When in doubt, call your veterinarian or 260-7141.
You're never wrong to call If you're concerned about your pet. You should never feel embarrassed about calling a veterinarian. Our veterinarians and staff are used to emergencies and are prepared for them. Remember, you know your pet better than anyone else. If you notice your pet behaving in a way that's unusual for her, or if something just doesn't seem right, you may have picked up on a subtle sign of a real problem. To find out, you can call your veterinary hospital, or 260-7141. By asking a few questions over the phone, a veterinary professional should be able to tell you whether you should bring your pet in right away, or whether she can wait for an examination during your hospital's normal office hours. Even if you find out nothing's wrong, you'll be glad to have your mind at ease.
Definite emergencies
There are some times, however, when you won't need to call first. If you notice any of the following problems, bring your pet in immediately for emergency care.
- Your pet has experienced some kind of trauma, such as being hit by a car or a blunt object or falling more than a few feet.
- Your pet isn't breathing or you can't feel a heartbeat.
- Your pet is unconscious and won't wake up.
- Your pet has been vomiting or has had diarrhea for more than 24 hours, or she is vomiting blood.
- You suspect any broken bones.
- Your pet is having trouble breathing or has something stuck in her throat.
- Your pet has had or is having a seizure.
- Your pet is bleeding from the eyes, nose, or mouth, or there is blood in her urine or feces.
- You think your pet might have ingested something toxic, such as antifreeze, rat poison, any kind of medication that wasn't
prescribed to her, or household cleansers.
- Your pet, particularly your male cat, is straining to urinate, or is unable to.
- Your pet shows signs of extreme pain, such as whining, shaking, and refusing to socialize.
- Your pet collapses or suddenly can't stand up.
- Your pet begins bumping into things or suddenly becomes disoriented.
- You can see irritation or injury to your pet's eyes, or she suddenly seems to become blind.
- Your pet's abdomen is swollen and hard to the touch, and/or she's gagging and trying to vomit.
- You see symptoms of heatstroke.
- Your pregnant dog or cat has gone more than three to four hours between delivering puppies or kittens.
What to do if it's an emergency
If you notice any of the symptoms above or you suspect a serious problem, try to get directly in touch with your veterinarian or call 260-7141. Do not leave a voicemail or use the Internet or email.
Once you decide to bring your pet in for emergency treatment, make sure you know where you're going and how to get your pet there safely. Click here for a map to Animal Emergency Care Centers. If you have any questions about directions or how to move your ill or injured pet, call the hospital and ask.
Be prepared
The best way to deal with pet emergencies is to prepare for them, just in case. Many people in the Colorado Springs area have signed up for our Pet Emergency Action Kit program. This free program is meant to help both you and us better prepare for a potential emergency involving your pet.
You should also keep your veterinarian's name and number on an emergency sheet near the phone, right next to the numbers for your doctor, fire department, and poison-control hotline. We can supply you with an Animal Emergency Care Centers magnet for your refrigerator -- request one now. This way, if an emergency catches you off guard, you won't have to file through drawers or folders looking for business cards.
Most important, remember to trust your instincts. You know and love your pet, and you have the right to be worried if something seems wrong. Emergency veterinary professionals are there for you, never hesitate to call.
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