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Entry 735Filed under Breeding

What to Do If Your Pet Needs Emergency Veterinary Care

Call a veterinarian or emergency hospital promptly if your pet may be seriously ill or injured. Learn how to respond, transport your pet safely, and handle suspected poisoning.
4-minute read By Animalso Team
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If your pet may be seriously ill or injured, call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency veterinary hospital now. Describe what happened and follow their instructions; call ahead if you can, but do not delay urgent care to keep searching online. Keep yourself safe, move your pet as gently as possible, and treat first aid only as temporary support while you arrange veterinary care.

How to tell when your pet needs emergency care

You do not need to diagnose the problem before calling. Seek urgent veterinary advice for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms. The ASPCA lists signs including pale gums, rapid breathing, a weak or rapid pulse, unusual body temperature, difficulty standing, paralysis, unconsciousness, seizures, and excessive bleeding. These signs can have different causes; a checklist cannot determine what is wrong or how to treat it.

If your pet is unconscious, struggling to breathe, bleeding heavily, or having a seizure, prioritize immediate veterinary care. Contact the clinic as soon as it is practical, and follow its directions.

Who to call and what to say

Call your regular veterinarian first if they can advise you promptly. If the practice is closed or the problem needs urgent attention, contact an emergency veterinary hospital. The FDA directs pet owners to a veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital, or an animal poison-control center for veterinary advice; the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine does not provide individual treatment advice or diagnoses. Its guidance and the services listed here are U.S.-oriented; outside the United States, contact a local veterinarian or local animal poison service.

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Tell the person answering what symptoms you see, when they began, what happened, and whether your pet has any known medical conditions or has taken medication. Give your location and ask where to go and how to transport the animal. If someone is with you, have them call while you prepare to leave or travel.

Move and transport your pet safely

An injured or frightened animal may bite or scratch, even if normally gentle. Approach calmly, keep your face and hands away from its mouth, and avoid unnecessary handling. If you can, ask the veterinary team how to move the animal before lifting it.

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  • Small pets: A secure carrier or suitable breathable container can help confine an injured animal. Handle gently and avoid forcing a painful limb or body part into position.
  • Larger dogs: If the dog cannot walk, a blanket, board, sled, or similar support may work as a stretcher. Move the body gently and avoid twisting it.
  • During the trip: Keep the pet secure and prevent further injury. Do not put yourself or others at risk trying to restrain an animal that is panicking or aggressive.

The AVMA’s 2023 Pet First Aid brochure emphasizes that first aid is not a substitute for veterinary care, though it may help until care is available.

If you suspect poisoning

Act promptly even if your pet seems normal. Move the animal away from the suspected substance so exposure stops, then call a veterinarian, emergency hospital, or animal poison-control service for case-specific instructions. Do not induce vomiting or give medication unless a veterinary professional or poison-control service tells you to do so.

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Keep the package, label, plant material, or other relevant evidence, if you can do so safely. Be ready to report your pet’s species, breed, age, sex, weight, symptoms, what substance may have been involved, the possible amount, and when exposure may have occurred. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.

The ASPCA lists Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 and says it is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; a consultation fee may apply. Check the ASPCA Poison Control page for current service details. The AVMA brochure also lists Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 and notes that a consultation fee may apply; confirm current details with the service.

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Immediate precautions for seizures and injuries

If your pet is having a seizure

  • Clear nearby objects that could cause injury.
  • Do not restrain your pet or put your hands near its mouth.
  • Note how long the seizure lasts, then contact a veterinarian as soon as it stops; seek emergency help for urgent symptoms or as directed by the clinic.

If your pet is injured

  • Do not remove an object embedded in the body.
  • A poorly applied bandage or splint can cause harm. If you are unsure how to apply one, leave it to a veterinary professional and focus on safe transport.

For additional general guidance, see the ASPCA’s Emergency Care for Your Pet, its advice on what to do if your pet is poisoned, and the FDA’s guidance on whom to call for a pet emergency.

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Prepare before an emergency happens

  • Ask your regular veterinarian what to do after hours and which emergency hospital they recommend.
  • Save the hospital’s phone number and address in your phone and somewhere accessible at home.
  • Keep an appropriate carrier available for smaller pets. A basic pet first-aid kit can help with temporary care while you seek veterinary help; the AVMA brochure includes a supply checklist.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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