When Should You Call the Vet? Catherine MacLean - Grantham, NH
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ometimes it can be hard to tell when you should call your veterinarian or when you should wait and see. The following information is a general guideline, but if you are at all concerned about your pet, you should always call your veterinarian. Lethargy (tiredness) If your pet has non-specific lethargy and is not showing any signs of pain, and seems to be acting fine otherwise (i.e. still eating, drinking, going to the bathroom normally), you can usually wait 24 hours. Make sure your pet has nice pink gums. If their gums are pale or white/grey in appearance, then do not wait and call your veterinarian right away. Vomiting If your pet vomits one time but is acting fine otherwise, this is usually not cause for concern. If your pet vomits and has diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, or has gotten into something and/or is just not acting liking themselves, you should call your vet. If your pet vomits more than once in a 24 hour period, you should call your veterinarian right away. The exception to this is if you have a cat that is bringing up a hairball. They will often vomit up more than one hairball in a 24 hour period. Diarrhea If your pet has one episode of diarrhea in a 24 hour period and is acting fine otherwise, you can usually sit and wait. If your pet has more than one episode of diarrhea in a 24 hour period, you should call your veterinarian. If you see blood in the diarrhea or the diarrhea is black in color, call your veterinarian right away. If your pet has diarrhea and is vomiting, lethargic, has a decreased appetite, has gotten into something, or is just not acting like himself; call your veterinarian. 34 4 Legs & a Tail
Winter 2021
