10 Common Pet Emergencies in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, PA

Our pets know just how to fill our hearts with joy with their adorable antics. And they also know how to infuse our lives with twists and turns when you least expect it! Pet emergencies are more common than you know in our vibrant Philly neighborhood. And at VEG, aka Veterinary Emergency Group in Northern LIberties, we have extensive experience in treating dogs, cats, avians, rodents, and reptiles. Located on West Girard Ave., our vet hospital is open 24 hours. Call VEG Northern Liberties at 267-351-8440 and speak to an ER veterinarian or just walk in—no appointments taken.

RECOGNIZING A PET EMERGENCY

Understanding what constitutes a pet emergency is vital. Some situations may seem minor but could indicate a more severe issue. Key symptoms to look out for include difficulty breathing, excessive bleeding, sudden collapses, or prolonged vomiting and diarrhea. If you notice any of these signs or feel something isn’t right with your pet, it’s important to seek immediate veterinary care. VEG Northern Liberties’ emergency vet clinic is equipped to handle these situations, providing expert and customer-focused care.

PREPARING FOR PET EMERGENCIES

Being prepared for pet emergencies involves several key steps:

• Keep a pet-specific first aid kit – At home and in your car, these kits come in handy. Pack items like gauze, non-stick bandages, and hydrogen peroxide (for inducing vomiting—always check with your vet first!).
• Have an emergency plan for your pet – Know the quickest route to VEG Northern Liberties on W. Girard Ave. and save us to your contacts. It can save precious time when you need urgent vet help.
• Learn pet CPR and first-aid – Familiarize yourself with basic pet first aid and CPR. This knowledge can be invaluable in an emergency.

Now that you have some tips to be ready for pet emergencies, let’s explore the symptoms and possible causes for 10 common pet emergencies in Northern Liberties.

1. PET ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES

Symptoms of injury: Limping, inability to move, visible wounds, bleeding, swelling, or sudden changes in behavior indicating pain or shock.

Possible accident and injury causes: May range from minor falls to major traumas like being hit by a car.

2. ALLERGIC REACTIONS IN PET DOGS & CATS

Symptoms: Swelling of the face or paws, hives, excessive scratching, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Common causes: Insect bites, certain foods, or reactions to medications or vaccines.

3. PETS HAVING HEATSTROKE

Heatstroke symptoms in pets: Excessive panting, drooling, reddened gums, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, uncoordinated movement, or collapse.

Risk factors for pet heatstroke: High temperatures, humidity, lack of water or confinement in a hot environment (like a car).

4. PET ATE SOMETHING POISONOUS

Symptoms of pet poisoning and toxic ingestion: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, tremors, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite, and in severe cases, collapse.

Common toxins to pets: Human medications, certain plants, household cleaners, rodenticides, and some human foods like chocolate and xylitol, which is found in gum, condiments, and sweets.

5. PETS HAVING SEIZURES

Seizure symptoms in pets: Sudden, uncontrolled shaking or twitching, loss of consciousness, drooling, chomping, or foaming at the mouth.

Possible causes for seizure: Epilepsy, brain tumors, toxins, or metabolic issues like low blood sugar.

6. GASTROINTESTINAL ISSUES IN CATS & DOGS

Symptoms of gastrointestinal problems in pets: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, loss of appetite, and in severe cases, dehydration, or collapse.

Possible causes for pet gastrointestinal issues: Ingestion of foreign objects, infections, pancreatitis, parasites, or chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.

7. URINARY TRACT PROBLEMS IN CATS

Symptoms of urinary tract issues in cats or other pets: Straining to urinate, frequent urination, bloody urine, pain while urinating or not being able to urinate at all.

Common reasons for feline and other pet urinary problems: Urinary tract infections (UTI), bladder stones, or urinary blockages (especially in male cats).

8. RESPIRATORY DISTRESS IN DOGS & CATS

Symptoms of pet in respiratory distress: Coughing, wheezing, labored breathing, blue-colored gums, and in severe cases, gasping for air.

Possible causes for respiratory distress in pets: Heart disease, lung disease, allergic reactions or foreign bodies in the airway.

9. BLOAT (GASTRIC DILATATION-VOLVULUS) IN DOGS

Symptoms of dog bloat (GDV): Swollen or hard abdomen, retching without vomiting, restlessness, drooling, and in severe cases, collapse.

Dog breeds at risk for GDV: Typically large, deep-chested breeds like Great Danes, German Shepherds, Irish Setters, and Standard Poodles.

10. PETS WITH EYE INJURIES

Symptoms of eye injury in pets: Redness, swelling, tearing, discharge from the eye, squinting, or pawing at the eye.

Common causes of pet eye injury: Trauma, foreign bodies in the eye, infections, or diseases like glaucoma.

COME TO VEG NORTHERN LIBERTIES FOR EMERGENCY PET CARE

At VEG in Northern Liberties, we understand how alarming pet emergencies can be. While it’s natural for pet parents to be stressed during an emergency, our experienced vets care here 24 hours a day, even on weekends and holidays, to care for domestic and exotic pets. Through this experience, we know it’s best to stay calm, know the symptoms to look for, and get to VEG Northern Liberties! That’s why we’re committed to providing exceptional emergency care when your pet needs it most. Our skilled team is always ready to assist, offering expert advice and compassionate care. If you have any questions or if your pet is experiencing an emergency, please don’t hesitate to call VEG Northern Liberties. Together, we can ensure the best possible outcome for your pet in any emergency situation. If your pet is experiencing these or any other issue that needs urgent care, call the pet emergency professionals at VEG immediately and we’ll prepare for your arrival. We handle accident victims, vomiting, surgeries, and more, and within our open-concept animal hospital, you can stay with your pet through all phases of treatment and if needed, hospitalization.