Vegas! So exciting to visit and reside in, but pet owners in Las Vegas, NV should be aware of a few dangers that come with living in this desert paradise. Its hot climate and urban landscape pose specific risks to pets, and this blog will explore 10 common pet emergencies a pet in Las Vegas can face.
Understanding these common pet emergencies can make all the difference in ensuring the safety and health of our little besties. For any pet emergency or urgent care needs in this area, contact Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) Las Vegas at (702) 790-8242 for immediate attention. Las Vegas pet owners, add us to your contacts to save precious time in the event of an emergency.
1. Hot in the shade - the danger of heatstroke
Those native to Las Vegas can say, “It’s a dry heat” to minimize the severity of what us humans feel. But to our pets, whether dry or humid, it can be dangerous, and they rely on us for protection. Las Vegas's desert temperatures can soar, putting pets at risk of heatstroke. Signs include:
Collapse
Drooling
Excessive panting
Lethargy
If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, it's vital to get them to a cooler environment and call VEG Las Vegas immediately.
Prevention is key so here are our top tops to avoid heatstroke:
Ensure your pet has access to the shade
Make sure your pet has access to fresh water
Never, ever leave pets in parked cars, even with the window cracked
2. It’s dry as a tumbleweed out—watch for dehydration
Dehydration can occur quickly in the Vegas heat. Even a short amount of time outdoors can lead to enough loss of body moisture to lead to dehydration. Symptoms may include:
Dry gums
Sunken eyes
Weakness
Offering constant access to clean water and monitoring your pet's hydration status is essential, especially during the warmer months. If you think your pet is dehydrated, contact VEG Las Vegas for advice and treatment.
3. Sssssnake bites happen
Mohave shovel-nosed snakes, desert glossy snakes, striped whipsnake…so many varieties of snakes in the Vegas area! And who can blame them? It’s the perfect climate to happily slither around! So, if you have pets in Las Vegas, an encounter with a snake, including venomous ones, are a real threat. Symptoms of a snake bite can vary but often include:
Pain
Signs of shock - disoriented, rapid breathing, vomiting, etc.
Swelling
Immediate veterinary care is critical, so call VEG Las Vegas if you suspect your pet has been bitten by a snake.
4. Totally toxic—agents of accidental poisoning
Some emergencies we see at VEG can happen anywhere, but this one makes the list because we see a lot of toxic ingestions. Pets can devour poisonous substances, like:
Household chemicals
Human medications
Toxic plants
Symptoms of poisoning vary widely but may include:
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Seizures
Vomiting
Obviously, you want to keep hazardous substances out of reach, but if your pet happens to get into something they shouldn’t, contact our VEG team for emergency vet care in Las Vegas.
5. My pet ate what?! Foreign body ingestion
Curious animals, especially puppies and kittens, may swallow objects that can cause internal blockages. But how do you know it even happened? Look for signs like:
Abdominal pain
Inability to defecate
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
This situation requires urgent attention; please call VEG Las Vegas if your pet has ingested a foreign object.
6. City, suburbs, and desert trauma
No matter where you live in the Las Vegas area, there are unexpected dangers that happen before you know it. There’s no judgment at VEG—we know accidents happen beyond even the most responsible pet owner’s control. If your pet was hit by a car, or got into a fight with another animal, or had any traumatic experience, immediate vet attention is needed and VEG’s doors are open 24/7. Seek immediate care if you see any sign of trauma, including:
Limping
Shock
Visible wounds
7. Dangerous and annoying allergic reactions
Your normally docile pet is especially antsy, itchy, and scratchy! Well, pets can develop an allergic reaction to foods, insect bites, or medications. Their system is getting a signal that it’s being attacked, and symptoms can span from mild to severe. Don’t gamble on waiting it out until it passes; quick action and contacting VEG can be life-saving. Symptoms can include:
Limping
Shock
Visible wounds
8. More than shaky - what seizures look like
Seizures in pets can be caused by various issues, including epilepsy, poisoning, or metabolic disorders. Witnessing a seizure is certainly scary but remain as calm as you can, and call VEG. Come in and we’ll triage your pet the moment you walk through the door. Really, no waiting!
Know the signs of seizure:
Loss of consciousness
Twitching
Uncontrollable muscle movement
Unusual behavior
9. Urinary blockages are a bummer
Gotta go, gotta go…can’t. This is particularly common in male cats but can affect any pet. Urinary blockages are a medical emergency, so contacting VEG Las Vegas right away is crucial. Symptoms include:
Crying in pain
Struggling to urinate
Not being able to urinate at all
10. Ick and ugh - diarrhea and vomiting
While occasional mild diarrhea or vomiting isn't uncommon, persistent or severe symptoms can indicate a serious issue. Causes can range from infections to more serious diseases. That’s why it’s important to get your pet checked out if he or she has ongoing vomiting or diarrhea. Check our blog for more info on these symptoms and other pet emergencies.
VEG Las Vegas is your partner in your pet’s emergency care
The health and safety of your pet are paramount and we hope this blog helps you recognize signs of a pet emergency. Knowing when to seek help can save your pet's life. If you’re unsure that it’s an emergency, call Veterinary Emergency Group Las Vegas at (702) 790-8242. You’ll speak to a doctor who can answer your questions right away. Come in anytime and see an emergency veterinarian immediately, and you can stay with your pet throughout all stages of treatment. Remember, acting swiftly in an emergency can make a significant difference in the outcome for your pet.
