Urgent & Emergency Veterinary Care

Veterinary Emergencies

If your pet is showing symptoms or behaviors that are concerning, contact our office for advice or the emergency hospital listed above. Read on below for some tips on how to identify a pet emergency and the steps you should take should this situation arise.

Steps to Take In A Pet Emergency

If you are experiencing a veterinary emergency, follow the steps below.

• Call Ahead If Possible - Call the emergency animal hospital listed above to let them know you are on the way. If you are a current client, please call our office during regular hours. We will triage your pet and provide you with direction based on the situation.
• Follow Instructions Provided - When you call to let the emergency pet hospital know you are on your way, you may receive instructions to help you apply first aid or otherwise make your pet as comfortable as possible. Follow these instructions carefully.
• Remain Calm - Remain calm and be careful around your pet. When an animal is in pain, they often react negatively towards anyone trying to help and could bite or scratch.
• Bring Your Pet In For Care - Do not put yourself at risk! Safely bring your pet to the emergency veterinarian.

What situations require emergency care?

The following situations are examples of emergencies that require immediate care:

• Severe bleeding or bleeding that doesn't stop
• Obvious signs of pain or extreme anxiety
• Choking, difficulty breathing, or continuous coughing/gagging
• Fractured bones or severe lameness
• Seizures and/or staggering
• Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, or blood in the urine
• Inability to urinate or pass feces, or pain associated with urinating or passing feces
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea (2+ episodes in 24 hours)
• Injuries to the eye(s)
• Your pet has ingested something poisonous (such as antifreeze, xylitol, chocolate, rodent poison, etc.)
• Heat stress or heatstroke
• Refusal to drink for 24 hours or more
• Unconsciousness