With its parks, lakes and trails, living in Lakewood, CO with a pet = endless happy adventures. It’s the occasional heart-pounding, head-spinning misadventure that your curious cat or daring dog gets into that makes a pet emergency pop out of virtually nowhere! Fortunately, VEG Littleton is open 24 hours, seven days a week. Call (720) 780-3311 to speak to a vet or just come in.
Sometimes your pet just seems off and other times, the need for emergency or urgent vet care is obvious. VEG Littleton’s 24-hour emergency vet hospital is ready for any kind of case, any kind of pet, any time of day or night.
And while you may not know when to expect an emergency, it’s important to know the signs and understand when to seek urgent care. Here’s a look at the top 10 pet emergencies in our Lakewood neighborhood.
THE MOST COMMON VET MED CASES WE SEE IN OUR VEG LAKEWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL
1. Pet ate chocolate
It’s no secret that our pets love to sneak a bite of our snacks. But sometimes what’s a treat for us could be trouble for them. And chocolate is no exception. Theobromine, a compound found in chocolates, is toxic to dogs and cats, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. Seek emergency vet care at VEG ER immediately if your pet ingests chocolate.
What to Watch For:
Irregular heartbeat
Panting
Excessive thirst
Restlessness
2. Vehicular accidents involving dogs or other pets
Accidents can happen, especially in busy areas around Lakewood, Littleton, and the surrounding areas. If your pet is struck by a vehicle, it may result in broken bones, internal injuries, or shock. Immediate veterinary care is vital to address life-threatening conditions, even if they may seem minor.
Signs of internal injuries:
Bleeding
Difficulty breathing
Limping or inability to stand
Pale gums
3. Insect bites and stings
Lakewood's natural surroundings mean pets are more likely to encounter insects, some of which can cause allergic reactions. Bee stings, for example, may lead to swelling, pain, or more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing. Call VEG Littleton immediately if you notice these symptoms, as severe reactions can escalate quickly.
Recognizing an allergic reaction:
Facial swelling
Hives
Sudden diarrhea or vomiting
4. Foreign body ingestion
Pets are naturally curious. And sometimes that curiosity leads to chaos — swallowing things like a piece of toy or a household item. Ingestion of foreign objects can block the digestive system or cause choking, requiring immediate veterinary attention at VEG.
Signs to look out for:
Gagging
Inability to pass stool
Vomiting
5. Severe vomiting or diarrhea in pets
Repeated vomiting or diarrhea can be signs of serious health conditions, ranging from toxin exposure to gastrointestinal diseases. This can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and other critical issues if not treated promptly. Keep your pet hydrated and contact your vet if vomiting or diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours.
6. Pet with urinary obstruction
This painful condition, more common in male cats, occurs due to urinary obstruction and can become life-threatening quickly, so seek immediate veterinary attention at your 24-hour VEG Littleton.
Signs to look out for:
Crying when trying to urinate
Producing little to no urine
7. Seizures in pets
Seizures can stem from various underlying conditions, including epilepsy, poisoning, or brain tumors. After a seizure, pets often appear disoriented or temporarily blind and require immediate medical evaluation.
Symptoms include:
Loss of consciousness
Shaking
Twitching
8. Difficulty breathing
Respiratory distress can be an indication of issues such as heart failure, lung disease, or choking. Keep your pet calm and call VEG in the Lakewood/Littleton area.
Signs to look out for:
Open-mouth breathing
Rapid panting
Wheezing
9. Heatstroke
Colorado summers can get hot, putting pets at risk for a heatstroke. It’s important to keep them cool and hydrated, and never leave them in a parked car on a warm day. Heatstroke can quickly escalate to seizures and collapse if left untreated, so seek emergency vet help ASAP at VEG Littleton.
Symptoms include:
10. Sudden collapse
A sudden collapse may indicate severe underlying health issues such as internal bleeding, heart disease, or poisoning. Immediate veterinary care at VEG Littleton can be life-saving. Observe any preceding activities or symptoms that may indicate the cause of the collapse. This information can be crucial for emergency vets to treat your pet.
TOP RATED ANIMAL EMERGENCY HOSPITAL: VEG LITTLETON IN LAKEWOOD
Recognizing common emergencies and knowing when to seek help can save your pet’s life. At VEG in Lakewood, CO, we are prepared to treat any pet, at any time and for every situation. Timely intervention can make all the difference in ensuring healthy and happy days are ahead for you and your pet.
