In the first part of this series, we discussed some important points when preparing for an emergency animal hospital visit. In this part, we will discuss what pet parents can expect during the visit to the emergency veterinary hospital.

When you arrive…

Upon arrival, the emergency veterinary staff will ask you what happened to your pet. There will be an initial assessment, called a triage, to determine the severity of your pet’s situation. You will then be asked to fill out an information sheet. It is crucial not to leave out any important information regarding your pet’s health situation. Withholding important information will not help the situation, only make it more difficult for the veterinarian to treat your pet.

Like any other emergency room or urgent care, there might be a wait for your pet to be seen. While this can be frustrating, it’s important to know that the veterinarian will treat the most severely injured or ill pets first. If you have concerns regarding your wait time, talk to the Customer Service Representative at the front desk.

The veterinarian will examine your pet and obtain a history from you. Based on the information the doctor will decide on a plan for your pet. This may include blood work and/or x-rays. These tests may take some time to be performed and for the results to be reviewed. Once again, waiting can be frustrating, but it’s important to trust that the emergency veterinarian and staff will keep you updated on your pet’s status.

After your visit…

Ultimately, the best thing you can do for your pet, yourself, and the veterinary emergency staff is to remain calm and patient. This may seem difficult when your pet is sick or injured, but it really is the best thing you can do. After your pet has been treated, follow the home care instructions the veterinarian gives you for your pet. You may be instructed to have a follow up exam with your family veterinarian.

Pet emergencies can be scary and unexpected, so how can you prepare for them? The best way to prepare for a health emergency is to take your pet to the veterinarian on a regular basis. For younger animals, they should see their veterinarian at least once a year. For older pets, they can see their veterinarian twice a year. During your visit, ask your veterinarian what you should do in the event of an emergency. Find out about their emergency services or which animal hospitals they recommend nearby.

Additionally, you should always have your veterinarian’s number on hand as well as any emergency veterinary service numbers, including the poison control hotline number. You may even want to consider taking a pet first-aid or CPR class for further peace of mind. This way, if an emergency does occur, you’ll be as prepared as you can be.

The information in this article should give you a good idea of what to expect during a pet emergency. It’s important to remember that even if you’re the best pet parent in the world, bad things can still happen to your pet. It’s always best to be prepared and to know a trustworthy veterinarian in the event of an emergency.