Daytime Urgent Vet Services in Perkasie, PA

Emergencies During Business Hours

We're committed to assisting with urgent medical situations during our business hours. Please call ahead to notify us, ensuring we're prepared to provide your pet with prompt and appropriate care upon arrival. In some cases, it may be in your pet's best interest to be taken directly to a local ER.

For critical conditions requiring overnight care, we may arrange transfer to an emergency pet hospital. Please note, we don't accept emergency cases after 5 pm.

Exotic Pet Emergency Procedures

If you have exotic pets requiring emergency care, please call us before driving over. This initial call allows our team to efficiently triage the situation, ensuring that your pet receives the most appropriate and timely care. Some exotic pets have unique medical needs that we may not be equipped to handle, so this step is crucial for a few reasons:

1. Triage and Assessment: By discussing your pet's symptoms and condition over the phone, our team can quickly assess the severity of the emergency. This helps us determine if we can provide the necessary treatment immediately or if alternative steps are needed.
   
   
2. Preparation for Your Arrival: If we can treat your pet, calling ahead allows us to prepare for your arrival. This means we can have the necessary equipment and medical supplies ready, minimizing wait times and enhancing the efficiency of the care provided.
   
   
3. Referral and Stabilization: In cases where we might not have the specialized resources or expertise required, we can stabilize your pet and then refer you to an emergency hospital that is better suited to handle the situation. This ensures that your pet receives the best possible care without unnecessary delays.
   
   
4. Direct Transfer to Emergency Hospital: For critical cases where immediate, advanced care is needed, we can advise you to go directly to a 24-hour emergency hospital. This step can be life-saving, as it ensures your pet gets to the right facility without losing precious time.

After-Hours Emergency Care

If your pet is experiencing an emergency after hours, or we do not have same-day availability, it is crucial to seek immediate assistance to ensure their safety and well-being. Below, you will find a list of after-hours emergency care facilities that are equipped to handle urgent veterinary needs.

Exotic Referrals For After-Hours Emergencies

* (Reptiles, avian, rabbits, guinea pics, ferrets, rats, mice, hamsters, chinchillas)

Mt Laurel Animal Hospital
220 Mt Laurel Road
Mt Laurel Township, NJ 08054
856-234-7626
Open 24 hours

NorthStar Vet Hospital
315 Robbinsville Allentown Road
Robbinsville Twp, NJ 08691
609-259-8300
Open 24 hours

Dog And Cat Referrals For After-Hours Emergencies

Quakertown Veterinary Clinic
2250 N Old Bethlehem Pike
Quakertown, PA 18951
215-515-8810
Open 24 Hours

Metropolitan Veterinary Associates
2626 Van Buren Avenue
Norristown, PA 19403
610-666-1050

VSEC Levittown
301 Veteran Highway
Levittown, PA 19056
215-750-7884
Open 24 hours

VSEC Conshohocken
625 Ridge Pike
Conshohocken, PA 19428
484-567-7999
Open 24 hours

Animal Poison Control
888-426-4435
A consultation fee may apply
Open 24 Hours

Poison Control

If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, please call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC)* at 888-426-4435 right away. The APCC is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency and are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

You may also contact the Pet Poison Helpline* at 855-764-7661.

*A consultation fee may apply.

Signs of a Pet Emergency

When your pet is acting out of the ordinary, it can be challenging to determine if they require emergency care. Here are some common signs that indicate a pet emergency:

• Severe Bleeding or Bleeding That Doesn't Stop Within 5 Minutes - If your pet experiences a cut or wound that results in significant bleeding, it's essential to seek immediate veterinary attention. Continuous blood loss can lead to shock or anemia, both of which can be life-threatening.
  
  
• Choking, Difficulty Breathing, or Nonstop Coughing - Respiratory distress can indicate a severe problem, such as choking or a heart condition. If your pet is struggling to breathe or has a persistent cough, don’t hesitate to contact an emergency vet.
  
  
• Inability to Urinate or Pass Feces - Difficulty eliminating or the presence of blood in urine or feces can signal a blockage or other serious health issues. Immediate veterinary care is necessary to address these symptoms.
  
  
• Dizziness, Stumbling, or Loss of Consciousness - These symptoms could be signs of poisoning, neurological problems, or even a stroke. Quick action and veterinary care are essential in these scenarios.
  
