An emergency exists for your pet if he or she:

-Cannot urinate

-Is hit by a car

-Is bleeding

-Has trouble breathing

-Is suddenly bloated

-Is suddenly severely ill

-Is convulsing

-Has ingested poison

-Has not eaten or had water for over 24 hours

-Is in hard labor for over one hour

-Has any type of eye problem

 

In the event of an emergency during our normal office hours please call ahead if possible and proceed directly to our practice.

For after-hour emergencies, clients may call Dr. Vargas at 324-6832. 

If unavailable, we advise that you contact either one of the two pet emergency clinics serving Polk County:

VHA emergency care 863 -324-3340 on Dundee Road or

Veterinary Emergency Care, Inc.

Phone: (863) 665-3199 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (863) 665-3199      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

shelters or pet hotels that allow pets. 

• Make copies of your pet’s  health records and rabies vaccine certificates.

•   Should you be separated from your pet, log on to Rescuers.com for a

listing of animal shelters in your area.  Visit shelters regularly

and bring a photo and veterinary records to identify your animal.

•  Pack a pet first aid kit, in the event that your pet becomes ill or

injured.  Your first aid kit should include vaccination records,

photos of your pet and your veterinarian's phone number in a

waterproof bag.  Additionally, the following should be included:

o       Gauze for wounds 

o       Pet food & bottled water

o       Pet prescription medication

o       Adhesive tape

o       Nonstick bandages, towels and cloth

o       Hydrogen peroxide (3 percent)

o       Activated charcoal to absorb poison

o       Large syringe (without needle) or eyedropper

o       Muzzle (for dogs)

o       Stretcher (board, blanket or floor mat)