When it comes to your pet’s health, it’s important to know what to do in an emergency, and what to look for in an emergency vet in Hollywood, FL.  Emergencies do happen, and it’s important to have access to an emergency veterinary hospital that can provide your pet with high-quality and compassionate care. 

Not all emergency veterinarians are created equal, so being educated as to what to look for if your pet needs emergency care is important. 

Here are five things that pet owners can look for when researching an emergency veterinarian or clinic:

When you first begin your search, talk to friends, neighbors, and family members who have pets and ask them for recommendations. You can also do research on the internet, and read reviews online, check out each of the veterinarian’s services and credentials.

This way you can obtain enough information to help you make a decision.

Another thing to look for when looking for an emergency vet in Hollywood, FL is noting emergency clinic hours. Some veterinary emergency clinics have overnight and weekend hours, so in the event of a pet emergency, it’s important to keep these hours in mind.

Sometimes veterinary emergency services for a pet can be costly, even if you have pet insurance.

When looking for emergency clinics, ask them if they accept payment plans. Most emergency hospitals do not provide in-house payment plans, pet insurance, or programs such as CareCredit and/or ScratchPay which can help cover veterinary bills, but we do at Veterinary Emergency Group. Never hesitate to ask or learn more about the different payment plans or programs the practice offers/accepts. 

When considering an emergency veterinary clinic, an important question to ask is if they offer emergency services only or if they also have specialists on staff, such as board-certified oncologists, cardiologists, ophthalmologists, etc.

For example, ask if they have a surgeon or a critical care veterinarian always on staff, or if they offer continuous ICU or critical care or patients. 

You can also inquire as to how the hospital is staffed and what other services are offered, such as laboratory, radiographs, ultrasounds or endoscopy for foreign body removal. Most emergency veterinary hospitals are equipped and staffed for critical cases and should be able to provide extended care for your pet if needed.

A final thing to look for when searching for an emergency vet in Hollywood is location.  If you live in a rural area, it may be a bit of a drive to the closest emergency clinic, so it’s important to take note of its location. 

It’s important to be prepared in the event of an emergency, and have the number and location of the nearest veterinary emergency clinic posted on your refrigerator or somewhere accessible in your home. With today’s cell phones and GPS devices, it should be easier to navigate to a hospital. But in the event of a pet emergency, preparation is key.

If your pet has suffered trauma or is experiencing a medical emergency, it’s important to follow some guidelines listed below. 

Of course, the first thing is to contact your emergency vet clinic, but there are things that you can do in preparation for taking your pet to the vet:

If your pet has experienced trauma, such as being hit by a car, or has collapsed, call can emergency vet in Hollywood immediately. You can explain to the staff and doctors what has happened to your pet, the signs and symptoms, and follow the veterinarian’s advice. This helps the staff be ready for you and your pet.

If the veterinarian recommends bringing your pet in, try to remain calm, and assess the scene for any additional threats to you or your pet, and prepare to transport your pet to the clinic.

If your dog or cat is in shock or pain, try to keep him/her as still and as quiet as possible. 

Try to keep moving your pet to a minimum, especially if there are neurological symptoms such as a seizure , broken bones , or any chance of a spinal or back injury.

If possible, try to get a household member or neighbor to help you. 

For a small dog or cat, you can put her into her carrier by removing the top of the carrier for easy and safe access, or use an appropriate container such as a plastic or strong cardboard box.

For a larger dog, you can make a stretcher made out of some rigid material or a sturdy piece of wood.

It’s important to carefully move your pet onto a blanket, towel, or coat so that it can be gently moved to a carrier, box, or stretcher. A thick blanket can help stabilize the spine and neck and prevent your pet from inadvertently biting or scratching you.

Many injured pets can be shocky, panicked, painful, and disoriented, and the stress of an emergency involving a pet can cause a normally loving dog or cat to act out aggressively. Although most panicky dogs and cats can respond to gentle handling and a calm, familiar voice, it is important to keep in mind to keep safe when approaching or touching an injured pet. 

If you have any questions about how to restrain an injured pet, contact your emergency vet in Hollywood. A thick blanket can help here as well as it helps safely immobilize your pet, if they’re large. For small pets, a carrier with padding would best.

As mentioned above, big, thick blankets can be your best tool when handling and transporting an injured pet. 

Always be very cautious if there is a possibility of broken bones or spinal injury, in which case lay your pet on a board or make-shift stretcher and try immobilize her with straps and a big blanket.

In the event of a suspected neck injury, try to immobilize the head and neck with a blanket or towel.

For actively bleeding animals, try safely applying pressure with gauze or towels. Do not attempt to place a bandage or splint without proper training as it can cause more damage to the deep tissues.

Call 24/7 Local Veterinarian When You Need an Emergency Vet in Hollywood, FL

Emergencies do happen, and if you are a pet owner, it’s important to research quality veterinary emergency clinics in your area and to ensure that the clinic that you do select can provide essential emergency services that your pet needs. 

24/7 Local Veterinarian opened a new location in Aventura, FL, a quick 15-20 minute drive from Hollywood. Our new emergency animal hospital will be open 24/7, including nights, weekends and all major holidays. At 24/7 Local Veterinarian we always have a team of well-trained, compassionate emergency vets and staff that are ready to help you and your pet when you need us most. We’re equipped to handle any emergency your pet is having, and we always do everything we can to care for your pet.

At 24/7 Local Veterinarian, you speak to a doctor on the phone and see the doctor right away.