Foreign Object Ingestion in Pets

Foreign object ingestion is a serious emergency that happens when pets chew or swallow items they shouldn’t. Commonly ingested objects include toys, socks, rocks, string, and bones, which can block your pet’s throat, stomach, or intestines. Pets who have swallowed a foreign object may vomit, lose their appetite, show signs of abdominal pain, act unusually tired, or strain to defecate. If you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t, seek immediate veterinary care, as surgery or endoscopy is often the only solution. To prevent this pet emergency keep small or hazardous objects out of reach and supervise your pet during play.

Allergic Reactions in Pets

Pets can develop allergies to insect bites, vaccines, or medications. While some allergic reactions are mild, others can be severe and life-threatening. A pet experiencing a serious allergic reaction may have swelling, especially around the face or throat, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or raised, itchy bumps (i.e., hives) on their skin. Severe allergic reactions need immediate veterinary attention to stop dangerous inflammatory changes. Prevention may not always be possible, but monitoring your pet after vaccines or medications can help reduce the risks.

Toxin Ingestion and Pets

Toxin ingestion is a pet emergency that happens when pets eat or come into contact with harmful substances such as certain plants, medications, household products, or human foods. Depending on the toxin, symptoms can range from vomiting and diarrhea to drooling, appetite loss, weakness, or seizures. Some toxins can cause rapid organ failure or unexplained bleeding, while others may cause delayed signs. If you know or suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, seek immediate veterinary attention. To prevent toxin ingestion, identify and remove toxic items from your pet’s environment and closely monitor them in new or unfamiliar areas.

Seizures in Pets

Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain and can result from epilepsy, toxin exposure, or certain medical conditions. Seizures can be alarming for pets and people, but staying calm is essential. During a seizure, keep your pet safe by gently preventing them from falling or hurting themselves. Never put your hands in or near their mouth because your pet’s uncontrolled movements may include biting down. Any seizure lasting longer than five minutes is a pet emergency and requires immediate veterinary care. While some causes of seizures can’t be avoided, pet-proofing your home can minimize toxin-related risks.

Trauma and Pets

Traumatic injuries are pet emergencies that result from accidents such as being hit by a car, falling from a height, or being involved in a fight with another animal. Trauma may cause visible signs such as bleeding, limping, or breathing difficulties, but in some cases, pets may appear normal because their injuries are internal or adrenaline masks their pain. No matter how your pet acts, a prompt veterinary evaluation is essential to check for internal damage, such as bleeding or organ injury. Help prevent traumatic injuries by keeping your pet leashed in unsafe areas and supervising interactions with other animals.

Heat stroke in Pets

Heat stroke, or hyperthermia, occurs when a pet’s body can’t cool down properly. This veterinary emergency is most common during hot weather or in confined spaces. Certain pets, such as flat-faced breeds or overweight animals, are at higher risk. Heat stroke can cause severe distress, organ damage, and death if not treated quickly. Signs include excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, weakness, confusion, and collapse. Protect your pet from this pet emergency by always providing fresh water, limiting their outdoor activities during hot weather, and never leaving them in a car or enclosed area when temperatures are high.

These are only a sample of the common pet emergencies our Mountainside 24/7 Animal Emergency team handles every day. While we hope this article helps you recognize and prevent many of these issues, knowing what to do in an emergency can sometimes be overwhelming. If you’re concerned about your pet, contact our team. Our caring professionals can assess your pet’s condition over the phone and advise you on whether to come in. Contact us for expert assistance and peace of mind.