Understanding the Difference: Medical Concerns vs. Medical Emergencies

Medical Concerns vs. Medical Emergencies

As professional pet sitters, one of our most crucial skills is the ability to distinguish between medical concerns and true medical emergencies. This knowledge comes with experience and can mean the difference between unnecessary panic and life-saving action. Today, let’s explore medical concerns vs. medical emergencies from a pet sitter’s perspective – mine!

Medical Concerns

Medical concerns are issues that require attention but are not immediately life-threatening. These might include:

• Mild gastrointestinal upset (occasional vomiting or diarrhea)
• Minor injuries (small cuts or scrapes)
• Changes in appetite or water intake
• Mild lethargy or slight behavior changes
• Skin irritations or mild allergic reactions

When faced with a medical concern our team is trained to do the following:

• Monitor the pet closely
• Document symptoms and their duration
• Follow any pre-established care instructions
• Consult with our Management Team so that we may inform the pet parent or their designated emergency contact
• Schedule a vet appointment if symptoms persist or worsen

Medical Emergencies

Medical emergencies are situations that require immediate veterinary attention to prevent severe harm or death. These include:

• Difficulty breathing or swollowing
• Choking
• Severe bleeding or trauma
• Suspected poisoning or ingestion of toxic substances
• Seizures or loss of consciousness
• Extreme pain or distress
• Heatstroke or hypothermia
• Inability to urinate or defecate

In case of a medical emergency our team is trained to do the following:

• Stay calm and assess the situation quickly
• Contact the emergency veterinary clinic immediately
• Inform the pet owner or emergency contact as soon as possible
• Provide first aid if you’re trained and it’s safe to do so
• Transport the pet to the vet if instructed and safe to do so

Five Key Differences

The five key differences between medical concerns and emergencies lie in the following:

1. Urgency: Emergencies require immediate action, while concerns can often wait for owner consultation or a scheduled vet visit.
2. Severity: Emergencies pose an immediate threat to the pet’s life or long-term health, while concerns are typically less severe.
3. Response time: In emergencies, every minute counts. Concerns allow for more time to observe and consult.
4. Decision-making: Emergencies often require pet sitters to make quick decisions, while concerns usually allow time for owner input.
5. Potential outcomes: Delayed action in emergencies can lead to severe consequences or death, whereas concerns rarely escalate to this level if addressed in a timely manner.

Prepared for Everything

As professional pet sitters, we are prepared for both medical concerns and emergencies. We always have emergency contact information readily available, including the pet owner, primary vet, and emergency clinic. We familiarize ourselves with each pet’s medical history and existing conditions. And, we stay up-to-date on pet first aid and CPR training and keep well-stocked first aid kit on hand. Finally, our policies outline our expectations of clients and what they can expect from us when there is an emergency or health concern.

Animal Admiration establishes clear protocols with pet owners regarding decision-making in various scenarios. And, we trust our instincts – if something feels seriously wrong, we believe that it’s better to err on the side of caution and seek professional help and contact the pet parent. Understanding the difference between medical concerns and emergencies is a critical skill for any pet sitter. By staying informed, prepared, and level-headed, our team ensures the best possible care and outcome for the pets in our care.

New clients, please contact us at info@animaladmiration.com or (281) 391-1015 to learn about our in-home pet care services. Our team of outstanding pet care providers offers quality care dog sitting, cat sitting, and dog walking in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Energy Corridor, Memorial, West Houston, and Cypress.

Existing clients schedule services here. We look forward to providing exceptional care for your pets!