Pets have a nose for mischief and can find themselves in serious trouble if they stumble across toxins, household hazards, or infectious pathogens. While illnesses and injuries can happen unexpectedly, many common pet emergencies can be avoided through preventive care and regular attention to your pet’s health. Our Omega Veterinary Group team shares essential tips to help you prevent common pet emergencies and keep your four-legged friend safe and well.

1: Schedule regular veterinary visits

Regular veterinary exams are preventive care’s cornerstone. During these visits, your primary care veterinarian can identify potential health issues before they become serious problems. Schedule your pet’s annual or biannual veterinary visits, keep their vaccinations up to date to prevent diseases, and discuss any changes in behavior or physical condition with your primary care veterinarian.

2: Provide your pet with proper nutrition and hydration

A balanced diet and proper hydration are vital for maintaining your pet’s overall health and preventing conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and urinary issues. Provide high-quality, species-appropriate food, ensure fresh water is always available, and avoid giving human food to your pet. Chocolate, grapes, and xylitol are especially toxic to pets.

3: Engage your pet in daily exercise and mental stimulation

Regular exercise keeps your pet fit and prevents obesity, which can lead to various health problems, including joint issues, heart disease, chronic infections, and a shortened lifespan. Engage your pet in daily physical activities such as walks, playtime, and interactive games. Provide toys and puzzles to keep your pet mentally engaged, warding off boredom and problem behaviors.

4: Prevent your pet from contracting parasitic infections 

Parasites, such as heartworms, fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms, can cause significant health issues, from skin infections to serious illnesses such as Lyme and heartworm disease. Use veterinarian-recommended parasite prevention products, check your pet regularly for fleas and ticks, and keep their living environment clean and free from pests.

5: Provide your pet with daily dental care

Dental disease is one of the most common, yet preventable, problems in pets that can lead to pain, tooth loss, and systemic infections that affect the heart and kidneys. Brush your pet’s teeth daily using pet-specific toothpaste, provide dental chews and toys that promote oral health, and schedule professional dental cleanings as recommended by your primary care veterinarian.

6: Groom your pet regularly

Regular grooming helps prevent fur matting and skin issues while allowing you to examine your pet’s skin and hair coat closely. Brush their coat regularly to prevent matting and distribute natural oils, bathe as needed with pet-safe shampoo, and check for skin irritation, lumps, or parasites.

7: Pet-proof your environment

Creating a safe living environment reduces your pet’s accident and injury risks such as poisoning, choking, and other emergencies. Pet-proof your home by keeping hazardous substances out of reach, securing electrical cords, and removing small objects that could be swallowed. Provide a safe space where your pet can retreat and relax.

8: Train your pet

Proper training and behavior management can prevent emergencies related to aggression, anxiety, and other behavioral issues. Train your pet with positive reinforcement techniques, address behavioral issues promptly with the help of a veterinary behaviorist if needed, and socialize your pet to various environments, people, and other pets.

9: Recognize illness signs in pets

Early illness detection can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes and prevent minor issues from becoming emergencies. Become familiar with your pet’s normal behavior and vital signs, watch for changes in appetite, energy levels, and bathroom habits, and contact your primary care veterinarian immediately if you notice signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or lethargy.

10: Prepare for a pet emergency 

Being prepared for emergencies can save precious time and make the difference between your pet living and dying. Keep a pet first aid kit at home and in your car, learn basic pet first aid, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to stop bleeding, and know the location and contact information of the nearest emergency veterinary hospital such as Omega Veterinary Group in San Mateo.

Preventive care is essential for avoiding common pet emergencies and keeping your four-legged friend happy and healthy. But if your pet has an emergency—despite your best efforts and regular preventive care—contact our Omega Veterinary Group team for help.