Pets are masters of getting into trouble. You need to be able to get your pet to an emergency animal hospital as soon as possible to save your pet’s life. The time to plan for an emergency is before one happens. White Rock Animal Hospital serving East Dallas, Lochwood, Lake Highland, and Lakewood, TX, lists what you need to know about emergency pet care.
Recognizing Pet Emergencies
When do you need to take your pet to an emergency animal hospital? When your pet’s life is immediately threatened. These times include:
- Traffic accidents
- Broken bones
- Seizures
- Snake bites
- Poisonings
- Heatstroke
- Heavy bleeding that will not stop
- Bloat in large dogs
- Not being able to urinate for more than 24 hours
- Shock
Finding an Emergency Vet
Your veterinarian should be able to handle emergencies during office hours. However, pets often have emergencies after office hours and on holidays. You need to be sure of where you can take your pet at such times. Ask your vet about their emergency services. If they do not see emergencies outside of office hours, ask for a place that does. Your veterinarian will be happy to provide one.
Take a Practice Drive
Even if you have GPS, it’s a good idea to take a practice drive to the emergency animal hospital when you are not under the stress of a pet health emergency. This way, you will know how to get there and where to park when an emergency does happen.
Call the Emergency Vet Before Arrival
Put the emergency vet’s number on speed dial, or keep the number in your wallet, glove compartment, or any place easy to find. If possible, call the emergency vet before arrival so that the staff can get equipment ready to work on your pet as soon as you arrive.
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
If your dog or cat is showing signs of poisoning and you cannot get ahold of your vet, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. This is not a free call, but you do get access to veterinary help 24 hours a day every day of the year, including Christmas. You’ll need to pay with a credit card.
Transporting Large Dogs
Since large dogs cannot be picked up easily, they need to be rolled onto a blanket. The edges of the blanket are lifted by you and a friend to situate your dog into a vehicle.
Helping Dogs and Cats in East Dallas, TX Stay Healthy
Your dog and cat need a vet. If you live in the East Dallas, Lochwood, Lake Highland, or Lakewood, TX, areas, contact White Rock Animal Hospital by emailing [email protected] or by calling (214) 328-3255 to make an appointment today. We offer emergency pet care during office hours only. We partner with MedVet/Dallas for after-hours emergency care. Our number is (972) 994-9110.
