PET CARE

Do's And Dont's Of Pet Health Emergencies

3 min read
Feb 07, 2022

When your pet seems to be having a health emergency, it can be frightening. Since your pet is a valued part of the family, you should treat their emergency care as such. While the first step you should take in this situation is to get your pet to the closest animal hospital, be sure to follow these simple pet care rules as well. 

DO Take Early Symptoms Seriously

Pet health differs from human health in that they might not show their symptoms quite as externally as we do. This means that even in health emergencies, it can be easy to shrug off concerning behaviors. Avoid doing so. If a symptom seems worrisome, it just might be. 

DON'T Medicate your Pet at Home

You might think you know how to take care of your pet better than anyone, but this does not mean that you should give your pet pills meant for humans. A vet should handle their health, as home treatment can make them sick. 

DON'T Stay at Home and Search Symptoms Online

Searching your pet's concerning symptoms online could have you potentially wasting precious time. Every second counts during a health emergency, so get your animal in the car and on their way to care instead. This way, a professional can take note of their symptoms and provide an accurate diagnosis.

DO Report all Symptoms and Behaviors to the Vet

Take note of everything your dog or cat is doing and make a list if necessary. Your vet will need to knowas many details as possible, and sinceyour pet can't talk, you will have to do the describing. 

DO Schedule a Follow-up with your Primary Vet.

After your pet receives emergency care, call your vet and report what happened. They will likely want you to come into the office for a follow-up appointment. Talk with your pet health professional about how you can prevent an emergency like this in the future. 

By reacting well in the event of a pet health emergency and having the right pet insurance plan, you can have the tools to provide the best healthcare for pets. If you have any questions about how to provide the right health care for your animal, be sure to talk with your vet.

Consider Investing in Pet Insurance 

Looking for more ways to keep your pets happy and healthy? Consider investing in a pet insurance policy with MetLife Pet Insurance.1  We offer dog insurance and cat insurance policies for your furry family members.  Get your free quote today. 

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Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.

1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.