©2011 Four Corners Veterinary Hospital
1126 MEADOW LANE ♦ CONCORD, CA 94520
PHONE (925)685-0512 ♦ FAX (925)685-7152
Open Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 8 am - 6 pm
Thurs 8 am - 7 pm
Saturday 8 am - 5 pm, Closed Sunday
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Here is some information on how to help your pet during an emergency:
- Be careful; even the best behaved pet may bite if he or she is afraid or in pain.
A temporary dog muzzle may be made with a nylon stocking, necktie, or soft rope.
- For a dog that is unable to walk, a stretcher may be made out of a blanket, floor
mat, or board.
- If your pet has eaten or contacted something toxic, immediate treatment is most effective.
Note the amount that was consumed and KEEP ALL PRINTED PACKAGING; the brand information
and ingredient lists on the package are often essential in making treatment decisions.
Call our office or the Contra Costa Emergency Clinic for instructions. In addition,
there are two 24 hour poison control hotlines:The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
888-426-4435. There is a $60 consultation fee. They have a large pet-oriented database
regarding the effects of household products, pharmaceuticals, and plants; and they
have specific treatment information. A toxicologist will review your pet's case with
you, make recommendations, and assign your pet a case number. If care from a veterinarian
is needed, your local veterinarian can speak with the toxicologist using your pet's
case number. Further information is available at www.aspca.org/apcc
- The American Association of Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222. Their information
is oriented toward human poisoning, and they will not give specific advice for your
pet. But they have a large data base regarding the toxicity of household products
and pharmaceuticals, and the service is free. Further information is available at
www.1-800-222-1222.info/
- If your pet has eaten a sharp object (like a needle or sharp bone), do not induce
vomiting, call our office or the emergency number
- Birds, small mammals, and exotic pets: when ill or injured, these animals may succumb
to stress. Minimize handling; place the animal directly in a padded carrier or box.
A plastic bottle with warm water will help keep your pet warm during transport. Make
sure the bottle is secured so that it will not roll on your pet. The Contra Costa
Veterinary Emergency Clinic treats these pets as well as dogs and cats.
- First Aid tips are available in the AAHA Healthy Pet Library. Being familiar with
this advice in advance may save your pet's life; however, if your pet is having an
emergency, please call our office or the emergency clinic immediately.
Treatment and rehabilitation of wildlife requires specifically designed facilities.
We are not able to treat or hospitalize wild birds or other wild animals. Here is
some information on how to help injured wildlife:
- Do NOT attempt to capture or handle wild raccoons, skunks, foxes, or bats; these
species have a high risk for carrying rabies. Call animal control.
- Do not attempt to rescue feathered healthy baby birds because they are on the ground.
The parents feed their young on the ground as part of the normal fledging process.
If the bird is on a road, move it to the side of the road. Baby birds without feathers
or only fluffy down feathers have fallen from the nest too early and are in need
of help.
- If a wild animal is terminally injured and clearly in need of euthanasia, we provide
this service free of charge. If the doctor on duty deems that the animal may be saved
with veterinary care, the animal must be transported to a licensed wildlife care
facility.
- Wild animals (including mammals, birds, and reptiles) that are both native to and
injured within the State of California may be referred to the Lindsay Wildlife Museum
in Walnut Creek. (925)935-1978 http://www.wildlife-museum.org/