Preparing for the Unexpected 

Emergencies happen—being prepared can save your pet’s life. At Lansdowne Animal Hospital in Leesburg, VA, we provide urgent veterinary care and emergency preparedness education for pet families across Ashburn, Loudoun, Lansdowne, Belmont, Sterling, and surrounding areas. If you’re searching for an “emergency vet near me” or are just looking for a great veterinarian you can trust in a crisis, our compassionate and skilled team is here to help.

In this blog on veterinary emergency preparedness, we’ll cover what counts as a veterinary emergency, how to respond quickly, and what to expect if your pet needs immediate care.

What Is Considered a Pet Emergency?

Not every concern requires a late-night trip to the vet—but some symptoms should never wait. Common signs your pet needs urgent care include:

• Difficulty breathing or choking
• Seizures or collapse
• Vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours
• Ingestion of toxins or foreign objects
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop
• Inability to urinate or defecate
• Sudden, extreme lethargy
• Trauma (hit by car, fall, etc.)
• Eye injuries or swelling
• Heatstroke or hypothermia

Sometimes recognizing signs of illness in pets can be tricky. If you’re unsure, it’s better to be safe and call your veterinarian. Prompt care can make the difference between life and death. 

How to Recognize Signs Your Pet Needs Urgent Care

Pets can’t tell us when something’s wrong, but their behavior and body language can speak volumes. Watch for these red flags:

• Pale gums or rapid breathing
• Dilated pupils or loss of balance
• Whimpering, hiding, or vocalizing pain
• Swollen abdomen or unproductive vomiting
• Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Disorientation or unresponsiveness

Don’t wait to see if the symptoms improve—call us or head to the nearest emergency clinic. Learn more about pet emergencies from the American Veterinary Medical Association.

What to Do in a Pet Emergency

If you suspect an emergency:

• Stay calm and keep your pet as still and comfortable as possible
• Contact Lansdowne Animal Hospital or your closest emergency vet
• Describe symptoms clearly and follow their advice
• Transport your pet safely (use a towel or crate if needed)

Keep the vet’s number and a pet first aid kit readily accessible at home.

Preparing for Pet Emergencies

No one wants to think about their pet in danger, but preparation can reduce panic. Here’s how to stay ready:

• Know where the closest emergency animal hospital is
• Save our number and address in your phone
• Keep an updated list of your pet’s medications and conditions
• Have a carrier or leash accessible for quick transport
• Store poison control numbers in an easy-to-find place

Learn more about readiness from the Red Cross Pet First Aid Guide.

Common Emergencies We Treat

At Lansdowne Animal Hospital, our team handles a range of urgent situations, including:

• Toxic exposures (chocolate, plants, household cleaners)
• Trauma from falls or car accidents
• Allergic reactions to bites, stings, or vaccines
• Acute gastrointestinal issues

We also offer urgent diagnostics like x-rays, bloodwork, and ultrasound to quickly assess your pet’s condition.

Aftercare and Recovery

Once your pet is stabilized, we’ll create a customized treatment and recovery plan. This may include:

• Pain management
• Follow-up visits
• Activity restrictions
• Dietary changes or medications

Our goal in offering pet emergency services is to ensure your pet not only survives an emergency but recovers fully and returns to their happy, healthy life.

When to Use Emergency vs. Urgent Care

Not all after-hours problems are true emergencies. Minor wounds, ear infections, or limping without pain may be able to wait for a regular appointment. We can help you decide:

• Call us during open hours to describe symptoms if possible
• We’ll let you know if urgent care or ER treatment is best

It’s always okay to reach out—we’d rather help early than treat too late.

Stay Calm, Stay Ready

Emergencies can be scary, but you don’t have to face them alone. Our team at Lansdowne Animal Hospital is here with skilled, compassionate care when your pet needs it most.

Visit our Service Page to learn more about our veterinary capabilities and the pets we treat. Whether it’s day or night, don’t hesitate to call. Emergency vet care saves lives—be prepared to act quickly and confidently when your pet needs help.

Visit Our Leesburg, VA Animal Clinic

Do you have questions about pet emergency care visits? Do you need to schedule any annual pet exams? If you are looking for a great Leesburg, VA vet, you can try searching things like ‘great vet near me’ or just give us a call! 

This blog is meant to be informational only. Always consult with your veterinarian for the right medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment plan for your pet and follow their advice.