Dog Emergency Care at Advanced Animal Care
How do I know if my dog is experiencing a real emergency that can't wait for regular veterinary care?
A true emergency that cannot wait includes things like seizures, collapse, pale or white gums, difficulty breathing, inconsistent or consistent vomiting, and diarrhea, among other symptoms.
What are common signs that my dog is experiencing a medical emergency?
A medical emergency is a very broad topic, so there's a wide range of symptoms to look for. As mentioned earlier, pale gums, increased respiratory rate or effort, collapse or lethargy, seizures, wounds that are continuously bleeding, or inability to walk or stand are all signs of a medical emergency.
What types of injuries might constitute an emergency?
Many injuries can constitute an emergency. For example, if your dog was hit by a car, attacked by another animal, or is non-weight-bearing on a limb, these could all be considered emergencies.
What are the most common dog health emergencies you see?
We see a wide variety of emergencies at our hospital, which keeps us on our toes. Common emergencies include lacerations, attacks by other animals, seizures, and respiratory distress.
What do I do if my regular veterinarian doesn't offer emergency veterinary care for dogs?
If your regular veterinarian doesn't offer emergency care, it's important to get your dog to the nearest emergency hospital or urgent care, depending on the dog's needs.
What should I expect when I bring my dog to an emergency visit?
When your dog comes to an emergency visit at our hospital, you'll need to fill out some paperwork while your dog is triaged. Triage involves checking vitals like gum color and consciousness level. A technician will gather history from you and either bring the doctor directly to the treatment area or communicate the situation to the doctor. Your dog will then be seen by an emergency veterinarian who will discuss diagnostics and treatment plans with you.
What are the differences between an emergency vet and an urgent care clinic?
An urgent care clinic can see a dog within a few hours or the same day and usually doesn't hospitalize animals. Emergency clinics have the capability for surgeries, hospitalizations, IV fluids, and other treatments, although there are some similarities in the care provided.
For emergencies like choking, is there anything I can do at home before visiting an emergency vet?
If you suspect your pet is choking, try to stay calm and use your index finger to swipe the back of the mouth to dislodge anything stuck. If you can't find anything, get to an emergency care facility as quickly as possible.
Can I perform CPR on my dog?
It's possible to perform CPR on your dog, but it's best to get them to the nearest emergency veterinary facility as soon as possible to avoid further injury.
What should I do if my dog's been hit by a car?
If your dog has been hit by a car, get them to the nearest emergency veterinary facility as quickly as possible. Try not to move them much as they may have broken bones or internal injuries. Keep them calm and focus on getting them to care.
How can I tell if my dog has a broken bone, and what should I do?
Diagnosing a broken bone usually requires an X-ray. If the dog is non-weight bearing, has joint laxity, or if the leg is visibly misaligned, suspect a break and get them to a vet.
What are the signs of poisoning in dogs and how should I respond?
Signs of poisoning can include acute vomiting or diarrhea, but the symptoms depend on the type of poison ingested. Immediate veterinary care is crucial.
How do I treat a dog with a severe cut or wound?
If your dog has a severe cut, apply a firm bandage to control bleeding and get them to an emergency vet. Severe wounds often need medical attention and suturing.
What should I do if my dog is experiencing heat stroke?
If your dog has heat stroke, get them inside and cool them with water—not cold, but cool. Start with their feet and progress to the body if needed. If they don't improve, get them to the nearest facility.
What should I do if my dog is stung by a bee or bitten by an insect?
For bee stings, you can give plain Benadryl, but if they show signs of an allergic reaction like hives or difficulty breathing, get them to a vet.
Are there any other symptoms of allergic reactions in dogs other than the ones you just mentioned?
Other allergic reaction symptoms can include vomiting, redness, or swelling in the affected area.
What is bloat and how can I recognize it in my dog?
Bloat is when the stomach fills with gas, and if it twists, it's called GDV. Symptoms include nonproductive retching, a distended stomach, pain, lethargy, and reluctance to move.
How can I provide temporary relief for my dog until we reach the vet?
I do not recommend over-the-counter pain management as many human medications are unsafe for dogs. Get your pet to the nearest emergency vet or urgent care if they are in pain.
What do you recommend to have ready at home in case an emergency situation comes up with my dog?
It's useful to have Benadryl or an antihistamine and some light bandaging material on hand, but most emergencies require professional veterinary care.
What can I do to prevent some emergencies from happening to my dog?
Preventing emergencies like hit-by-car incidents involves keeping your dog on a leash or in a secured backyard. Keep harmful items like medications and toxic foods out of reach, and use a kennel if your dog tends to get into things.
Will I need to call ahead to let the hospital know I have an emergency?
You don't need to call ahead, but it's helpful if you do so we can prepare. However, focus on getting your pet to us as quickly as possible.
Will I be able to stay with my pet while I'm at the emergency vet or urgent care?
You can stay with your pet during diagnostics, but once they're hospitalized, you can visit periodically, though overnight stays with your pet are not allowed.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (859) 625-5678. Our staff is always here for you!