Emergency?

Most pet "parents" have been in a situation like this: Buster slipped on the way down the stairs and now he's walking with a limp. It's 11:00 at night should you call an emergency clinic, or are you just being a worrywart?

You're never wrong to call

If you're concerned about your pet, you should never hesitate to contact a veterinarian. Emergency veterinary clinics are used to emergencies and are well prepared for anything that walks through the door. Pearland Animal Hospital refers all after hour emergencies to:

VCA Animal Emergency Clinic (Southeast)

10331 Gulf Freeway

Houston, TX 77034-1891

(713) 941-8460

VCA Animal Emergency Clinic (Calder Rd / League City)

1108 Gulf Freeway

Suite 280, League City, TX 77573

(281) 332-1678

Remember, you know your pet better than anyone else. If you notice your pet behaving in a way that's unusual for him/her, or if something just doesn't seem right, you may have picked up on a subtle sign of a real problem. To find out, you can call your veterinary hospital, or an emergency animal hospital near you.

Definite emergencies

There are some times, however, when you do not need to call first. If you notice any of the following problems, bring your pet in immediately for emergency care.

***Your pet has been experienced some kind of trauma, such as being hit by a car or a blunt object or falling more than a few feet.

What to do if it's an emergency

If you notice any of the symptoms above or you suspect a serious problem, try to get directly in touch with a veterinary professional. Don't leave a voicemail or use the Internet or email.

Your first step is to call your veterinarian. If you're in an unfamiliar city, look in the phone book or on the internet under "veterinarians/ emergency" and call the nearest emergency hospital.

Once you decide to bring your pet in for emergency treatment, make sure you know where you're going and how to get your pet there safely. Stay calm and do not speed! Sometimes, bringing a second person is helpful. If you have any questions about directions or how to move your ill or injured pet, call the hospital and ask the staff.

**Also, be prepared for payment. Most emergency facilities require payment up front to deter any owners from abandoning their pet (unfortunately, this happens quite often). Don't be afraid to ask how much your visit will cost!

Be prepared

The best way to deal with pet emergencies is to prepare for them, just in case. The next time you bring your pet in for a check-up, ask your veterinarian what you should do in case of emergency.

Keep your daytime and emergency veterinarian's name and number on an emergency sheet near the phone, right next to the numbers for your doctor, fire department, and poison-control hotline. This way, if an emergency catches you off guard, you won't have to file through drawers or folders looking for business cards. You may also want to have a list of pet first aid tips easily accessible, along with guidelines for human first aid.

If you're taking your pet along on a trip, you can find daytime veterinary hospitals and emergency hospitals in the area you'll be visiting by searching online or in the phone book. Also, ask your veterinary staff for a copy of your pet's records before leaving so you will have them in case of an emergency. This is especially important if your pet has a chronic illness.

Most important, remember to trust your instincts. You know and love your pet, and you have the right to be worried if something seems wrong. Emergency veterinary professionals are there for you, never hesitate to call.