How do I know if my pet is having an emergency?

emergenciesSymptoms that should be seen by a veterinarian immediately:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Collapse
  • Trauma (such as hit by car)
  • Head Trauma
  • Fainting or Loss Consciousness
  • Choking
  • Wounds (such as dog fights)
  • Bleeding
  • Seizures
  • Difficulty walking or hunching
  • Inability to urinate
  • Profuse vomiting or diarrhea
  • Trying to vomit and not producing vomit
  • Bloody vomit or diarrhea
  • Prolonged exposure to extreme heat or cold
  • Fever
  • Eye problems
  • Painful or swollen abdomen
  • Pain of any kind — any problem that you think needs to be evaluated immediately or can’t wait until an available appointment
  • Exposure to possible toxin (medicine, antifreeze, xylitol gum, plants, marijuana)
    If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxin please contact the ASPCA poison control center at 1(888) 426-4435. The consultation is an additional fee unless your pet has an active HomeAgain Membership.
    https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Chocolate Toxicity Calculator

Where can I go in an emergency??

Please call prior to coming down for an emergency.

We work with several emergency hospitals in the area to provide service outside of these hours. If your pet is having an emergency outside of these hours we recommend that you bring them to either Mass-RI Veterinary ER, in Swansea, or Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists, in Buzzards Bay. We receive detailed reports regarding your pet’s condition and are happy to provide any follow-up or further care needed.

COVID-19 has resulted in an increase in the demand for veterinary care, on occasion veterinary ERs have been forced to turn away none critical cases. We recommend you call the ER before you head down to ensure your pet can we seen with minimal wait time. Please be aware that veterinary ERs will require a deposit prior to seeing your pet.

Please call first so that we can anticipate your pet’s arrival during an emergency.