Emergencies

Dogs

What is an emergency?

We consider it an emergency when a pet:

  • Collapses or becomes very weak
  • Has severe diarrhea or repetitive vomiting
  • Bleeds
  • Has loss of appetite persisting for more than 24 hours
  • Has lethargy persisting for more than 24 hours
  • Cannot urinate or defecate
  • Breathes rapidly, shallowly, or with difficulty
  • Develops a severe cough
  • Ingests a poison
  • Sustains trauma (hit by an automobile, jumps from a window, or other cuts or injuries)
  • Lengthy or repeated seizures

Kittens

What should I do if I believe there is an emergency?

Seek immediate veterinary care because true medical or surgical emergencies cannot be handled adequately at home. In addition, be sure to:

  • Transport your pet as gently as possible
  • Avoid putting your face or hands in or near a pet’s mouth or feet (pain may cause it to inadvertently bite or scratch)
  • If you believe that the pet has been poisoned, bring the label or container of the suspected substance with you to the emergency room
  • If your pet is bleeding excessively from a cut, apply a clean cloth or bandage over the cut using consistent pressure

Girl Dog

If your pet is having an emergency right now:

  • Please call us at (213) 370-5061 to let us know you are coming and to allow us to advise you if there are things you should do for your pet before or during transport.
  • We can provide directions to our facility 4631 Citylake Blvd ((213) 370-5061) or you may find them on Google Maps (insert the bookmark to our location). Enter through the front doors of the hospital and a receptionist will be there to assist you.
  • If your pet has ingested something that you think may be poisonous, we may recommend that you call the Animal Poison Control Hotline at: 888-426-4435. There is a charge for this call.
  • Payment is due at the time of service.