Pet Emergencies

Serious health problems, injuries, and illnesses require immediate care. When your pet urgently needs to see a veterinarian, Animal Wellness Center of Pontiac offers quality emergency care.

While we understand you may not always be in a position to call in advance, if you are able to do so, it will help our staff be prepared for your pet’s arrival so the animal gets needed medical care that much quicker.

Signs your pet may need emergency care include:

• Pale gums
• Rapid breathing
• Weak or rapid pulse
• Change in body temperature
• Difficulty standing
• Apparent paralysis
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Excessive bleeding

Safety tips:

Pets who are severely ill or injured may try to bite, claw, or act in an aggressive manner toward those trying to help them. Approach any injured or sick pet slowly and calmly; say their name and see how the animal reacts. Call for help if the pet reacts aggressively.

For dogs, fashion a makeshift stretcher if the animal is unable to move. Make sure the neck is supported.

For cats, slowly place a blanket or towel over the head to prevent biting. Slowly lift the animal into an open-topped carrier or box.

Elevate and apply pressure to any bleeding wound.

If you think your pet has eaten something poisonous:

Call us at 815-844-7180 immediately!

If your pet has an emergency after our hours, we recommend the following emergency veterinary hospital(s): Animal Emergency Clinic of McLean County 309-828-7722 and the Urbana/Champaign University of Illinois Small Animal Emergency Clinic 217-333-5300.