Huntington Beach Veterinary Emergency Dog Care - What To Do In A Dog Emergency

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If your dog has suffered a sudden trauma or is experiencing any life-threatening symptoms, please call us immediately at: (657) 756-5683

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At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we understand that emergencies can be extremely stressful for both you and your pet. There are times when you’re certain that your dog has an emergency (e.g., hit by a car), and there are times when you’re very concerned but not convinced that it requires immediate care. When possible, call us so we can prepare for your arrival by having a doctor and necessary medical equipment ready to provide care. We’ll also be able to watch out for you and provide assistance when you arrive.

We can address most emergencies at our facility. However, in certain situations, especially after hours, we may direct you to a 24-hour emergency facility for the best possible outcome. A phone call will help us guide you appropriately.

A tan French Bulldog lies on green grass in a park, looking happy with its mouth open. Bright red flowers and green trees are blurred in the background under a blue sky.
A tan French Bulldog lies on green grass in a park, looking happy with its mouth open. Bright red flowers and green trees are blurred in the background under a blue sky.

At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we understand that emergencies can be extremely stressful for both you and your pet. There are times when you’re certain that your dog has an emergency (e.g., hit by a car), and there are times when you’re very concerned but not convinced that it requires immediate care. When possible, call us so we can prepare for your arrival by having a doctor and necessary medical equipment ready to provide care. We’ll also be able to watch out for you and provide assistance when you arrive.

We can address most emergencies at our facility. However, in certain situations, especially after hours, we may direct you to a 24-hour emergency facility for the best possible outcome. A phone call will help us guide you appropriately.

A happy, fluffy Australian Shepherd puppy with blue and brown eyes lies on green grass, looking at the camera with its mouth open. The background is softly blurred with sunlight.

Do your best to remain calm and, when possible, have a friend drive you to our hospital. Speaking with a soft, quiet tone of voice to your dog while on the way will help soothe your pet and prevent panic.

If you’re unsure whether your dog needs immediate care, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Please call our office, and we can help you determine if your pet should be seen. Keep in mind that our pets can mask symptoms, making it difficult to determine the seriousness of an illness. We’re here for you and will take care of your dog in the best way possible.

A happy, fluffy Australian Shepherd puppy with blue and brown eyes lies on green grass, looking at the camera with its mouth open. The background is softly blurred with sunlight.

Do your best to remain calm and, when possible, have a friend drive you to our hospital. Speaking with a soft, quiet tone of voice to your dog while on the way will help soothe your pet and prevent panic.

If you’re unsure whether your dog needs immediate care, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Please call our office, and we can help you determine if your pet should be seen. Keep in mind that our pets can mask symptoms, making it difficult to determine the seriousness of an illness. We’re here for you and will take care of your dog in the best way possible.

Dog Emergencies That Require Immediate Veterinary Attention

We have compiled the following list of emergency situations to help you decide whether your dog requires emergency care:

  • Difficulty Breathing: This may be the most serious of all non-trauma-induced injuries. Hypoxia (low oxygen levels) can lead to respiratory arrest and possibly death if not treated quickly. Symptoms include labored breathing, alarming noises, or puffing of the lips. The gums or tongue may appear pale or blue.
  • Restlessness: This can be a sign of many urgent situations, including Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) or bloat. Symptoms may include excessive panting, inability to lie down comfortably, abdominal distension, or unsuccessful attempts to vomit.
  • Seizures: Although a solitary seizure may not be life-threatening, seizures can come in clusters and become progressive. If your dog has never had a seizure before, we recommend seeking immediate medical attention.
  • Collapse or Profound Weakness: These can be symptoms of major illnesses like internal bleeding, anaphylactic shock, certain toxins, endocrine conditions, or organ failure.
  • Major Trauma: Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect internal/external bleeding, or if your dog has fallen, been struck by a car, or been in a fight with another animal.

  • Protracted Vomiting or Diarrhea: Repeated vomiting and diarrhea, especially with the presence of blood, can rapidly lead to life-threatening dehydration.
  • Struggling to Urinate: This could signify a bladder infection or obstruction of the urinary tract, which is a very urgent condition.
  • Not Eating or Drinking: If your dog goes for 24 hours or more without eating or drinking, seek medical attention.
  • Coughing: Excessive and repeated coughing could be a symptom of various conditions, from kennel cough to more serious issues like lung infections or cancer.
  • Loss of Use of Rear Legs: This can be a sign of injury to the spinal cord and is usually very painful. Rapid treatment can make a big difference in the outcome.
  • Severe Pain: If your dog is restless, hiding, vocalizing, panting, profoundly limping, or exhibiting other symptoms of agony, seek immediate care.
  • Known Exposure to Toxins: If you know or suspect your dog has ingested toxins or medications, contact us or the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline immediately.

