All of our emergency doctors are staff members. They do not “moonlight,” they do not serve as “relief” veterinarians and are not assigned other (daytime) duties. Our staff is specifically scheduled for evening and weekend hours.
Upon arrival to our hospital, our emergency and critical care team will triage your pet—we will determine patient status and provide immediate attention, if it is required such as treating a bleeding wound or providing oxygen for pets having trouble breathing.
Unfortunately, we do not treat birds or other exotic pets; however, we will direct you to hospitals that do provide such care.
Once the veterinarian has evaluated your pet through history taking and performing a physical exam, a diagnostic and treatment plan will be presented to you. Options for tests such as X-rays and blood work, hospitalization and treatments will be discussed.
What to do in case of an emergency:
What is an emergency? We feel that anything which causes a pet owner to be alarmed, enough so to contact us is important. It’s always better to be cautious when it comes to your beloved pet’s health.
1) If you are concerned about your pet, please contact us.
2) Remain calm. Alert a family member, friend or neighbor about the situation. You may need help from that person to transport the pet to our hospital.
3) Inform our staff about your pet’s condition over the telephone before you arrive.
Some common emergency tips:
Bufo toad poisoning: These toads cause heart and nervous system problems. Symptoms include: drunken behavior (staggering, falling over), excessive drooling/foaming from mouth, and seizures.
- If your pet is not seizing and is conscious, rinse the mouth with running water by placing a sink sprayer or garden hose in the corner of the mouth.
- Do not try to make your pet drink or force water down your pet's throat.
- Do not give any other liquid or food, use only water.
- If your pet is seizing, unconscious, falling over or becomes very stiff come to the hospital as soon as possible.
- Call our hospital, you may be directed to contact Animal Poison Control (1-888-426-4435, fee charged) or you may be directed to give something to induce vomiting.
- Be prepared to bring your pet to the hospital. Certain toxins and drugs have antidotes which we can administer.
- Always bring the packaging or vial that the suspected substance was kept in. The label will provide information such as the main ingredient and its concentration.
- If your pet's skin was exposed to a chemical or insecticide - bathe your pet using dish soap and water.
- Approach injured pets with caution - they may bite anyone when in pain (including their owner).
- Use plywood, blankets or an ironing board as a stretcher to move your pet if it cannot walk.
- Place clean towels over any open wounds and apply direct pressure to any bleeding wounds.
- Never place a tourniquet unless directed to do so by a veterinarian.
- Call the hospital, you may be directed to remove your pets' food/water.
- Excessive vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration which requires medical attention. Be prepared to bring your pet to the hospital.
- Do not give your pet any over-the-counter medication such as Imodium unless directed to do so by a veterinarian.
What are some common household items to avoid?
Dogs:
No grapes or raisins—in some dogs it causes kidney failure
No onions or Kale—can cause anemia
No chocolate or caffeine —can cause tremors and seizures
No sugarless gum or sweeteners—these products contain Xylitol which causes severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Human pain killers—dogs metabolize these drugs differently than people—only give medication prescribed or directed by a veterinarian
Sago palm—any part of this decorative landscaping, especially the seeds are deadly
Cats:
Lillies—all parts of the flower are poisonous and lead to kidney failure
Degreasers/Antifreeze—(dogs are poisoned too!!), causes irreversible kidney failure/death
Tylenol—one regular strength tablet will kill a cat, it causes their blood to loose its ability to carry oxygen
Spot-on/topical flea killers—some of these products are mistakenly placed on cats when they are labeled for dogs only. Overdose causes tremors and seizures.
