If you notice your pet behaving in a way that’s unusual, or if something just doesn’t seem right, you may have picked up on a subtle sign of a real problem. To find out, you can call McLean Animal Hospital (703) 356-500, or after hours call the Hope Center (703) 281-5121. By asking a few questions over the phone, an emergency veterinarian should be able to tell you whether you should bring your pet in right away or whether she can wait for an examination during your hospital’s regular office hours. Even if you find out nothing is wrong, you’ll be glad to have your mind at ease.

DEFINITE EMERGENCIES

There are some times, however, when you won’t need to call first. If you notice any of the following problems, bring your pet in immediately for emergency care.

Your pet has been experienced some kind of trauma, such as being hit by a car or a blunt object or falling more than a few feet.

• Your pet isn’t breathing or you can’t feel a heartbeat.
• Your pet is unconscious and won’t wake up.
• Your pet has been vomiting or has had diarrhea for more than 24 hours, or is vomiting blood.
• You suspect any broken bones.
• Your pet is having trouble breathing or has something stuck in her throat.
• Your pet has had or is having a seizure.
• Your pet is bleeding from the eyes, nose, or mouth, or there is blood in urine or feces.
• You think your pet might have ingested something toxic, such as antifreeze, rat poison, any kind of medication that wasn’t prescribed, or household cleansers.
• Your pet, particularly your male cat, is straining to urinate or is unable to.
• Your pet shows signs of extreme pain, such as whining, shaking, and refusing to socialize.
• Your pet collapses or suddenly can’t stand up.
• Your pet begins bumping into things or suddenly becomes disoriented.
• You can see irritation or injury to your pet’s eyes, or they suddenly seem to become blind.
• Your pet’s abdomen is swollen and hard to the touch, and/or they’re gagging and trying to vomit.
• You see symptoms of heatstroke.
• Your pregnant dog or cat has gone more than three to four hours between delivering puppies or kittens.