For Dogs

What is considered an “emergency situation”?

  • Any hit by car, even if there is no visual damage, the dog could have internal injuries and should be checked out.
  • Wounds anywhere
  • Poisoning: Be very careful about slug bait, antifreeze, mouse poison, poisonous plants, chocolate, grapes and raisins, antifreeze, lilly (flower) poisoning insecticides.
  • Eye wounds
  • Severe seizures
  • High temperature. If your dog is not feeling well, if it is acting differently, take a temperature rectally with a human thermometer Leave in for two minutes. Normal temperature range is: 101.5 – 102
  • Gastric torsion (twisted stomach): A condition where, particularly in large, deep bodied dogs, the stomach can twist or be displaced, causing a very painful condition that is a definite emergency! Large breeds are prone to this condition. At first the dog can show signs of just “being off” or act like he has a stomach ache which increases in severity. Veterinary attention is needed immediately as this will rapidly advance into shock.
  • Acute swelling
  • Difficult labor as a female is trying to deliver babies. More than 1 hour in heavy (pushing) labor with no puppies can be an emergency.
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Behavior changes
  • Severe vomiting and diarrhea, with or without blood.

Non Emergency Questions:

Can I drop my dog off early?

Yes, special arrangements can be made for your pet to be dropped off early or picked up late

Can I make financial arrangements?

See Financial Arrangements.

Is there insurance that I can buy for my dog? YES.

There are several insurance options out there that are listed on our Resources page. If you are considering Pet Insurance, BEFORE you bring your dog into the veterinary clinic (and a diagnosis is made) they need to be signed up on the policy. Our veterinary clinic makes no proceeds off of any of the insurance programs, but we do encourage pet insurance coverage as it helps make many veterinary expenses affordable.

You are always welcomed and encouraged to come in and meet our staff, let us introduce ourselves to our dog if you bring them and also pick up some pet insurance brochures. Insurance policies differ in their coverage, so compare diligently.

For Cats

What is considered an “emergency situation”?

  • Do not give Tylenol to Cats! Tylenol Toxicity is not to be given to cats.
  • Do not use Dog flea products on cats, the drugs in them are not for cats
  • Any hit by car, even if no visual damage, pet could have internal injuries and should be checked.
  • Wounds anywhere.
  • Abscesses. Cats, even neutered cats, can get in arguments or even down right fights! Cat bites and particularly claw wounds may be difficult to find evidence of in their fur, yet they are very serious in their infection potential. What may be noticed would be a slight behavior change, possibly more lethargic (usually due to a fever) or a swelling might be noticed. The swelling could be anywhere on the body including the tail.
  • Accidental ingestion of anything other than their food. Bring in sample or box if possible, make note of where and when. Include ANYTHING that you might think significant. Be very careful if your cat is around any “string” of any kind. Sewing kits (thread) and Christmas ribbon are good examples. They start playing with the string, it goes in the mouth and then it can become a fatal condition when ingested. What might they have had the opportunity to get into? Antifreeze, a plant, some mouse or slug poison? A Lilly flower is VERY poisonous and it only takes a lick of any part of the plant to compromise the cat. Cats are curious and playful animals. Keep a watchful eye on their activities.
  • Eye wounds need immediate attention.
  • Severe seizures
  • High temperature. If your cat is not feeling itself, take its temperature rectally with a human thermometer. Leave in for two minutes. Normal temperature range is: 99.9 – 102.5.
  • Acute swelling
  • Difficult labor as female is trying to deliver babies. More than ? hour with no kittens can be an emergency.
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Behavior changes: Yowling, extreme licking, squatting with nothing coming out, rolling around more than normal, sudden collapse, difficulty breathing, panting, increased pacing, increased drinking, hiding or behavior more needy
  • Severe vomiting (more than coughing up an occasional hair ball)
  • Urinary blockage in a male cat. (can cause cardiac arrest) Signs and symptoms: Abnormal yowling of the male cat, licking furiously , rolling around as in pain. Needs to be dealt with ASAP. Don’t always see these signs. Be aware of what his urinating habits are. If you see any urine tinged red or notice him squatting to urinate and no urine, call immediately!

Other FAQs

Can I drop my pet off early?

Yes, special arrangements can be made for your pet to be dropped off early or picked up late.

Can I make financial arrangements?

See FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS.

Is there insurance that I can buy for my cat?

YES.  There are several insurance options out there that are listed on our RESOURCES page. If you are considering Pet Insurance, BEFORE you bring your cat into the veterinary clinic (and a diagnosis is made that would go in the cat’s records), they need to be signed up on the policy. Our veterinary clinic makes no proceeds off of any of the insurance programs, but we do encourage pet insurance coverage as it helps makes many veterinary expenses affordable.

You are always welcomed and encouraged to come in and meet our staff, let us introduce ourselves to your pet if you bring them and also pick up some pet insurance brochures. Insurance policies differ in their coverage, so compare diligently.