Our emergency vet hospital in Northridge delivers fast, effective and comprehensive urgent care. With convenient after-hours availability, our world-class team is there when you need us.
How to spot a pet emergency
The ability to identify a true pet emergency can mean life or death for your best friend. If there is any doubt, call us – day or night – and our emergency vets will help you figure out if your pet needs immediate medical care, or if you can wait through the night or weekend.
As a general guideline, the following signs and symptoms indicate a pet emergency that would warrant a trip to our emergency vet in Northridge or urgent care:
- Eye swelling + discharge
- Ear debris and discharge
- Nose discharge
- Vomiting + diarrhea
- Major behavioral changes
- Facial swelling + licking
- Signs of worms or fleas
- Eating and drinking less
- Inability to urinate or defecate
- Cuts + lacerations
- Wounds + infection
- Physical trauma
- Lethargy + malaise
Act fast: What to do in a pet emergency
A medical emergency is frightening for you and your best friend. Here’s how to handle it:
Stabilize your pet
If your pet isn’t breathing or his heart isn’t beating, you need to act fast by performing CPR and/or artificial respiration.
Call the office
If your best friend is stable, call our emergency vet hospital in Northridge to alert our staff to the issue so that we can prepare for your arrival to our clinic.
Remain Calm
As scared as you may be for your pet, try to remain calm. Any stress you feel will likely add to his distress.
Artificial respiration: How to save an animal that isn't breathing
If your pet is unconscious and not breathing, you will need to breathe for him. To begin, lay your animal on his side on a flat surface. Check the airway to make sure it’s clear. Then lift the chin to straighten his throat, hold his mouth shut, put your mouth over his nose and blow gently. You should see the chest expand.
Wait for the air to leave your pet’s lungs before rescue breathing again. Repeat this process until your animal is breathing on his own.
How to perform animal CPR
If your pet’s heart has stopped beating, time is of the essence. You can’t wait until you arrive at our emergency vet hospital – you must perform CPR immediately. To begin, lay your animal on her side on a flat surface.
- Small dogs: Place the palm of your hand on the rib cage, over the heart
- Large dogs: If your animal is over 30 pounds, place one hand on top of the other over the widest part of the rib cage
- Puppies and kittens: Place your thumb on one side of the chest and the rest of your fingers on the other side
Compress your animal’s chest at a rate of 80 compressions per minute until she can breathe on her own and has a steady heartbeat.
Flexible hours. Compassionate care.The urgent attention your pet needs to feel better fast.
The urgent care services at Northridge Animal Medical Center are second to none. With our team of highly-trained emergency vets, top-notch facilities, and state-of-the-art safety equipment, you can rest assured that your best friend is receiving the world-class care he deserves.
No matter what time of the day or night, we will get your pet evaluated, diagnosed and treated – so that he can feel like himself again as quickly as possible.
Contact us today to learn moreMake an appointment today
If your pet isn’t feeling well, there’s no need to wait through the night or weekend. Visit our emergency vet in Northridge and get the urgent care your best friend needs and deserves.
- Monday 9:00am 6:00pm
- Tuesday 9:00am 6:00pm
- Wednesday 9:00am 6:00pm
- Thursday 9:00am 6:00pm
- Friday 9:00am 6:00pm
- Saturday & Sunday Closed