Accidents happen 24/7 which is why you need to know where the nearest and best emergency care center is for your animals. Whether your pet experiences severe trauma—caused by an accident or fall— or experiences choking, heatstroke, an insect sting, household poisoning or other life-threatening situation, you will need to move quickly to save the life of your pet.
Signs Indicating Emergency Care Include:
• Pale gums
• Excessive bleeding
• Rapid breathing
• Seizures
• Change in body temperature
• Difficulty standing
• Apparent paralysis
• Rapid or weak pulse
• Loss of consciousness
• Vomiting/diarrhea lasting longer than 24 hours.
Your response is critical to your animal’s survival. If your pet has been hit by a car, he/she needs immediate evaluation by a veterinarian for potential internal as well as external injuries. Remember, your safety is important to your pet’s survival too. Some animals become uncharacteristically aggressive when they are injured. Approach your pet slowly and calmly; kneel down and call your pet’s name. If the pet shows aggression, call for help. If he/she is quiet and passive, craft a makeshift stretcher and gently lift him onto it. Take care to support his neck and back in case he’s suffered any spinal injuries.
Once you feel confident and safe transporting your pet, immediately bring him to an emergency care facility. It’s also a smart idea to ask someone—a friend or family member—to call the clinic, so the staff expects you and your pet.
It’s also a smart idea to keep the name, number and address of your local emergency clinic tacked to the refrigerator or stored in your cell phone for easy access.
When selecting an emergency service, look for one that provides 24/7 care with on-site veterinarians. A hospital that has comprehensive specialty services, such as dermatology, nutrition, ophthalmology, oncology, will offer you the broadest options for intervention and care.
Provided by the University of Pennsylvania’s Matthew J. Ryan Hospital, Emergency Service, 215.746.V911 (215.746.8911), 39th and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
