Emergency
If your pet is currently experiencing an emergency, please call (716) 839-4043 immediately! Below is a list of what you should do in an emergency as well as a few examples of what actually may constitute an emergency. However, this is not a comprehensive list. Always remember, you are the best judge of your pet’s normal behavior. If you even suspect trouble, you are probably right. Be safe and reach out to us immediately. Is your pet experiencing an emergency?
What to do in an Emergency…
1) Call our office to help determine if your pet needs emergency treatment. Initiate first aid, if needed.
2) Bring all of your pet’s medications if they are immediately available.
3) Bring a sample/container of whatever poison your pet may have been in contact with. Our staff may advise you to contact poison control in the event that a toxin has been ingested.
4) Bring your cell phone (and charger).
5) Print off driving instructions to VEC, 4821 Genesee Street, Cheektowaga, NY 14225 may be printed or input into your GPS.
6) Transport pets in a carrier or restrained with a leash, especially if you are traveling alone.
7) Have a household member come with you to help comfort your animal and assist with driving directions and mobile phone contact with VEC medical staff.
8) Drive carefully!
What Constitutes an Emergency?
- Lethargy, uncharacteristic behavior
- Severe bleeding
- Wound
- Bite
- Fracture
- Paralysis
- Choking
- Ingested foreign object, such as a toy
- Blue, pale or yellow gums
- Suspected exposure to or ingestion of toxic substances such as antifreeze, ibuprofen, chocolate, onions, grapes or houseplants
- Open mouth breathing, especially cats
- Difficulty breathing
- Convulsions or Seizures
- Trouble urinating (especially in male cats)
- Frequent urination
- Prolonged labor or difficulty delivering babies
- Foaming from the mouth
- Persistent vomiting
- Persistent diarrhea
- Bloody vomit
- Collapse
- Inability to walk
- Eye injury or if the eye is no longer in the socket
- Severe Pain
- Refusal to eat for a prolonged period of time