At Isla Veterinary Boutique Hospital, we understand that pet emergencies can happen regardless of how careful pet parents are. That’s why we are fully prepared and equipped to provide quality emergency pet care. We are passionate about our patients and will do everything we can to ensure the best possible outcomes. You can always count on us to be there for you and your furry friend.

Signs Your Pet Requires Emergency Care

Severe trauma caused by an accident or fall is a common reason pets may require emergency care. Pet emergencies also include choking, heatstroke, household poisoning, or other life-threatening situations.

Signs that your fur-ever friend may be experiencing an emergency are vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, crying, shaking, and seizures. Other symptoms include pale gums, rapid breathing, weak or rapid pulse, changes in body temperature, or difficulty standing. If you notice any of these symptoms, or if your furry companion has a broken bone or is unconscious, contact us immediately for emergency care.

Caring for Your Injured Pet

If your pet has been injured, contact us for care instructions. In the meantime, get your furry friend prepared for the emergency visit. Keep in mind that animals that are severely injured may act aggressively toward their pet parents, so it’s important to protect yourself while providing the care and comfort needed.

Dogs respond to a calm, gentle demeanor. If your dog continues to show aggression, call us for help. If your dog is passive, put together a makeshift stretcher. Take care to support the neck and back while moving your precious pooch in case there are any spinal injuries sustained.

When dealing with cats, put a blanket or a towel over the head to protect yourself from bites. Slowly lift and gently place your feline friend into an open-topped carrier or box. Make sure to support the head and avoid twisting the neck in case your cat has suffered a spinal injury.

First Aid Treatments

At times, you may need to stabilize your pet before transportation. If there is bleeding due to trauma, try elevating and applying pressure to the wound. If, on the other hand, your furry friend is choking, place your fingers in the mouth to remove the object. If unable to do so, you may need to perform a modified Heimlich maneuver, which involves giving a sharp tap to the chest, which is usually all it takes to dislodge the object.

You may need to administer CPR if your pet remains unconscious after you dislodge the choking object. First, check to make sure your furry friend is breathing. If not, place your pet on the side, extend the neck and head, close the jaws together, and blow into the nostrils every three seconds. If you can't feel a heartbeat, incorporate cardiac massage, which involves three quick and firm chest compressions for every artificial respiration.

If you suspect that your pet has ingested a toxic substance, please call us or contact the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for advice on next steps.

Emergency Care You Can Count On

Contact us at Isla Veterinary Boutique Hospital to learn more about being prepared in the event of a pet emergency. We love our pawsome patients and are committed to providing them with the best pawsible care. You can always count on us!