When Your Pet is Sick or Injured

When your pet is clearly, maybe seriously sick or injured, the most important thing is to stay calm and keep your wits about you. Your dog or cat will pick up on your mood. Call you veterinarian or after-hours call Animal Emergency + Urgent Care at (727) 786-5755. By calling, your vet will be able to advise you (for example, on transportation of a pet with severe trauma) and be prepared for your pet's arrival.

Keep in mind that, when sick or injured, even pets that are normally gentle can become agressive or bite. If so, they should be handled carefully and may require a muzzle.

Sometimes, your pet's illness or injury is not so obvious. Like a young child, your dog or cat cannot tell you exactly what is wrong; so you want to be aware of changes in its behavior and signs like cuts and scrapes.

Some owners delay seeking veterinary care when their pet first shows symtoms. Perhaps these owners feel going to a animal clinic is inconvenient, or perhaps they fear what treatment might cost. Unfortunately, putting off care increases your pet's suffering and often raises the cost, and increases the time, of proper treatment.

At Animal Emergency + Urgent Care, we make seeking treatment easier and more accessible by staying open seven days a week -- nights, weekends, and all holidays.