Emergency Vet Clinics in Our Area
BluePearl Pet Hospital Cobb Emergency
OPEN 7 Days a Week: 6 pm - 8 am
Marietta, GA | Map + Directions ›
How to Handle a Pet Emergency
In an emergency, time is of the essence. Get your pet treatment as soon as possible.
What is a veterinary emergency?
Each emergency situation is unique and unpredictable. Within reason, try to do the following:
Remain Calm
Take a deep breath. Emergencies can be scary and overwhelming, but remaining calm will help you react more efficiently and rationally.
Assess the Situation
Take a moment to absorb the condition of your pet and any symptoms you notice. Handle your pet carefully; animals that are afraid or in pain may react with aggression to those trying to help them.
Call Ahead if You Can
If possible, call the emergency animal hospital listed on this page to let them know you are on the way.
Follow Instructions Provided
If you call ahead, the emergency team may provide instructions to help you apply first aid or stabilize your pet for travel. Follow these instructions carefully.
Travel Safely
Stay alert and calm while driving to the emergency vet. Remember that your pet's health depends on your ability to get them safely to the animal hospital.
How can I tell if my pet needs emergency care?
An emergency is a serious, life-threatening condition that requires immediate care. The following situations are examples of emergencies:
- Severe bleeding or bleeding that doesn't stop
- Obvious signs of pain or extreme anxiety
- Choking, difficulty breathing, or continuous coughing/gagging
- Fractured bones or severe lameness
- Seizures and/or staggering
- Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, or blood in the urine
- Inability to urinate or pass feces, or pain associated with urinating or passing feces
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea; 2+ episodes in 24-hours
- Injuries to the eye(s)
- Ingestion of something poisonous
- Heat stress or heatstroke
- Refusal to drink for 24 hours or more
- Unconsciousness
Urgent Care at Cumberland Animal Clinic
Cumberland Animal Clinic is not an emergency veterinary clinic. We can accommodate urgent cases for existing clients by appointment only.
What is urgent veterinary care?
Urgent care is different from emergency care in that it addresses serious but non-life-threatening conditions. Urgent conditions can be similar to emergency conditions but they are less severe.
Examples of urgent conditions include mild-to-moderate vomiting and diarrhea, red or runny eyes, porcupine quills, minor wounds or injuries, blood in urine or stool, or mild-to-moderate allergic reactions.
If you are an existing client and believe your pet requires urgent care, contact us during our regular business hours.
We will discuss your pet's condition with you and determine whether to book an appointment or refer you to one of the emergency veterinary clinics listed above for more immediate care.