10 Common Pet Emergencies in San Antonio, TX

Just like the sunny days in San Antonio, there’s never a dull moment with our pets. The love and companionship we enjoy with our dog, cat, pet snake, or bird, fills our lives with fun. And sometimes those very adventures take an unexpected turn, leading to a pet emergency. It’s in those moments that every second counts. For prompt urgent pet care when you need it most, Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) in San Antonio, TX is open 24 hours, weekends and holidays too.

As an emergency animal hospital near you, you can call VEG to speak to a vet at 210-905-4640 and speak with a licensed emergency veterinarian. Or just walk in — no appointments taken. Within our open-concept hospital, we’ll perform triage on your pet immediately. In order to be better prepared, it’s best to understand when your pet needs emergency or urgent vet care. To help you out, here’s a look at the ten common pet emergencies in San Antonio, TX:

1. PET HAS A HEATSTROKE

While it may be the envy of the East Coast, San Antonio’s hot climate puts pets at high risk for a heatstroke, especially during the sweltering summer months. Signs include:

• Drooling
• Excessive panting
• Lethargy
• Collapse (in severe cases)

Providing pets with a cool, shaded spot and access to fresh water is essential, but if heatstroke is suspected, professional veterinary care is immediately necessary. Bring your pet in to our pet ER in San Antonio immediately for emergency veterinary treatment.

2. DOG HAS A SNAKE BITE

With San Antonio’s proximity to natural parks and wildlife areas, snake bites are a real risk for pets (and pet owners!) in Bexar County. Symptoms can vary but often include swelling, pain, and lethargy. It’s vital to keep pets away from known snake habitats and to seek emergency veterinary care at VEG San Antonio if a snake bite occurs.

3. DOGS AND CATS IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

Even the most careful pet owners can experience the unexpected. When a dog, cat, or any pet is hit by a car, it can lead to serious injuries. Symptoms of internal injuries from a traffic accident may not be immediately apparent, so it’s crucial to get your pet to VEG San Antonio right after any accident, no matter how minor it may seem.

4. DOG, CAT, BIRD, OR PET SNAKE WAS POISONED

Common household items, such as certain plants, foods, and chemicals, can be toxic to pets. Symptoms of poisoning include:

• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Lethargy
• Vomiting

Immediate veterinary care is essential to treat poisoning effectively. VEG San Antonio has the expertise to handle poison emergencies and provide the necessary treatments.

5. ALLERGIC REACTIONS IN PETS

Pets, like people, can have allergic reactions to foods, insect bites, or medications. Texas is known for its abundance of allergens too, like pollen and ragweed. Symptoms of an allergic reaction in pets might include swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or excessive itching. Quick veterinary intervention can prevent more severe complications, making it critical to bring your pet to VEG San Antonio if an allergic reaction is suspected.

6. FOREIGN BODY INGESTION BY PET DOG, CAT, RODENT, REPTILE, OR BIRD

Pets sometimes eat things they shouldn’t, leading to potential obstructions in their digestive tract. Signs of foreign body ingestion include vomiting, inability to defecate, lack of appetite, and abdominal pain. Emergency veterinary care can help safely remove the object and treat any complications. VEG is here for the San Antonio community and the surrounding Bexar County area with highly rated veterinarians who are trained to handle removing objects that your pet ate.

7. SEVERE VOMITING OR DIARRHEA IN PETS

While occasional vomiting or diarrhea can occur in pets for various reasons, severe or continuous episodes can lead to dehydration and other serious health issues. If your pet experiences persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, seeking veterinary care at VEG San Antonio on NW Loop 410 is crucial.

8. CATS AND DOGS HAVING DIFFICULTY BREATHING

Respiratory distress can be caused by a wide range of issues, from heart failure to choking. Symptoms to watch for include blue-tinged gums, gasping for air, and extreme lethargy. This situation requires immediate veterinary attention by a licensed, trained emergency veterinarian at VEG to address the underlying cause and provide relief.

9. PETS HAVING SEIZURES

Seizures can be caused by epilepsy, toxins, or underlying health conditions. They can manifest as convulsions, drooling, or even loss of consciousness. Because seizures can indicate serious health issues, it’s important to have your pet checked by a veterinarian at VEG San Antonio to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

10. TRAUMATIC INJURIES IN ANIMALS, BIRDS, RODENTS, OR REPTILES

Falls, fights with other animals, and other accidents can lead to traumatic injuries such as broken bones, cuts, and bruises. Immediate veterinary care is essential to properly assess and treat these injuries, prevent infection, and manage pain.

TOP-QUALITY PET EMERGENCY CARE IN SAN ANTONIO

At Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) San Antonio, we understand that pet emergencies can happen at any time. Our dedicated team is ready to provide compassionate, expert emergency care for your pet during their time of need. Remember, acting quickly in an emergency can make a significant difference in the outcome for your pet. If you’re ever unsure whether your pet’s situation is an emergency, give our pet ER a call. We’re ready to help. Or come right in and we’ll assess your pet’s issue right away. Best of all, you stay with your pet throughout all phases of treatment.