Jordan Ellis
When your pet falls ill or gets injured, it is natural to panic and rush to the nearest emergency hospital. However, it is essential to know that pet emergency hospitals are typically for critical cases requiring intensive overnight care, advanced nursing, or extensive surgeries. Before rushing to an emergency hospital, pet owners should first call their primary care veterinarian for advice or to schedule an appointment. If it is after business hours, pet owners can contact an urgent care facility that bridges the gap between primary care and emergency hospitals. These facilities can help determine if a pet's condition requires urgent care or emergency hospital admission. In some cases, a veterinarian may provide advice over the phone or recommend bringing the pet in for an examination. It is also important to ask your veterinarian about their after-hours emergency protocol and keep the contact details of a local 24-hour emergency hospital handy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to call | When your pet falls ill or gets injured, or shows symptoms such as trauma, bleeding wounds, skin conditions, ear infections, weight-bearing lameness, weight loss, occasional vomiting or diarrhoea, coughing without difficulty breathing, broken teeth, or toxin ingestion. |
| Who to call | Your primary care veterinarian, or a local 24-hour emergency vet if your veterinarian is unavailable or closed. |
| How to find an emergency vet | Search for "emergency vet near me", or call a pet emergency clinic. |
| What to do before calling | Be prepared to answer questions about your pet's behaviour, appetite, urination and defecation, breathing, gum colour, concurrent diseases, and current medications. |
| What to do after calling | Follow any instructions provided by the emergency vet, remain calm, and safely bring your pet to the clinic. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
When to call a pet emergency hospital
It is always best to call your veterinarian first for advice when in doubt. If your pet has fallen ill or been injured outside of your veterinarian's office hours, you can search for an "emergency vet near me" to find a local 24-hour vet who can help. It is a good idea to keep the number of a 24-hour emergency clinic on hand, as you won't have it memorised like a human emergency number. Ask your veterinarian for their recommended clinic.
If you are unsure whether your pet needs to go to an emergency hospital, contact your veterinarian or an urgent care facility, which can help determine whether your pet needs to be seen at an emergency hospital or not. Urgent care facilities deal with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries that occur outside of normal business hours.
If your pet is experiencing any of the following symptoms, call your veterinarian to schedule a visit, but you don't need to rush to the emergency room:
- Skin conditions, including itchy skin, hair loss, and crusting/scabbing
- Ear infections
- Weight-bearing lameness (limping but still able to walk)
- Occasional vomiting or diarrhoea, especially if your pet is still interested in food and acting normal
- Coughing without difficulty breathing
- Broken teeth that do not impede your pet's ability to close their mouth or eat
However, if your pet is experiencing any of the following symptoms, call an emergency clinic immediately:
- Trauma, including being hit by a vehicle, dog bites, falling from a large height, or gunshot wounds
- Bleeding wounds, especially deep lacerations or cuts that won't stop bleeding
- Burns, sloughing of skin, fractured limbs, or wounds to the eye
- Toxin ingestion, including chocolate, human food, human or pet medications, rat poison, or xylitol (found in chewing gum and some human foods and medications)
- Vomiting or diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, especially if the vomit or stool contains bright red or tarry-black blood
- Non-responsiveness (will not wake up or appears dazed)
Truckee Hospital: Reno's Closest Medical Care
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to find a 24-hour emergency vet
When your pet falls ill or gets injured, your first instinct might be to contact your primary care veterinarian for advice or to schedule an appointment. However, general veterinary practices typically don't offer late hours or open on holidays, so you may need to find a 24-hour emergency vet. Here are some steps to help you find one:
- Ask your veterinarian: Your veterinarian is the best place to start when it comes to emergency care for your pet. They will know your pet's medical history and can provide advice on the most appropriate course of action. Ask them how they handle after-hours emergencies. Some clinics have multiple veterinarians who share on-call duties, while others refer emergencies to a 24-hour facility when they are closed. Get the contact information for the referral hospital if that is their procedure.
- Contact an emergency animal hospital: If you cannot reach your regular veterinarian, you can locate an emergency animal hospital in your area. These hospitals are specially staffed and equipped to handle critical cases and may provide care beyond the capabilities of a general veterinary practice.
- Reach out to urgent care facilities: Facilities like UrgentVet fill the gap between your primary care veterinarian and an overnight emergency veterinary hospital. They operate outside of regular business hours and can assess whether your pet requires urgent or emergency care. If your pet's condition is severe, they will refer you to the most appropriate place for treatment.
- Look for emergency vet services: Search for veterinary hospitals that specifically offer emergency services. For example, the Orchard Mesa Veterinary Hospital in Grand Junction provides emergency and urgent care for cats, dogs, and pocket pets. The Arizona Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Center in Gilbert, AZ, is another example of a dedicated emergency veterinary facility.
- Call poison control: If your pet has ingested something toxic, you can contact one of the two animal poison control centers in the US. These centers charge a fee, but their veterinarians can provide immediate expert advice 24/7. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center number is 1-888-426-4435.
Remember, in an emergency, time is of the essence. Knowing who to call and where to go in advance can make all the difference when your pet needs urgent medical attention.
