Hospitalisation

What is hospitalisation for pets?

Hospitalisation for pets is when an animal needs to be admitted to an animal clinic or hospital for medical attention. At Dr Paws Vet Care, we have separate wards for dogs, cats, and pocket pets, which helps minimise the stress for your beloved pets if they need to be hospitalised. For more critical cases that need intensive overnight monitoring, specialised diagnostics, or complicated surgeries, your regular veterinarian will need to refer your pet to a hospital.

It’s understandably stressful for pet owners if their pet needs to be hospitalised, especially for overnight stays. It is normal to feel worried or anxious if this is the case. At Dr Paws Vet Care, we will assess your pet’s condition and take care of the hospitalisation process so you can put your mind at ease. If a referral is needed, we will liaise with the emergency vet so your pet can be attended to immediately upon admission.

How does hospitalisation for pets work?

Some common reasons for hospitalisation include putting your pet on intravenous fluids (the drip) to rehydrate it, post-surgery monitoring, severe wound care and seizure watch.

They may also be isolated if they are carrying contagious diseases. If your pet is experiencing pain or stress, they may be given medicine to ensure they are comfortable and relaxed. Doctors and nurses at veterinary hospitals are highly trained and will take good care of your pet when they are hospitalised. 

Many pet owners will want to be with their pets during this time. However, being with them during their visit may not be possible. Visiting hours will depend on the hospital, and your vet will contact you to provide all the necessary information.

It’s important to contact your vet or an animal hospital immediately if you suspect your pet needs emergency services. Pet hospitals also have specialists with expertise in certain areas of pet medicine, such as oncology and orthopaedics. Our vets can refer you to these specialists if required. 

If your pet has any of the following conditions or symptoms, they might need urgent medical attention at the hospital:

• Epilepsy or seizures
• Physical trauma from an accident
• Bites or trauma from a fight with another animal
• Excessive bleeding
• Birth or pregnancy complications
• Severe diarrhoea or vomiting
• Heatstroke
• Burns 
• Fractures
• Breathing problems
• Ingestion of toxic or poisonous substances 

Contact us immediately on our website if your pet needs urgent medical attention. At Dr Paws Vet Care, we are trained to assess your pet and assist in hospitalisation if required. 

Benefits of hospitalisation for pets

• Provides urgent and emergency medical care for your pet
• Allows for diagnostic scans or treatments that aren’t available at your vet clinic
• Faster recovery and treatment for your pet

What conditions will pets be hospitalised for?

There is a range of conditions that hospitalisation for pets can treat, as animal hospitals have a wide range of resources that your veterinary clinic doesn’t have access to. 

There is a range of conditions that hospitalisation will be required. These can include:

• Kidney disease
• Epilepsy
• Traumatic injuries that may require surgery
• Infections that require injectable medications
• Ingestion of toxic substances
• Heatstroke and/or dehydration
• Cancer
• Orthopaedic issues

What can be expected from hospitalisation for pets?

It can be difficult and overwhelming when a pet is hospitalised and you aren’t sure what is going to happen. You can expect, however, that your pet is receiving the best care possible and that you will be kept in the loop if they need any treatment or further testing. 

Frequently asked questions

How do you deal with a pet in the hospital?

It can be stressful when a pet is in the hospital. If this happens, reach out to your loved ones for support. Contact your vet if you have questions, and be prepared to return to the hospital if you are called in. Provide your pet with anything you are allowed to, such as blankets or food. Avoid blaming yourself, as accidents and medical emergencies do happen. Take good care of yourself so you can be there for your pet if they need assistance after the hospital visit. 

What happens when a dog is hospitalised?

There are several procedures if your pet is hospitalised. They may be housed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where they will be monitored at all times. They may undergo imaging and diagnostic tests and be hooked to a drip for hydration. They will be provided nutrition as required, and their bed or cage will be cleaned. The vets will contact you if they need to perform certain procedures or take your pet for surgery. 

How do I know if my pet needs to go to the hospital?

If your pet is acting strangely, does not want to eat, has seizures, vomiting, severe diarrhoea, bleeding profusely, or has a physical trauma injury that is not healing, they may need to go to the vet. If you suspect they have ingested something poisonous but are not showing any symptoms, they may also need medical attention. Don’t wait if you suspect this is the case. Contact your vet or the animal hospital immediately. 

How are pets monitored after surgery?

Similar to humans, after surgery at a hospital, pets are monitored closely to check their vitals, such as heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate, and urine output. This is to ensure no side effects from the surgery or anaesthesia; if they are, they are treated promptly. Speak to the surgeon or veterinarian if you have questions about how your pet is monitored after surgery.