Recognizing Pet Emergencies
Knowing when your pet needs emergency care can be the difference between life and death. At My Pets Veterinary Urgent Care and Wellness, our emergency-trained team is always ready to help. Here's a guide to recognizing serious situations that require immediate attention.
Clear Emergency Situations
Seek immediate emergency care if your pet experiences:
- Difficulty breathing - Rapid, shallow, or labored breathing
- Loss of consciousness - Collapse or inability to stand
- Severe bleeding - Uncontrolled bleeding from wounds
- Severe trauma - Hit by car, falls from heights, severe injuries
- Signs of seizures - Uncontrolled movements, loss of consciousness
- Inability to urinate or defecate - Complete blockage
- Vomiting blood - Hematemesis
- Severe abdominal pain - Distended, hard, or painful abdomen
Urgent But Not Life-Threatening
These situations require prompt veterinary care but may not be immediately life-threatening:
- Frequent or persistent vomiting
- Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
- Inability to eat or drink
- Lethargy lasting more than a few hours
- Straining to urinate with little output
- Limp or inability to bear weight on a limb
After-Hours Care
My Pets Veterinary Urgent Care and Wellness is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 9 PM. Our experienced emergency team, led by Dr. David Abolnik, is equipped to handle urgent situations during these hours. For emergencies outside our hours, please contact the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.
What to Do in an Emergency
- Stay calm - Your pet can sense your anxiety
- Call ahead - Let us know you're coming
- Transport safely - Keep your pet as still as possible
- Bring information - Medical history, medications, recent incidents
- Follow instructions - Our team will guide you through treatment
Contact Us Immediately
If you're unsure whether your pet's condition is an emergency, don't hesitate to call us at (425) 380-5880. Our team can assess the situation and advise you on the best course of action. Your pet's health and safety are our top priority.