Don'ts

1. DON'T assume everything is fine. The two most common emergency cases seen by veterinarians are sudden trauma and gastrointestinal issues.
With trauma, even if something looks fine on the outside, that doesn't mean everything is fine inside. Internal injuries can occur during any kind of accident and can be difficult to recognize. Superficial wounds will heal but you'll want to have your pet examined for more serious injuries.

Gastrointestinal issues, e.g. vomiting and diarrhea, while maybe a simple upset stomach can be one of several serious diseases (Parvo) or conditions (Foreign body obstruction, bloat) that can potentially be fatal if not treated quickly.

2. DON'T give medications from home (even if your pet has had them before!) Depending on the emergency, many medications can do more harm than good, even if it's a medication they are already on and especially human medications (ibuprofen, Tylenol, aspirin). Call us before giving any medication to a pet for a new problem.

3. DON'T wait. If your pet is suddenly lethargic, not eating, vomiting, and/or having diarrhea, don't wait to have them seen. These are usually very serious symptoms that need to be addressed and the emergency clinics get very expensive. If something is "just not right" with your pet call us!

Do's

4. DO know where the closest emergency clinic is. Have a card or sheet of paper with the local emergency clinic's phone number and directions on it. If your pet takes any medications keep a list handy to give to the doctor. Depending on where you live these are our local emergency clinics for after-hours:

Cobb Emergency Veterinary Clinic
630 Cobb Pkwy N, Marietta, GA 30062
(770) 424-9157

Cherokee Emergency Veterinary Clinic
7800 GA-92, Woodstock, GA 30189
(678) 238-0700

5. DO stay calm, be safe. We understand how distressing it is when your pet is having an emergency but try to stay calm and drive carefully. We can't help your pet if you don't get here.
Also, remember when a pet is in pain or scared even the gentlest of pets may bite. If this is happening use a thick towel to cover their head (without restricting their ability to breath) to protect yourself while moving the patient.

6. DO call us. If you have any concerns call us. We will let you know if you need to come in right away and will always find time to see your pet! (770) 422-2402