as some wild animals present. If your pet happens to get into a fight with one of these other animals, you may not always be able to find out whether or not that animal has had all of its shots. And if that animal is wild, rabies is always a potential risk factor.

If your pet is injured in a fight with another pet, a stray, or a wild animal, go to the emergency vet in South Loop for a full workup and proper treatment, too. The emergency vet can give you more information about any shots your pet may need immediately following this attack.

Ingestion of Poison

In a city like Chicago, there are a lot of poisons present. You may use rat poison or insect poison in and around your home, and your pet may also have access to substances like antifreeze from nearby vehicles, which is also toxic if ingested.

Please be aware that some of these “poisons” may be common household food items as well, such as grapes, raisins or chocolate. Please go to our blog post for a list of common household items that can be dangerous for pets.

Look for signs of poison ingestion in your pet and go to the emergency vet right away if you suspect this problem. If your pet begins vomiting or having severe diarrhea without a known cause, or if your pet is having seizures or convulsions, go to the emergency vet as soon as possible.

Swallowing of Foreign Object

It is possible for pets to potentially swallow foreign objects. Although this emergency is more common in dogs and cats, it can happen to any pet and can quickly block the airways, making it hard for your pet to breathe.

If you know your pet has swallowed or inhaled an object or if he is showing signs that his breathing is distressed, take him to the emergency vet. The vet may need to remove the object through emergency surgery.

VEG is Here to Help for Any and All Common Pet Emergencies in South Loop, IL

Although it is impossible to fully keep your pet from encountering any emergency situations ever, you can cut down on his risks significantly by keeping this information in mind. When you prepare for potential pet emergencies, you can ensure your pet will be as safe as possible and live a long, healthy, happy life in most instances, too.

Of course, if you do experience a pet emergency, make sure to get to an emergency vet right away. The sooner you take your pet to a good quality emergency vet, the more quickly he can receive treatment and get on his way to recovery.

VEG is opening a new location in South Loop, IL that will be staffed with a compassionate team who’s ready to help with any and all common pet emergencies that your pet may experience. Emergency is our middle name, it’s what we do. So if you encounter any of the emergency situations mentioned above, or any other type of emergency, don’t hesitate to bring your pet in to see us. Our team is here for you and your pet when you need us most.