Pet Emergency Services
When your pet faces a sudden illness or injury, our Fort Worth emergency vet provides fast, focused care to stabilize them and ease their pain. Every minute matters, and our team is ready to act quickly.
Seek help right away if your companion has trouble breathing, collapses, has a seizure, or is bleeding heavily. Swallowing something toxic, repeated vomiting, a swollen belly, or straining to urinate also needs immediate attention.
Please call ahead when possible, so we can prepare for your arrival. Once your pet is stable, we’ll explain what we found, review treatment options, and keep you updated every step of the way.
When to Go to An Emergency Vet
If your pet is exhibiting any of these symptoms, you may need to head to an emergency vet. Call ahead to ensure we (or the emergency hospital you are going to) can prepare for your arrival, and advise you on how to care for and safely transport your pet.
- Profuse bleeding
- Broken bones
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Bloody vomit or diarrhea
- Excessive diarrhea (usually a sign of dehydration)
- Rapid temperature fluctuation below 98 degrees F or above 105 degrees F
- Heat stroke (heavy panting, lethargy, rapid pulse, vomiting)
- Very weak or very rapid pulse
- Pale gums
How to Stabilize Your Pet in an Emergency
In some emergency vet situations, you may need to stabilize your pet before they can be safely transported to the hospital. If you have a second person who can ride to the hospital with you, that person can try to keep your pet calm during the trip.
- If your pet has an open wound that is bleeding, keep pressure on it with a bandage. If possible, keep the site of the wound elevated.
- If your pet is choking on a foreign object, you can attempt to remove it with your fingers. If this is not possible, try giving your pet a sharp rap on the chest. This is similar to the “Heimlich maneuver” which is performed on humans, and can sometimes dislodge a foreign object from the airway.
- CPR can be performed on dogs or cats if they stop breathing or their heart stops beating. Hold the pet’s mouth closed and blow into the nostrils at a ratio of one breath every three seconds. Administer three quick chest compressions per breath if your pet’s heart stops.
Get Help When It Matters Most From Our Fort Worth Emergency Vet
Our Fort Worth emergency vet is here to support your pet through urgent moments. We’ll keep you informed throughout their care. Call Ridglea West Animal Hospital right away.
