When You Must Call Your Vet

The past two weeks we have received quite a few emails from concerned pet owners who are on vacation and their pet is displaying some type of unusual symptom that concerns them. While we are happy to help, our response is always the same "Please contact your vet right away".  While we all wish someone could quickly tell us over the phone or via email what's wrong with our pet and not to worry.....unfortunately it doesn't work that way.

Some of the concerns expressed: vomiting, hot spots, limping, diarrhea, urinating more frequently, etc. Unfortunately these things can come up at some of the most inconvenient times and it creates a lot of stress for you and your pet. It's hard to stop what you are doing (e.g. may have a fun activity planned) but at the very least, call your vet! Your vet will tell you if this is something serious where your pet needs to be seen right away or perhaps it can wait until you get back. If it is after hours, call an emergency clinic. But make the call. Yes it can cost money, mess up plans and create extra stress. But not calling can have dire consequences and leave you with regret and guilt. There is no cost to making the call and then once you have the facts, you can figure out the next best step. When in doubt, knowledge is power!