Emergency Care
Emergency Care
As much as we love seeing your pets, our greatest hope as fellow animal lovers is that their visits remain limited to routine checkups and that they enjoy long, healthy lives. However, emergencies can happen when least expected, so it’s important to be prepared. Please review the information below for guidance on what to do if your pet experiences an emergency.
If your pet is seriously injured or ill, please contact us as soon as possible at: 859-635-4138
Your pet may need emergency care if they have any of the following symptoms:
- Trouble breathing – open-mouth breathing in cats, wheezing, or labored breaths
- Uncontrolled bleeding or any major trauma (falls, bites, car accidents)
- Collapse, fainting, or inability to stand
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea, especially with blood or signs of dehydration
- Bloated or distended abdomen, especially in large-breed dogs
- Seizures, especially if multiple or lasting more than a minute
- Difficulty urinating, straining without producing urine—especially in male cats
- Toxin ingestion, such as chocolate, grapes, medications, or household chemicals
- Sudden behavior changes, confusion, disorientation, or unresponsiveness
- Persistent pain, whining, restlessness, or guarding a specific area
Pet Poison Control
Accidents can happen in an instant. Whether it’s a curious dog getting into the trash or a cat licking a toxic houseplant. Knowing what’s harmful and acting quickly can save your pet’s life.
Emergency Poison Control Contacts
If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance, call us immediately during regular business hours, or contact a local emergency clinic (information below) if it’s after hours. You can also contact:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
1-888-426-4435 (Available 24/7)
A consultation fee may apply. - Pet Poison Helpline
1-855-764-7661 (Available 24/7)
Fee applies per incident, including follow-up.
Common Household Pet Poisons
Many everyday items can be highly toxic to dogs, cats, and other animals. Some of the most common include:
Foods & Drinks
- Chocolate (especially dark or baking chocolate)
- Grapes and raisins
- Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum, candy, and peanut butter)
- Onions and garlic
- Alcohol
- Caffeinated beverages
Medications
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Antidepressants
- ADHD medications
- Sleep aids
- Veterinary medications (when overdosed or not prescribed)
Plants
- Lilies (toxic to cats)
- Sago palm
- Tulips and daffodils (bulbs especially)
- Aloe vera
- Oleander
- Azaleas
Household & Outdoor Items
- Antifreeze (ethylene glycol)
- Rodenticides (rat/mouse poison)
- Insecticides or lawn treatments
- Fertilizers
- Cleaning products (bleach, disinfectants)
- Essential oils (tea tree, eucalyptus, citrus, etc.)
Our regular clinic hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, and Saturday 8:00 am – 1:30 pm.