Emergency Preparedness

Emergencies rarely happen during regular business hours and are always unexpected. Make an emergency plan now so you can calmly tend to your pet should an emergency arise. Discuss your plans with your family veterinarian. Plot the most direct route to your emergency veterinary care facility and write out the directions. Put important phone numbers and other information where they can be easily found along with the directions. A phone call is recommended to assure that the hospital is open and to alert them to your arrival.

In a life-threatening emergency situation, take your pet to an emergency facility immediately. Trust yourself- you will know if it is an emergency. When in doubt it is best to err on the side of caution. Heavy or difficult breathing, weakness or collapse, pain/vocalizing, seizures, protracted vomiting or diarrhea, and unresponsiveness are just a few signs that warrant immediate attention.

If your pet has ingested a poison or medication not prescribed for it, call one of the emergency numbers below. You may be instructed to make your pet vomit. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to by a veterinarian. Bring the poison or medication container with you.

Use caution when moving an injured, painful, distressed, or disoriented pet. A fearful or painful animal may bite, regardless of its normal temperament. Speak soothingly and calmly, move slowly, and wear gloves. Your pet should be moved as little as possible. An injured pet should be transported on a stretcher or board, or, in the case of smaller animals, a carrier or box with sturdy base. A muzzle may be useful if your pet is painful but should not be used if your pet is having difficulty breathing. Covering your pet with a blanket or towel may help prevent heat loss and may encourage calmness. Most importantly, stay calm and drive carefully.