This list is not exhaustive, and there are many more situations that may necessitate emergency care for dogs. If the situation appears immediately life-threatening, please call us or bring your dog to our hospital located at:

16161 Springdale St
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
(657) 756-5683

Our dedicated team, led by Dr. Ryan Smith and Dr. Reid Forman, will do everything possible to save the life of your canine friend and restore them to full health.

A happy brown and white corgi with pointy ears stands on green grass in a sunlit park, looking to the side with its tongue out.
A happy brown and white corgi with pointy ears stands on green grass in a sunlit park, looking to the side with its tongue out.

This list is not exhaustive, and there are many more situations that may necessitate emergency care for dogs. If the situation appears immediately life-threatening, please call us or bring your dog to our hospital located at:

16161 Springdale St
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
(657) 756-5683

Our dedicated team, led by Dr. Ryan Smith and Dr. Reid Forman, will do everything possible to save the life of your canine friend and restore them to full health.

A large, fluffy Saint Bernard dog with brown and white fur stands on green grass outdoors, looking forward with its tongue out, surrounded by blurred bushes and trees in the background.

Tips For Getting To Our Emergency Animal Hospital Safely

In an emergency situation, your dog’s instinct and feelings of pain or fear could lead them to behave unpredictably. Follow these tips for safely transporting your canine companion to our clinic:

  • Approach your dog slowly and calmly.
  • Kneel down and say their name.
  • If your dog shows aggression, you may need someone to help you secure and transport them. Use towels around the head or neck to prevent biting while moving them.

  • If they’re passive, use a makeshift stretcher and gently lift them onto it.
  • Take care to support the neck and back in case of spinal injuries.
  • Once secured, transport them to our hospital immediately. If possible, call ahead to alert our staff so we can prepare while you’re en route.

A large, fluffy Saint Bernard dog with brown and white fur stands on green grass outdoors, looking forward with its tongue out, surrounded by blurred bushes and trees in the background.

Tips For Getting To Our Emergency Animal Hospital Safely

In an emergency situation, your dog’s instinct and feelings of pain or fear could lead them to behave unpredictably. Follow these tips for safely transporting your canine companion to our clinic:

  • Approach your dog slowly and calmly.
  • Kneel down and say their name.
  • If your dog shows aggression, you may need someone to help you secure and transport them. Use towels around the head or neck to prevent biting while moving them.
  • If they’re passive, use a makeshift stretcher and gently lift them onto it.
  • Take care to support the neck and back in case of spinal injuries.
  • Once secured, transport them to our hospital immediately. If possible, call ahead to alert our staff so we can prepare while you’re en route.

First Aid For Dogs

Sometimes, it’s necessary to perform first aid to stabilize your dog before transport. Here’s a quick tip:

  • For external bleeding due to trauma, try to elevate the affected area and apply direct pressure to the wound with clean towels. Maintain firm pressure until you arrive at our hospital.

We recommend learning various first aid techniques for dogs to be prepared for emergencies.

A German Shepherd stands on green grass in a backyard, tilting its head to the side with its tongue hanging out, looking curious. A wooden fence and bushes are in the background.
A German Shepherd stands on green grass in a backyard, tilting its head to the side with its tongue hanging out, looking curious. A wooden fence and bushes are in the background.

First Aid For Dogs

Sometimes, it’s necessary to perform first aid to stabilize your dog before transport. Here’s a quick tip:

  • For external bleeding due to trauma, try to elevate the affected area and apply direct pressure to the wound with clean towels. Maintain firm pressure until you arrive at our hospital.

We recommend learning various first aid techniques for dogs to be prepared for emergencies.

A small brown and white dog lies on its side on a wooden floor, looking unwell. Pieces of chocolate and a chocolate wrapper are next to the dog.

What To Do If Your Dog Eats Something Poisonous

If you see or suspect that your dog has ingested a toxic substance:

  • Come directly to Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care.
  • Bring the bottle or note the type of medication or poison ingested.
  • Call us on your way and provide details about what was ingested, when, and how much.

A small brown and white dog lies on its side on a wooden floor, looking lethargic, next to an opened chocolate bar with several broken pieces scattered nearby.

What To Do If Your Dog Eats Something Poisonous

If you see or suspect that your dog has ingested a toxic substance:

  • Come directly to Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care.
  • Bring the bottle or note the type of medication or poison ingested.
  • Call us on your way and provide details about what was ingested, when, and how much.

If you’re unsure whether you should seek medical attention for your dog, call us at (657) 756-5683. We’re here to guide you to the right care for your beloved pet.

At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we’re committed to providing exceptional emergency care for your dogs and cats. Our hybrid emergency animal hospital offers both urgent care services and routine veterinary care, ensuring that your pets receive the best possible treatment in any situation.