At Animal Emergency Hospital Volusia (AEHV), we understand it’s not always easy to determine if your pet’s late-night injury or illness requires an emergency visit to our animal hospital.
That’s why our veterinary team wants to share some of the most common signs and symptoms our furry friends experience when in need of immediate medical care.
Signs and Symptoms Your Pet Needs Emergency Veterinary Care
If your pet experiences any of the following (not a complete list), please contact the AEHV team immediately:
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Bite wounds from other pets, animals, snakes, or spiders
- Collapse
- Constant panting
- Crying out in pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Distended, “bloated” abdomen
- Elevated heart rate (> 160 beats per minute at home)
- Encounters with poisonous toads, such as the common Bufo toad
- Excessive bleeding
- Extreme lethargy or weakness
- Eye injuries
- Fever
- Heat stroke
- High or low temperature
- Inability to move, walk, or dragging of the back legs
- Large intake of saltwater
- Pale, blue, or yellow gums
- Persisitent coughing
- Poisoning or toxin ingestion
- Recurrent vomiting or diarrhea
- Respiratory rate of > 60 breaths per minute while resting
- Severe allergic reactions
- Seizures or tremors
- Straining to urinate
- Sudden or significant behavior changes
- Toxin ingestion (antifreeze, chocolate, etc)
- Trauma (hit by a car, an accident, etc.)
Please know this list doesn’t include all signs and symptoms. When in doubt, please contact AEHV at (386) 252-0206. Our 24/7 emergency care team is available around the clock to help pet owners recognize emergency symptoms and to provide advice on the next steps if symptoms progress.
Important Steps for Toxin Ingestion or Poisoning
If your pet has ingested a toxic item, we recommend to first call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply). At the Poison Control Center, expert toxicologists will consider the age and health of your pet, what and how much they ate, and then make a recommendation for the next steps.
AEHV is Open 24/7/365 and is Ready to Help Pets in Need
Animal Emergency Hospital Volusia (AEHV) is the resource you and your pet’s primary care veterinarian may turn to for 24/7 veterinary emergency and critical care services in the Ormond Beach area. As a modern hospital, we have all of the latest diagnostic equipment, and we are experienced in treating all types of veterinary emergencies.
And, always remember that no appointment is ever needed.
If you believe your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, we ask that you call (386)252-0206 to alert us of your arrival – and so that our team can discuss our current safety protocols and curbside services. For your convenience, we are encouraging clients to complete and submit client and patient forms online before your arrival.
