Do you live in or around Pikesville, Maryland ? Are you looking for information to help you take better care of your pet? What are the most common pet emergencies you need to be aware of as a pet parent in the Pikesville area?

In the article below, we’ll walk you through the basics you need to know when it comes to taking care of your pet in the Pikesville region. With the help of this guide, you should be ready to tackle any problem that may come your pet’s way.

Frostbite is not uncommon in the Pikesville area. Pets who are allowed to spend any length of time outdoors on very cold days, and especially on days that are both cold and wet, are at risk of developing frostbite. If your pet is not able to get dry and warm after a quick trip outside to do her business, pay close attention for signs of frostbite.

Signs may include skin that turns bright red, blue, gray, or black as well as skin that is very cold and brittle to the touch.

Pets who are bitten or stung by insects or snakes are at risk of allergic reactions. In many cases, these allergic responses are mild to moderate and do not require a trip to the emergency vet. However, if your pet has a severe allergic reaction to a bite or sting, she needs to be taken to the emergency vet immediately.

Signs of severe allergic reaction include swelling at the site of the bite or sting, swelling of the face or neck, snout swelling, difficulty breathing, and an increased heart rate. Look for these signs and don’t wait to go to the emergency vet if you notice them.

Households in the Pikesville area may contain a variety of poisons that could be harmful and even deadly to animals. Animals are prone to licking antifreeze, for example, because it has a sweet taste to them. Other household chemicals, cleaners, and objects may be equally as dangerous if ingested, and even some types of human food can do the same.

If you know or suspect that your pet has eaten something toxic to her, take her to the emergency vet immediately and contact pet poison hotline. The emergency vet will be able to treat her for the type of toxicity in question and help her recover quickly.

Pets who swallow household objects or ingest pieces of toys may be at risk of an airway blockage. If your pet inhales an object that gets lodged in her throat, she may be unable to breathe, and this should be treated as a serious emergency.

Always keep your pet’s toys away from her access unless someone is at home to supervise her while she is playing. If a toy becomes broken or damaged, remove it and throw it away before your pet can risk breaking off any other small pieces of the item as well.

In the Pikesville area, and especially in the surrounding locations, vehicle trauma is unfortunately common in pets. It is possible for pets to escape from their homes or yards and run into traffic, and some pets are allowed to wander freely and risk being injured by a vehicle as well.

If your pet is hurt in an accident with a vehicle, take her to the emergency vet. Do this even if she does not seem to be hurt. Many internal injuries can be hidden, and dogs and cats are very good at hiding their pain as well. Any animal who is hurt by a car should be checked out right away.

It is unfortunately all too common in the Pikesville area for pets to be attacked by other animals. Some pets may be attacked by pets belonging to other people, and some may experience attacks from wild animals in this area as well.

If your pet has been injured by any animal whose history you don’t know, this should be treated as an emergency, even if you don’t see any outward signs of injury on your pet.

Call 24/7 Local Veterinarian For All and Any Common Pet Emergencies in Pikesville, MD

When you learn about the most common pet emergencies you may end up facing in the Pikesville area, you can better prepare yourself and your pet for the future. Although every pet owner hopes to avoid emergencies entirely throughout their pets’ lives, it is necessary to know what the risks are when you’re taking care of a pet.

Keep in mind that this list only scratches the surface, and that there are many more potential pet emergencies to remember depending on the type of pet you may have.

 24/7 Local Veterinarian is opening a new location in Pikesville with a team of highly skilled and compassionate emergency vets and staff who will be here for you and your pet in any emergency. When you call our emergency animal hospital, you’ll always speak directly with an experienced emergency vet who will be able to guide the next steps to help your pet.