New clients welcome! Limited time free first wellness exam (terms apply) - Book Today!



Routine lab tests catch hidden health issues early, helping your pet live a longer, healthier life. Schedule preventive screenings today for peace of mind and personalized care.


Beyond Vaccines: Why Routine Lab Testing Is Essential for Your Pet

February is National Pet Dental Health Month - a great reminder that your pet's oral care is key to their overall health. Schedule a professional cleaning to keep their smile bright and healthy!

How Often Does Your Pet Need a Dental Cleaning? A Vet's Guide to Oral Health

As summer heats up, so does the risk of dehydration in pets. Dogs and cats, just like humans, need proper hydration to stay healthy, especially in the scorching days of July. Whether heading out for a beach day or just enjoying a backyard BBQ, keeping your furry friends cool, hydrated, and safe is crucial. In this post, we'll explore the signs of dehydration, tips for keeping your pets hydrated, and how your veterinary clinic can help.

Veterinary Advice: Spotting and Preventing Pet Dehydration This Summer

Starting the year with a new puppy or kitten? This guide covers everything new pet parents need to know - from vet visits and nutrition to training and safety - so you and your furry friend can thrive together.



First Steps for New Pet Parents: Caring for Your Puppy or Kitten in the New Year

Help your cat beat the summer heat with hydration tips, grooming advice, diet updates, parasite prevention, and mental enrichment. This seasonal guide covers everything to keep your feline happy and healthy all June long.



Essential Cat Care Tips Every Pet Parent Should Know

Bristol County Veterinary Hospital

about-us-page

embedded-reviews-section

our-history-section

our-teams-section

Proudly serving the citizens of Seekonk and it's surrounding areas.

why-us-section

app-download-page

download-app-section

blogs-page

blogs-section

book-appointment-page

book-appointment-section

career-page

Bristol County Veterinary Hospital has proudly cared for Seekonk's pets for decades. We are known for our tailored treatment plans and caring service, and we are committed to giving your pet the best care possible.

amrv-career-about-section

amrv-career-section

amrv-contact-section

amrv-job-section

forms-page

form-section

landing-page

amrv-about-us-section

contact-us-section

cta-bar

faq-section

footer-section

hero-section

nav-cta-section

otto-widget-section

our-services-section

testimonials-section

vetstoria-widget-section

news-page

our-history-page

payment-info-page

payment-information-section

payment-section-2

payment-section-3

services-page

service-page-section

team-page

teams-page-section

video-page

As our pets age, their needs change, and they may become more prone to health issues. For senior pets, knowing when to seek urgent or emergency care is vital to ensuring they live long, healthy lives. In this post, we’ll walk you through some common signs of emergencies in senior pets and when it’s time to head to the vet.1. Difficulty Breathing – Difficulty breathing is always a red flag, especially in older pets. Watch for:<ul><li>Rapid or shallow breathing</li><li>Open-mouth breathing (especially in cats)</li><li>Coughing or wheezing These symptoms could indicate heart disease, respiratory infections, or fluid buildup in the lungs—issues that require immediate veterinary attention</li></ul>2. Sudden Collapse or Weakness – A senior pet suddenly collapsing, stumbling, or having trouble standing could be experiencing:<ul><li>Heart issues</li><li>Low blood sugar</li><li>Neurological problems</li><li>Internal bleeding In these cases, it’s important to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/contact/">seek emergency care immediately</a> , as the underlying cause could be life-threatening.</li></ul>3. Seizures – Seizures can happen at any age, but in older pets, they may be related to:<ul><li>Brain tumors</li><li>Liver or kidney disease</li><li>Exposure to toxins If your senior pet experiences a seizure, keep them safe and calm, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/contact/">contact your veterinarian</a> for emergency assistance.</li></ul>4. Unexplained Weight Loss – Gradual weight loss is common in aging pets, but sudden, unexplained weight loss can be a sign of:<ul><li>Cancer</li><li>Diabetes</li><li>Kidney disease</li><li>Gastrointestinal issues If your senior pet is rapidly losing weight or has a decreased appetite, schedule an urgent vet visit to rule out serious conditions.</li></ul>5. Vomiting and Diarrhea – While occasional vomiting or diarrhea may not be an emergency, frequent or severe episodes in senior pets can lead to dehydration or indicate:<ul><li>Gastrointestinal blockages</li><li>Organ failure</li><li>Infections Monitor your pet for additional signs such as lethargy, pain, or a bloated abdomen. Seek urgent care if symptoms persist or worsen.</li></ul>6. Changes in Urination or Defecation – Senior pets may develop issues with bladder or bowel control, but certain signs indicate an emergency:<ul><li>Straining to urinate or defecate</li><li>Blood in urine or stool</li><li>No urination or defecation for over 24 hours These symptoms can be related to urinary blockages, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal distress—all of which require immediate veterinary care.</li></ul>7. Behavioral Changes – Any sudden behavioral changes in your senior pet, such as confusion, disorientation, or aggression, may indicate underlying health problems, such as:<ul><li>Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (similar to Alzheimer’s in humans)</li><li>Pain or discomfort from arthritis or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/pet-dentistry-woodstock-ga/">dental disease</a></li><li>Vision or hearing loss If your senior pet seems disoriented or behaves unusually, it’s worth a trip to the vet to identify the cause.</li></ul>8. Severe Pain or Discomfort – Senior pets are often more prone to arthritis and other painful conditions. Signs that your pet is in severe pain include:<ul><li>Whining, whimpering, or vocalizing</li><li>Limping or avoiding movement</li><li>Panting or restlessness If you suspect your senior pet is in significant pain, don’t wait—get them evaluated by a vet as soon as possible.</li></ul>When in Doubt, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/contact/">Call Your Vet</a> – It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your senior pet’s health. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above or feel like something is “off,” <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/contact/">contact your veterinarian</a> or an emergency clinic right away. Quick action can often make all the difference in managing a serious condition and giving your beloved senior pet the best possible care.

