Common Pet Emergencies

  • When it’s an emergency:
    Severe bleeding, bleeding that won’t stop within 5 minutes, bleeding from nose/mouth/rectum, fractured bones, eye injuries, or severe lameness.

  • What to do right now:
    Apply gentle, firm pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. Do not apply a tourniquet. Keep your pet as calm and still as possible.

  • Call immediately:
    Contact us at 912-355-6113 and head directly to the clinic.

  • What to expect at the clinic:
    Our team will quickly stabilize your pet, control the bleeding, and address fractures or injuries.

  • When it’s an emergency:
    Choking, nonstop gagging/coughing, difficulty breathing, collapse, or unconsciousness.

  • What to do right now:
    Keep your pet’s airway clear and avoid putting your fingers in their mouth if choking. Transport safely and urgently.

  • Call immediately:
    912-355-6113.

  • What to expect at the clinic:
    Oxygen support, airway clearance, and emergency stabilization.

  • When it’s an emergency:
    Seizures, staggering, sudden disorientation, or loss of coordination.

  • What to do right now:
    Keep your pet away from sharp objects. Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth. Time the seizure if possible.

  • Call immediately:
    912-355-6113.

  • What to expect at the clinic:
    IV medication and monitoring to stabilize neurological activity.

  • When it’s an emergency:
    Severe vomiting or diarrhea (more than 2 episodes in 24 hrs), refusal to drink for 24 hrs, obvious abdominal pain.

  • What to do right now:
    Remove food but allow access to water unless vomiting continues. Collect a stool/vomit sample if possible.

  • Call immediately:
    912-355-6113.

  • What to expect at the clinic:
    IV fluids, medication for nausea/pain, and diagnostics to identify cause.

  • Examples:
    Heat stress/heatstroke, snakebites, toxin ingestion, extreme pain/anxiety.

  • What to do right now:

    • Heatstroke → move pet to cool area, offer water, apply cool (not ice-cold) towels.

    • Snakebite → keep pet calm and limit movement; do not try to suck out venom.

    • Toxins → call ASPCA Poison Hotline 888-426-4435 and bring case number.

  • Call immediately:
    912-355-6113.

  • What to expect at the clinic:
    Emergency treatment tailored to condition (antivenin, cooling measures, antidotes, or pain control).

My Pet Ate

  • Examples:
    Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Antidepressants, Cold & Flu meds, Cancer drugs, Vitamins, Diet pills, Tobacco.
    Household products like bleach, detergents, fabric softeners, drain cleaners, oven sprays, disinfectants, liquid potpourri, lime/scale remover.
    Garage items: paint thinners, rodent bait, mothballs, antifreeze/coolant, gasoline, oil, pesticides, fertilizers.

  • Why it’s dangerous:
    Even small doses can cause organ failure, seizures, or death. Many chemicals cause severe burns or poisoning.

  • What to do right now:
    Do not try to make your pet vomit unless directed by a vet. Call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline (888-426-4435) for immediate guidance.

  • At the clinic:
    Bring the container or packaging with you. We’ll need details (substance, amount, time ingested) to provide the right treatment.

    • Examples:
      Ficus, Philodendron, Morning Glory, Hyacinth, Rhododendron, Pothos, Lilies, Tulip, Sago Palm, Oleander, Wisteria, Amaryllis, Spider Plant.

    • Why it’s dangerous:
      Many cause vomiting, kidney failure, or cardiac issues. Lilies are especially deadly to cats.

    • What to do right now:
      Remove any plant material from your pet’s mouth and fur. Call the ASPCA Poison Hotline (888-426-4435) immediately.

    • At the clinic:
      Bring a sample of the plant if possible for quick identification.

  • Examples:
    Xylitol (sugar-free gum/candy), chocolate (especially dark), grapes, alcohol, coffee, turkey/chicken bones, raw/frozen yeast dough.

  • Why it’s dangerous:
    These foods can cause severe toxicity: xylitol leads to rapid hypoglycemia, grapes can cause kidney failure, chocolate affects the heart and nervous system, and bones may splinter internally.

  • What to do right now:
    If ingestion was recent, note the time and amount. Call the ASPCA Poison Hotline (888-426-4435) and follow their instructions.

  • At the clinic:
    Bring packaging, wrappers, or leftover food. Share the case number from ASPCA when you arrive.

If your pet has ingested any of these items, or you are unsure as to whether the item your pet has eaten is toxic to them, call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435.

A trained toxicologist will guide you through the initial phase of evaluation and advise you as to whether you need to seek immediate medical attention for your pet.

If it is determined that your pet is in a medical emergency please bring the case number given to you by the ASPCA, that information will be vital once you reach an Emergency Veterinarian.