If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, it’s important that you get them quality care right away. Immediate attention by a professional can make a huge difference in the outcome of the situation. With more than four decades of experience among our amazing staff, our team at Stone Ridge has the knowledge and experience to deal with a wide range of emergencies in dogs, cats, and small mammals. Your emergency vet in Ocala, Dr. Collins, is here to help your pet get back on their feet!

Pets who have been severely injured may act aggressively due to stress or pain, so be careful when approaching them. Approach your pet slowly but confidently and be sure to maintain eye contact. Either your pet will be in distress and welcome your help, or they might become territorial and lash out at you, so act dominantly over them in this situation to provide them with the assistance they need.

If your pet has swallowed something potentially hazardous, it is important that you call the Poison Control Center right away. Their hotline is available 24-7 and can help get your pet get emergency care right away. A toxicologist will help you determine the level of risk for your pet depending on what they ate and their breed type. You can also call our office or bring your pet for a visit with Dr. Collins.

If your pet has been in an accident, keep their neck straight and lay them out on a stretcher or something similar. Avoid any drastic movements of their body to avoid further injury. Secure them to the stretcher and bring them to see our Ocala emergency vet right away. If possible, call our office on the way to the clinic so that our team is prepared to care for your pet immediately when you arrive. In an emergency, efficiency is key. You should aim to move quickly and calmly so that your pet can get the care they need as quickly as possible.

Performing CPR On Pets

If your pet remains unconscious after you have removed a choking object, there are a few steps you can take to help them regain consciousness. If your pet is not breathing, lay them on their side and extend their head and neck to help the respiratory process. Hold their jaw closed and blow in their nostrils every three seconds to mimic breathing. If you still don’t feel a heartbeat, perform a cardiac massage while continuing the artificial respiration technique. Administer three firm chest compressions for every breath. While you continue CPR, have someone call Dr. Collins right away.

If your pet is in distress, call Stone Ridge at (352) 351-3588. We are often able to provide same-day appointments and we see pets for emergencies during our hours of operations.

Signs and symptoms indicating that your pet requires emergency care include:

  • Anaphylactic reaction (swelling of the face, hives)
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Bleeding
  • Seizures
  • Collapse, lethargy
  • Squinting eyes
  • Trauma (such as an attack or being hit by a car)
  • Unable to get comfortable
  • Ingestion of toxins (grapes/raisins, chocolate, onions, xylitol, antifreeze, marijuana, etc)