Pension Credit: Does Hospitalization Affect Eligibility?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
What to do before you go to the emergency vet
It can be challenging for pet owners to determine when a pet health issue requires an emergency vet visit. However, there are several steps you can take to prepare for and handle such situations effectively. Here is what you can do before heading to the emergency vet:
Identify the Issue:
First, try to identify the problem your pet is facing. Observe their behaviour, breathing, heart rate or pulse, temperature, and level of consciousness. Look for any clues that may indicate what your pet interacted with or ingested. If your pet is displaying unusual behaviour or something seems off, trust your instincts and don't hesitate to seek advice from a veterinarian.
Contact Your Regular Veterinarian:
If possible, reach out to your primary care veterinarian for advice or to schedule an appointment. They know your pet's medical history and can provide the most appropriate guidance. If you cannot reach your regular vet, consider contacting an urgent care facility or your local emergency animal hospital. These facilities can help assess whether your pet requires urgent or emergency care.
Perform Basic First Aid:
If your pet is injured, perform basic first aid to stabilise them before transporting them to the vet. This may include administering CPR, slowing bleeding, or addressing any immediate dangers. Knowing some first aid techniques and having a pet first aid kit can be lifesaving while seeking emergency veterinary care.
Call the Emergency Vet:
Before heading to the emergency vet, call them to let them know you are on your way. This allows them to be better prepared for your arrival and provide prompt attention to your pet. If you are unsure whether your pet's condition requires urgent or emergency care, you can also call them for advice.
Gather Medical Records:
Obtain an updated copy of your pet's medical records from your regular veterinary hospital. Emergency clinics may not have access to your pet's medical history, so bringing these records can aid in their assessment and treatment plan.
Prepare for Transport:
When transporting your pet to the emergency clinic, drive with care. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and slow down at turns to prevent further injury to your pet. If your pet displays aggressive behaviour, seek professional assistance in handling them safely.
Remember, in a true pet medical emergency, time is of the essence. By staying calm, being proactive, and following these steps, you can ensure your pet receives the care they need as quickly as possible.
Finding Aiken Regional Hospital: Quick Directions
You may want to see also
Explore related products
What to do when you arrive at the emergency vet
When you arrive at the emergency vet, you will be greeted by a nurse who will triage your pet. If your pet is suffering from a severe medical emergency, they will be taken straight through to the treatment area for further assessment, stabilisation, and treatment. For other cases, the emergency veterinarians will treat pets in order of medical priority.
If you haven't already called ahead, the vet will need to know what happened to your pet, so they can determine the best course of treatment. If you didn't see what happened, check the area for any potential dangers or clues as to what your pet may have interacted with or ingested. Observe your pet's behaviour and breathing, and check their heart rate, pulse, temperature, and level of consciousness.
If your pet is in pain or distress, they may act aggressively towards you. Protect yourself while handling and transporting your pet to the emergency vet. For cats, gently place a towel over their head to prevent biting, then slowly lift them into a carrier and then into your vehicle. For dogs, remain calm and approach slowly, saying their name. If there are no signs of aggression, gently place them in a carrier or attach a leash before moving them to your car. If your dog is acting aggressively, call a professional for assistance.
Drive with care. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and slow down at turns to prevent your pet from injuring themselves as they attempt to maintain their balance.
Hobart Private Hospital: Free Wifi Access for All?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
What happens after emergency treatment
If you're unsure about the severity of your pet's condition, it's always best to consult your veterinarian. They can advise you on the next steps and whether your pet requires urgent or emergency care.
If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, your veterinarian or an urgent care facility can provide initial treatment and refer you to an emergency veterinary hospital if necessary. It is important to remain calm and act cautiously when handling your pet, as they may be scared and in pain. If your pet has ingested a toxin, gather information about the substance, the amount ingested, and the time of ingestion. Bring the package or a photo of it, as this will help the veterinary team assess your pet's condition.
At the emergency hospital, the medical team will assess your pet's condition and may perform a physical examination, radiographs (X-rays), and laboratory tests to determine the appropriate treatment plan. It is important to be prepared for the financial implications of emergency care, as it tends to be more expensive than daytime care. Having pet insurance can help offset these costs, but it is recommended to have insurance before the need arises, as pre-existing conditions may not be covered.
After your pet has received emergency treatment, it is crucial to follow up with your regular veterinarian. They can provide ongoing care and ensure a seamless continuation of treatment. Make sure to keep them informed about your pet's condition and any treatment received at the emergency hospital.
It is always a good idea to be prepared for pet emergencies. Talk to your veterinarian about their emergency protocol and whether they provide 24-hour service or work with an emergency clinic. Keep the contact information and address of your local emergency clinic easily accessible, and consider creating an emergency fund or obtaining pet insurance to help cover unexpected costs.
VCA Animal Hospital: Payment Plans Available?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
If your pet is injured or unwell, call your veterinarian for advice. If it's outside of your veterinarian's office hours, search for a local 24-hour vet or an emergency veterinary hospital.
Some examples of pet emergencies include trauma, bleeding wounds, burns, toxin ingestion, and injuries such as fractured limbs and wounds to the eye.
If you think your pet has ingested something toxic, call the Pet Poison Helpline or ASPCA Poison Control immediately.
If your pet has a non-life-threatening illness or injury, you can take them to an urgent care facility, which typically operates outside of regular business hours and offers significant cost savings compared to emergency hospitals.
When you arrive at the emergency veterinary hospital, be prepared to answer questions about your pet's medical history, behaviour, appetite, urination, defecation, breathing, gum colour, and any concurrent diseases or medications. The medical team may perform a physical exam, X-rays, and lab tests to assess your pet's condition and determine a treatment plan.
