Two of the most common after-hours injuries in dogs and cats are bleeding cuts and bite wounds. These injuries often occur on the face, limbs, feet, and tail so they are difficult to treat at home and can rarely wait until your regular vet is open. Many animals will instinctually hide pain so they don’t appear to be weak and risk being attacked, so it’s important to know what to look for, and what to do if there is an issue.
Time is of the essence in controlling infections associated with wounds in pets. The doctors and staff at UrgentVet are experts at treating these cases. We provide immediate pain relief, antibiotics, and wound care because your pet can’t wait to feel better.
Recognizing the signs of pain in pets:
In order to treat pain, you must be able to recognize the signs. Some signs that your pet might be in pain include:
- Decreased activity
- Loss of appetite
- Aggression
- Inappropriate elimination or missing the litter box
- Withdrawing or avoiding interaction with people or other pets
- Hiding (especially in cats)
- Whining or crying
- A hunched-up appearance or abnormal posture
- Limping or reluctance to move
- Trembling
- Inability to groom
- Biting, chewing, or licking at a body part
- Difficulty getting up from lying down
There are a number of ways to relieve pain in pets. Some methods include:
- Pain medications — Because cats have a difficult time metabolizing many pain medications, there are significantly more pain medications for dogs than cats. Similar to human pain medications, many pain medications for pets can cause dangerous side effects. If you notice any of the following, call us immediately and stop giving your pet the medication.
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Bloody (black and tarry) stool
- Yellowing of gums, skin, or whites of eyes
- Changes in appetite or drinking
- Changes in behavior
If your pet has an injury that is causing issues after hours, be sure to contact us. We’ll be there to help.