My pet has an emergency!

What to know, where to go

Sometimes emergencies with pets are very obvious. Dog fights, being struck by a car and a known ingestion of poison are some examples of clearly emergent situations. But sometimes it is not as obvious that your pet is having an emergency. And frequently certain symptoms can progress quickly to an emergent situation. Here are some signs to watch for that should prompt you to bring your pet to the vet right away:

• Bleeding anywhere on the body, including blood in the urine or feces
• Coughing, especially when persistent
• Choking
• Continued vomit and/or diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing or rapid, shallow breathing
• Difficulty passing puppies
• Squinting of the eye(s) or sudden blindness
• Obvious pain (vocalizing or excessive panting)
• Extreme lethargy or non-responsiveness to sound or touch
• Straining to eliminate or painful elimination

Please use extreme caution when moving an injured pet. Use blankets or towels to cover the pet and provide a barrier between you and his/her mouth. Even pets who are never aggressive can bite if they are painful enough.

dtlavets is open to accept walk-in emergencies during normal business hours. If your pet has an emergency after hours, please go to your nearest veterinary emergency facility. The closest emergency facilities to Downtown LA are:

ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals (24-hour specialty facility)
9599 Jefferson Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
310.558.6100

Eagle Rock Emergency Pet Clinic (after hours only)
4254 Eagle Rock Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90065
323.254.7382

It is always a good idea to know where your closest emergency facility is located. Whenever possible call the emergency facility to advise them that your are on your way with your pet so that the veterinary team can be as prepared as possible upon your arrival.