Learn the warning signs of health emergencies in senior pets - from breathing issues to behavioral changes - and when to seek urgent veterinary care to keep your aging companion safe and healthy.



Senior Pet Emergencies: Know the Warning Signs

<noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-MH2WSN8"
height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>

gtm_68be7cce6f62f72c6d0fe91d

<script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':
new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],
j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src=
'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);
})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-MH2WSN8');</script>

We look forward to seeing you! Please use our booking widget below to book an appointment today!

We love educating our clients, that's why we have curated and shared posts filled with helpful information regarding pet care.

Receive Automatic Reminders, Request Appointments 24/7,Your Pet's Organizer App and Save Notes, Pics & Much More!

Download our app and connect with us on PetDesk. Maintaining your pet's health from your mobile device has never been easier.

Bill Ash

Heidi Rodrigues

Melissa Damiani

Carlean Brady

225+

Proudly serving Seekonk since 1988, trusted for years of compassionate, dependable pet care.

We prioritize a calm, friendly environment to help pets feel at ease every visit, every time.

AAHA

Sign up for our newsletter to learn about new opportunities, team stories, and learning moments from Bristol County Veterinary Hospital.

Connect With Us

Reach out directly to our Talent Team! We are happy to guide you through roles, culture, and everything in between.

Have Questions

Bristol County Veterinary Hospital accepts Cash and Credit/Debit cards along with other financing options mentioned bellow.

We are pleased to offer access to several financing options.

Save time during your next appointment! Complete your required forms online from any device at any time before your visit.

Consult Online

Online Store

Pet Portal

Billing

Client Forms

Download App

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team.

Get your pet's medications, food, and preventatives delivered straight to your door - fast and easy.


Pharmacy

Pharmacy Home Delivery

Struggling with behavior issues? We help you understand and improve your pet's habits and routines.


Behavioral Counseling

Not feeling like themselves? We're here to diagnose, treat, and help your pet feel better fast.

Illness/ Injury & Sick

Treat and prevent internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms with trusted care.


Deworming

Deworming & Parasite Control

Protect your pet from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and more with year-round parasite prevention plans.


Parasite Prevention

Get expert guidance on your pet's nutrition, weight, and feeding to support lifelong wellness.


Nutrition & Diet Counseling

Advanced diagnostics like bloodwork, X-rays, and ultrasound help us catch issues early and treat fast.

Diagnostics & Imaging

Support your pet's health with professional dental cleanings, exams, and oral care you can trust.

Dental Care

Say goodbye to itching, redness, and skin issues with expert dermatology and allergy care for pets.

Allergies & Dermatology

Protect your pet from preventable diseases with customized vaccine schedules for every life stage.

Vaccinations

Keep your pet healthy with routine wellness exams, early detection, and personalized care plans.

Senior Pet Emergencies: Know the Warning Signs

Recent Blog

Related Blog

Protect Your Pet from Spring Parasites: Fleas, Ticks & More

Pet Poison Prevention: Protecting Your Furry Friends from Common Hazards

Lyme Disease in Pets: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

Bristol County Veterinary Hospital FAQs