  
• Severe Vomiting or Diarrhea - Continuous vomiting or diarrhea, especially when blood is present, can lead to dehydration and other complications. It's crucial to get your pet checked by a professional as soon as possible.

Additional Signs Include

• Seizures
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Extreme lethargy
• Injuries from accidents or falls
• Difficulty giving birth

What To Do in Case of a Pet Emergency

When you recognize any of the above signs or other concerning symptoms, here’s what to do:

1. Stay Calm - First and foremost, remain calm. Your pet can sense your anxiety, which can exacerbate their stress.
   
   
2. Assess the Situation - Quickly but carefully determine the severity of your pet’s condition. If you're unsure, it's always best to err on the side of caution and treat the situation as an emergency.
   
   
3. Contact Your Veterinarian or Emergency Pet Hospital - If it’s within our regular business hours, call us immediately to see if we have same-day availability. If not, contact your nearest emergency pet hospital (refer to our after-hours list above). Have their numbers readily accessible in case of such events.
   
   
4. Provide Basic First Aid if Appropriate - If you've been trained in pet first aid, administer necessary care without putting yourself at risk. Do not attempt any procedures you're not familiar with.
   
   
5. Transport Your Pet Safely - When transporting your pet, do so gently to avoid causing further injury. Use a carrier for small animals and a makeshift stretcher for larger ones if necessary.
   
   
6. Follow Up - After the emergency is handled, ensure you follow up with your regular veterinarian for additional care or a check-up.

Essential Items for Your Pet's First Aid Kit

Your pet's first aid kit should be easily accessible and portable. Here’s what to include:

1. Contact Information - Before we dive into the physical items, it's crucial to have emergency contact information readily available. This includes the Dublin Veterinary Hospital phone number 215-249-9800, the nearest emergency animal hospital, and the number for the Animal Poison Control Center.
   
   
2. Wound Care Essentials
   • Gauze Pads and Rolls: For covering wounds and providing pressure to stop bleeding.
   • Adhesive Tape: To secure gauze and bandages without sticking to fur.
   • Antiseptic Wipes or Solution: To clean wounds and prevent infection.
   • Cotton Balls or Swabs: For applying antiseptic solutions gently.
   • Non-Stick Bandages: To protect wounds from dirt and bacteria.
   • Scissors with Blunted Ends: For cutting tape or shaving fur around wounds.
     
     
3. Tools for Handling Injuries
   • Tweezers: To remove splinters or ticks.
   • Disposable Gloves: To keep wounds clean and protect yourself.
   • Saline Solution: To flush out debris from eyes or wounds.
   • Ice Pack: For reducing swelling or pain.
     
     
4. Medications and Treatments
   • Styptic Powder or Pencil: To stop nail bleeding.
   • Hydrogen Peroxide (3%): To induce vomiting ONLY if instructed by a vet, and to clean wounds.
   • Antibiotic Ointment: To prevent infection in minor cuts and scrapes.
   • Milk of Magnesia or Activated Charcoal: To absorb poison, ONLY if instructed by a vet.
     
     
5. Additional Supplies
   • Digital Thermometer: To check your pet’s temperature (rectally).
   • Syringe or Eye Dropper: To administer medications or flush wounds.
   • Towel or Blanket: To comfort your pet or use as a stretcher.
   • Muzzle: Even the gentlest pet may bite when in pain.
   • Leash: To control or transport your pet if necessary.

Keeping Your First Aid Kit Updated

Regularly Check Expiration Dates

Just like with human first aid kits, items in your pet's kit will expire. Set a calendar reminder to review and replenish your kit at least once a year.

Post-Emergency Restocking

After any emergency use, replace the items you've used. This ensures your kit is always ready when you need it.

Using CareCredit® for Emergency Pet Care

In an emergency, the last thing you want to worry about is how you will pay for your pet's care. That's where CareCredit® comes in. CareCredit® is a healthcare credit card that can be used for both human and pet medical expenses. It offers special financing options and low monthly payments, making it easier to manage unexpected expenses.

At Middlesex Veterinary Center, we accept CareCredit®. Applying for CareCredit® is quick and easy, and you can even apply online before your pet's emergency to save time.