So…our new guy Gilbert found a container of fish food. Since he can’t read, he didn’t realize that it wasn’t something that he shouldn’t eat. So he ate it. Actually, he ate the food and the cardboard container.
When Gilbert’s family found out, they were understandably concerned. What should they do? Would the fish food hurt Gilbert? Was this an emergency? Should they rush him to the vet? Was Gilbert going to DIE?!
Thankfully, Gilbert’s family was assured that he was going to be just fine, after a tummy ache and some extra trips outside.
And yes, the fish food is now out of Gilbert’s reach.
What about you, though? What are the steps that you should take if your family has an emergency like Gilbert’s?
First of all, if your dog or cat has any of the following, you should seek care immediately:
- Difficulty breathing
- Choking on a foreign object
- Trauma, like being hit by a car, an animal attack or bite, or a fall of more than ten feet
- Straining to urinate, or total inability to defecate
- Repeated bouts of frequent vomiting and diarrhea, especially if they can’t keep water down.
- Heatstroke/hypothermia
Read about 13 emergencies that need immediate care.
For most other illnesses, you can call us. If it’s after hours (until 10 pm), patients can call our consultation line at 336-227-9979. For after hours emergency care, call 336-270-4929. If your pet has ingested something you can call the SPCA poison control line at 888-426-4435.
Accidents happen. Fish food (and socks, and chocolate, and toxic plants) get eaten. Cats and dogs get sick.
That’s why we’re here. We’re here for true life threatening emergencies, and for worrisome but thankfully non-emergencies like this one for Gilbert.
