Your pet is a cherished family member, and you do everything you can to protect their health and safety. While you can’t protect your pet from every hazard, you can reduce their risk by taking preventive measures. Our team at Oriole Road Animal Hospital explains common pet emergencies and how you can prevent them. 

Protect your pet from trauma injuries

A trauma is a physical injury or wound caused by an external source such as an accident, including being hit by a car, falling, or fighting with another animal. Pets’ most common traumatic injury causes include:

  • Falls — Falling from a height such as a window, balcony, or staircase can result in a pet’s injury. Cats in particular are susceptible to high-rise syndrome (i.e., falling from a tall building).
  • Animal fights — Fights with other pets or wildlife can lead to severe injuries. Dogs may get into fights with other dogs, and cats can sustain injuries from encounters with other cats or wildlife.
  • Sharp objects — Pets can sustain cuts, punctures, or more severe injuries by stepping on or running into sharp objects such as glass, metal, or thorns.
  • Blunt force trauma —This can happen if a pet is struck by a car or a person accidentally steps on them.

Protecting your pet from trauma injuries involves a combination of vigilance, environmental management, and training. To help prevent your pet from experiencing a traumatic injury, follow these tips:

  • Secure environment — Ensure your home and yard are safe and secure. Check fences for gaps, secure windows and balconies, and remove any hazardous objects or substances that could cause injury.
  • Leash training — Always use a leash when walking your pet outdoors to prevent them from running into traffic or getting into fights with other animals. This is especially important in busy or unfamiliar areas.
  • Supervision — Never leave your pet unattended in potentially dangerous situations. This includes being outdoors in an unfenced area or inside the house if there are hazards such as open windows or accessible toxic substances.

Protect your pet from accidental poisoning

Many substances in your home, garage, and yard can be hazardous and potentially fatal if your pet comes in contact with or ingests them. Common pet toxins include:

  • Medication — People’s medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) products, are the top contenders as the most common pet toxins found in homes. Always keep antidepressants, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), heart, and cold medications, and pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen) out of your pet’s reach.
  • Chocolate — Dark and bitter chocolates are the most toxic, including baking chocolate, cocoa powder, or unsweetened chocolate chips, bars, or bark. 
  • Xylitol — Many sugar-free foods contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which causes hypoglycemia in pets. 
  • Plants — Many people enjoy keeping houseplants and often receive floral displays as gifts. However, some plants and flowers are toxic to pets, including:
    • Lilies — Lilies are especially harmful to cats, causing severe kidney damage. All lily parts are dangerous, including the vase water.
    • Aloe — If ingested, aloe can cause your pet to vomit, and experience diarrhea and muscle tremors.
    • Dieffenbachia — Dieffenbachia contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate a pet’s mouth and gastrointestinal (GI) tract, causing drooling, oral pain, decreased appetite, and vomiting.
    • Sago palm — All sago palm parts are dangerous for pets, but the seeds are the most toxic. Ingestion causes acute GI signs and can lead to liver failure.

Protect your pet from overheating

Pets are susceptible to heatstroke when temperature and humidity levels rise. To keep your pet cool and prevent a heat-related emergency, follow these tips: 

  • Check the weather forecast  — If the weather is projected to be hot and muggy all day, stick to indoor activities. However, if the early morning will be comfortable, take your pet out for an early morning walk before the temperature and humidity levels climb.
  • Keep your pet hydrated — When the weather is hot, encourage your pet to take frequent water and rest breaks. Set up a drinking fountain to ensure your pet always has access to fresh, cool water. 
  • Leave your pet home — When the temperature soars, reduce your pet’s outdoor time and never leave your pet unattended in a parked vehicle. 
  • Recognize overheating signs — Your pet can quickly develop heatstroke, which can lead to organ failure and death. To prevent your pet from developing this life-threatening condition, learn to recognize heatstroke signs:
    • Heavy panting
    • Drooling
    • Red gums
    • Rapid breathing  
    • Fast heart rate
    • Dull or distant look
    • Lethargy  
    • Weakness
    • Seizures
    • Collapse

If your pet is exhibiting heatstroke signs, bring them to a cool, well-ventilated area, and cool them down with lukewarm—never cold— water and wet towels. Seek veterinary treatment immediately. 

Not all pet hazards are avoidable, but these precautions will help reduce your pet’s risk. If your pet has an emergency, contact our Oriole Road Animal Hospital team.