Pets, like people, can end up in life threatening situations. At West Ridge Animal Hospital our doctors and technicians provide compassionate, lifesaving care to your pet in an emergency. If your pet has suffered a serious injury or life-threatening event, stay calm, but try to get your pet to our hospital as soon as possible. Starting treatment right away may decrease recovery time or even save a life.

In order to better serve your needs, West Ridge Animal Hospital is open from 8:00 am until 9:00 pm Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. We are here to provide routine and urgent/ emergency care services to your pets during these hours.

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At West Ridge Animal Hospital, we have access to some of the most advanced methods available for treating our patients, including intravenous fluid and drug therapy, digital radiography, ultrasonography, a sterile, temperature-controlled surgical suite, endoscopy/laparoscopy, intensive anesthetic and surgical monitoring equipment, state-of-the-art pain management protocols, orthopedic, soft tissue and emergency surgical capabilities, laser surgery, blood transfusion abilities, heated/oxygen cages, and an isolation ward for infectious patients.

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If your pet is a regular patient of another facility in the area, we are happy to provide emergency care as needed, and will update your regular veterinarian as to our findings, your pet’s medical records and any diagnostic testing results, and any medication protocols or recommendations we have given you. We are also please to speak with your veterinarian regarding any questions they may have about your pet.

We value your trust and confidence in allowing us to treat your pets in an emergency or critical situations.

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Emergency Examples

• Excessive bleeding or bleeding that continues longer than 5 minutes

• Choking, difficulty breathing or nonstop coughing and gagging

• Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, coughing up blood, or blood in urine

• Lack of urination or inability to pass feces (stool), or obvious pain associated with urinating or passing stool

• Injuries to your pet’s eye(s)

• Your pet has eaten something poisonous (such as antifreeze, xylitol, chocolate, rodent poison, etc.)

• Seizures and/or staggering

• Fractured bones or severely reduced mobility

• Obvious signs of pain

• Heat Exhaustion or heatstroke

• Severe vomiting or diarrhea – more than 2 episodes in a 24-hour period

• Refusal to drink for 24 hours or more

• Unconsciousness

 

Emergency / First Aid Kit

• Absorbent gauze pads

• Adhesive tape

• Wrap material such as vet wrap and cotton wrap

• Cotton balls or swabs

• Betadine solution for wounds

• Fresh 3% hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting (always check with veterinarian or animal poison control expert before giving to your pet)

• Benadryl- always consult with your veterinarian regarding a proper dose prior to starting your adventure

• Ice pack

• Disposable gloves

• Scissors with blunt end

• Tweezers

• Toenail trimmers

• OTC antibiotic ointment

• Oral syringe or turkey baster

• Liquid dishwashing detergent (for bathing)

• Towels

• Small flashlight

• Alcohol wipes

• Styptic powder

• Saline eye solution

• Artificial tear gel

• Phone number, clinic name, address of your veterinarian as well as local veterinary emergency clinics.

• Water

• Water bowl

• Snacks

Make sure to check your pack every few months to make sure nothing has expired or needs to be replaced. And of course, keep your kit out of the reach of children.