24 Hour Emergency Care

Phone - 764.1001

When do I call the vet?

It is 7:00 pm and our office is closed. You walk in the door and Fido does not meet you at the door. Your senses are on high alert as you know something is wrong. You walk in the kitchen and the first thing you see is puppy vomit on the floor. Fido walks around the corner with a slight wag to his tail. However, the excitement of the daily pm greeting is not on his face and his energy level is zero. What do you do? Do you call our office? This is a situation many pet owners find themselves in. The classic question for veterinary emergencies is when do I call for an after hours visit?

A few criteria help us answer this question.

1) Would you call your doctor if you were in the same condition? A single episode of vomiting may get better in 24 hours. However, vomiting 5 times in 3 hours is a reason we would all be looking for help.

2) Can you breathe? A loud noise while your pet is breathing or labored breathing is a critical problem and you need to call us ASAP.

3) Blood. If you see blood in your pets stool, vomit, urine, or on his/her skin would be a reason to call. Sometimes a little blood on your pet’s hair coat may turn out to be a small scratch so look closely.

4) Collapse, staggering, or seizure. If your pet suddenly collapses or has a seizure please call us. Many times seizures are isolated and will not involve multiple seizures in one day. However, seizures can come in clusters so call and let’s visit. Collapsing is never a good thing. So call and schedule an emergency visit.

5) Bloated abdomen. Large breed or deep-chested dogs that suddenly show a big belly and are drooling excessively after eating can be having a major abdominal issue. Please call us ASAP.

6) He can’t urinate. Male cats that go in the litter box often and are crying or straining in the litter box may have a serious condition called urinary obstruction. Call us ASAP!

7) Blunt trauma. Being hit by a car is a very common emergency and needs to be seen as soon as possible. Also, other blunt traumas from objects or gunshots need to be seen after hours.

8) Lacerations or cuts. Large open cuts should be stitched close as soon as possible.

9) Use common sense and your knowledge of your pet. Small scratches and one night of not eating can wait until in the morning. However, a sudden drastic change in your pet or obvious serious injury needs to be discussed with our office.

10) Snake Bites. Rattlesnake, copperheads, water moccasins, and other poisonous snakes are very dangerous. If you see your pet bitten call our office to visit with one of our staff members.

11) Heat Stress

12) Toxic exposure/ingestion

13) Dog/cat fight

14) Dystocia

15) Allergic reactions