What To Do In A Pet Emergency
Emergency veterinary care is needed when your pet experiences a sudden or severe injury, illness, or accident that cannot be managed with at-home care. It may also be required if it is outside the office hours of your primary care veterinarian.
Knowing what to expect will make managing the emergency easier for you and your pet. Here is the standard process followed at our specialty and emergency animal hospital in Halifax:
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Step 1: Get To Our Hospital Right Away (Call Ahead If You Can)
We understand that in an emergency, you may be unable to call us in advance, but it's always best if you can.
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Step 2: Triage & Examination
A member of our emergency team will triage your pet, followed by a complete examination by one of our dedicated emergency veterinarians.
Please Note: Wait times may vary as we operate on a triage-based system. Critical patients will be seen first.
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Step 3: Diagnosis & Treatment
Once we've thoroughly assessed your pet, we will provide you with more information and discuss treatment options.
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Step 4: Follow-up with your Primary Care Veterinarian
We'll always share your pet's medical history and files with your family veterinarian to ensure seamless and integrated care.
Veterinary Emergency FAQs
Here are some questions often asked at our emergency animal hospital in Halifax:
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What is considered a veterinary emergency?
Below are some examples of situations that are considered emergencies and may require immediate veterinary care.
If your pet has had an accident or is experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, call Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital.
- Severe bleeding or bleeding that doesn't stop
- Obvious signs of pain or extreme anxiety
- Choking, difficulty breathing, or continuous coughing/gagging
- Fractured bones or severe lameness
- Seizures/tremors
- Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, or blood in the urine
- Inability to urinate or pass feces, or pain associated with urinating or passing feces
- Persistent vomiting and diarrhea
- Injuries to the eye(s)
- Your cat and dog have ingested something poisonous (such as antifreeze, xylitol, chocolate, rodent poison, etc.)
- Heat stress or heatstroke
- Unconsciousness
- Collapse
- Hit by car
- Retching, abdominal distension
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Do I need to call ahead?
Our team understands that there isn't always time to call ahead, but whenever possible, it is best to do so. Calling ahead gives our team time to prepare for your arrival.
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How long will we have to wait to see the veterinarian?
We prioritize care based on the pet's immediate medical need by operating on a triage system. This means that pets will be seen in the order of how severe their condition is.
Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital is furnished with a comfortable waiting area, and we will do our best to keep you updated about wait times and the status of your pet.
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What emergency veterinary services do you offer?
Our emergency team is prepared to handle any emergency your pet may experience.
Our team has the training and skills to remain calm and deal with your pet's medical emergency, ensuring your pet gets the best possible emergency care as quickly and effectively as possible.
Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital is equipped to provide specialized diagnostics, a complete range of surgical services, and hospitalization when required.
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What other procedures happen during an emergency visit?
Throughout your pet's visit to our 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital in Halifax, they may undergo additional procedures to help diagnose the underlying cause of their condition.
This includes laboratory tests like bloodwork and urinalysis and a physical examination.
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Will you keep in touch with our primary care veterinarian?
Yes, we firmly believe that communication is vital at all stages of your pet's care, regardless of the reason for their visit.
We will forward all necessary files, including test results and diagnostic images, to help ensure that your pet's ongoing treatment continues without unnecessary delays.
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Will my pet need to stay overnight?
Depending on the condition of your pet, we may need to keep them for an extended period while we stabilize them and begin treatment.
Once they are responding well to the treatment and no longer require constant monitoring or additional care, we will release them back into your care.
We will also provide your primary care veterinarian with a detailed report including the next steps.
Emergency Veterinary Team
The skilled emergency veterinary team at Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital is here 24/7, 365 days a year to provide vital medical attention to your pet quickly and efficiently.
Our Halifax emergency veterinarians also regularly collaborate with our board-certified veterinary specialists as well as referring primary care veterinarians to provide your beloved companion with the best possible care.
We are proud to have a passion for comprehensive veterinary care with a focus on communication. This allows for informed decision-making in times that may otherwise be stressful.
Emergency Veterinary Care
Caring for Pets in Atlantic Canada
Our specialists are pleased to accept new patients by referral from primary care veterinarians. Our emergency service welcomes all clients – 24/7/365.