Steps to Take In A Veterinary Emergency
If you are experiencing a veterinary emergency, follow the steps below.
- Call Ahead If Possible - During regular business hours call us right away. After hours, call the emergency animal hospital listed above to let them know you are on the way.
- Follow Instructions Provided - When you call to let an emergency veterinary hospital that you are on your way, they may provide you with instructions to help you to apply first aid or to make your pet as comfortable as possible. Follow these instructions as closely as you can.
- Remain Calm - Remain calm and be careful around your pet when they are experiencing a veterinary emergency. When an animal is in pain, they will often react negatively towards people trying to help them by biting or scratching.
- Bring Your Pet In For Care - Do not put yourself at risk! Safely bring your pet to our Los Angeles County veterinary clinic or the after-hours emergency vet location above.
Veterinary Emergency FAQs
Read through our most frequently asked questions below to learn more about bringing your pet in for an emergency appointment.
- Do I need to call ahead?
It's always best to contact the emergency hospital in advance if you can, but they understand that in emergency situations that's not always possible.
- When is your clinic open?
ACCESS South Bay sees emergencies 24 hours a day.
- What situations require emergency veterinary care?
The following situations are examples of emergencies that require immediate care:
- Unconsciousness
- Severe bleeding or bleeding that doesn't stop
- Heat stress or heatstroke
- Choking, difficulty breathing, or continuous coughing/gagging
- Seizures and/or staggering
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea; 2+ episodes in 24-hours
- Fractured bones or severe lameness
- Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, or blood in the urine
- Inability to urinate or pass feces, or pain associated with urinating or passing feces
- Injuries to the eye(s)
- Your pet has ingested something poisonous (such as antifreeze, xylitol, chocolate, rodent poison, etc.)
- Refusal to drink for 24 hours or more
- Obvious signs of pain or extreme anxiety
- How long will we have to wait to see the vet?
An emergency animal hospital is just like a human doctor's office—it can be unpredictable and you may have to wait. It is impossible to predict what cases will be see and when they will arrive.
- What happens if my pet needs to stay in the hospital?
Some veterinary emergencies require intensive overnight care. ACCESS South Bay will provide detailed information if your pet is required to stay.
New Patients Welcome
Animal Hospital of Redondo Beach is accepting new patients! Our experienced vets are passionate about the health of Los Angeles County companion animals. Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment.