Emergency Services

24/7 Emergency Services

Our Emergency and Critical Care Department is always staffed by knowledgeable, compassionate veterinarians and veterinary professionals, to ensure all patients in our hospital received the best possible care that is delivered with skilled and kind hands. Lead by our board-certified emergency and critical care specialists,  Dr. Sarah Gray and Dr. Nancy Scott, our team strives to provide your pet with the emergent care needed while working closely with your family veterinarian in a collaborative approach.

No appointment is needed, however, if your pet is in need of emergency care we do recommend you call ahead so we can prepare for your pet’s arrival. 805-856-0290

Examples of common pet emergencies include:

  • Trauma
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Seizures
  • Lacerations or Injuries
  • Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) – (commonly referred to as “Bloat”)
  • Inability to Urinate
  • Sudden Lameness
  • Sudden and Extreme Aggressive Behavior
  • Injuries from a Dog Fight
  • Sudden and Severe vomiting or diarrhea
  • Failure to Thrive
  • Rattlesnake Bite
  • Allergic Reaction
  • Heat Stroke
  • Difficult Birth
  • Complications from Chronic Illness
  • Poisoning – accidental ingestion of a toxic substance
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If your pet has ingested a substance that is or may be toxic please contact a poison hotline:

  • Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661
  • ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435
    • These facilities are staffed with Board Certified Veterinary Toxicologists and will guide you to best care for your pet
    • *There is a fee associated with any call into ASPCA Poison Control or Pet Poison Helpline”

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

  • Any significant trauma – hit by car, small pet that is dropped, crushing injuries
  • Bleeding
  • Crying out in pain
  • Difficulty breathing – gums are pale/white or blue, coughing, excessive panting, stretching the head and neck while breathing
  • Straining to urinate or defecate
  • Heat exhaustion – pet cannot seem to cool or calm down, especially if after activity on a hot day
  • Distended abdomen and/or non-productive retching
  • Collapsing – unable to move, walk or are dragging their leg(s)
  • Nonstop/Uncontrollable Coughing or Wheezing
  • Extreme lethargy
  • Eyes – squinting, bulging, bleeding or painful
  • Difficulty with labor and delivery
  • Seizures or tremors
  • Pale gums – could indicate internal bleeding or anemia
  • Excessive vomiting, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, or prolonged anorexia
  • Any scary or concerning abnormal behavior
  • Possible poisoning or toxic exposure – ingestion of xylitol-containing gum, chocolate, grapes, insecticides (baits, sprays, etc.), human medications/drugs, household cleaners/some plants, fertilizers, etc.
    • We recommend clients contact the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 and contact a veterinary facility for guidance. *There is a fee associated with the Pet Poison Helpline.

If you are ever in doubt if your pet is having an emergency, please call your primary veterinarian or an urgent or emergency veterinary care facility for guidance.

Certifications

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