Common Emergency Questions

Common Emergency Questions

How Do I Know If It’s An Emergency?

Animals tend to have a much higher tolerance for pain than humans, and by instinct they often hide their injuries. If you notice your animal acting oddly, there is a chance they have been injured for longer than you think. All too often we see animals for emergencies that arise from minor problems that have been let go too long. If your pet has a symptom that lasts more than a day or so, give our emergency staff a call at the phone number listed at the bottom of this page.

What To Do If You Have An Emergency

If you have an emergency, call us as quickly as you can. Our receptionists and technicians can give you immediate information over the phone, and by calling ahead it lets us prepare for your pet’s emergency needs. If it’s the middle of the night and a doctor is not in the building, this gives them time to get to the clinic and get ready to help your pet. If you can’t call the clinic, have another family member call while you are on your way.

What Not To Do

Never, ever give your pet human medications without direct instruction from a veterinarian. Common medicines can have serious adverse reactions in pets, and while some human medications might not hurt one species (like a dog) they may actually be fatal to another species (like a cat). Even if you think that a human medication will not harm your pet, do NOT administer it unless a veterinarian or emergency technician instructs you to, there is the possibility that it can interfere with emergency treatments (like anesthesia).