First Aid & Emergency Information

First Aid & Emergency Information

One of your very first steps after acquiring a pet should be to identify the nearest 24-hour veterinary emergency facility. Knowing where to turn for help ahead of time greatly reduces your stress if your pet does have an emergency. Be sure to post phone numbers for these facilities and inform all family members and pet-sitters. You might even want give your neighbors these numbers if you are away at work for extended periods of time.

Because our pets can't talk to us, it can be difficult to determine if some situations are truly emergencies. Trust your instincts and "if in doubt, check it out" with a veterinarian. The following is a list of common emergencies seen at our hospital:

Ten Common Situations which Require Emergency Care

  1. Difficulty breathing
  2. Seizure
  3. Bleeding, bite wounds, abscess, or lacerations
  4. Hit by car
  5. Painful eye
  6. Temperature above 103.5 degrees Fahrenheit
  7. Ingestion of any possibly toxic substance (ex. Chocolate, snail bait, rat bait, anti-freeze, mushrooms)
  8. Severe lameness in any limb
  9. Inability to pass urine or feces
  10. Repeated vomiting or diarrhea

Because of the wide variety of medical problems that pets may develop, and their inability to provide a medical history, your veterinarian may have a challenging task in determining a diagnosis and the best treatment plan for your pet. Listed below are several important steps you can take to assist in this process and improve your pet's chances of recovery.

Ten Steps to Assist your Veterinarian in an Emergency

  1. Keep a file with your pet's records and bring it with you. Also bring any medications that your pet is taking.
  2. Be a good observer; know when your pet last ate, drank, urinated or defecated.
  3. Bring a sample of any abnormal stool, vomit, or urine.
  4. If seizures or fainting occurs, time the length of these episodes.
  5. Control bleeding with firm, direct pressure on the way to the veterinarian.
  6. Start cooling overheated pets by applying cold water on the way to the veterinarian.
  7. Bring containers of any possible ingested toxins to the veterinarian.
  8. Check with a veterinarian before giving any home remedies or human medications.
  9. Be aware that a pet who is in pain may bite even its owner.
  10. Above all, remember to keep your head. You may need to make important decisions regarding your pet's care.

Pet emergencies can be frightening but, by taking the above steps, you will be better prepared to assist in your pet's recovery.

Your pet's medical care requires the knowledge of an experienced healthcare team and the same equipment, drugs, and supplies used in human healthcare. You are given an estimate of the cost of services when your pet is examined, and a deposit is required if your pet is hospitalized. Full payment is required when you leave with your pet. Please bring your payment method or your CareCredit card and personal ID with you when you come to the hospital.