Emergency Vets in Des Moines, IA

Looking for an emergency vet in Des Moines, IA? Search for your nearest animal hospital below.

List of Emergency Vets in Des Moines, IA

ALL-PETS HOSPITAL

ADDRESS: 1330 2nd Avenue, Des Moines IA 50314
TEL: (515) 262-8535
We offer full service veterinary care and boarding.

STARCH PET HOSPITAL

ADDRESS: 2222 University Avenue, Des Moines IA 50311
TEL: (515) 283-1576
Established in 1948, Starch Pet Hospital has proudly been serving the Des Moines community and its surrounding areas for over 70 years. As your local pet health expert, we hope that your family will rely on our team as your welcoming, skilled, and compassionate partner in care.

IOWA VETERINARY SPECIALTIES

ADDRESS: 6110 Creston Avenue, Des Moines IA 50321
TEL: (515) 280-3100
At Iowa Veterinary Specialties, we have one mission: to exceed the expectations of our clients, their families, and the referral community.

BLUEPEARL PET HOSPITAL (DES MOINES)

ADDRESS: 4631 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines IA 50322
TEL: (515) 727-4872
When you have a pet emergency, seconds count. We want you to know, we’re ready. If your pet has a condition that requires a specialist’s expertise, we’re ready for that too.

IOWA VETERINARY REFERRAL CENTER

ADDRESS: 4631 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines IA 50322
TEL: (515) 727-4872
When you have a pet emergency, seconds count. We want you to know, we’re ready. If your pet has a condition that requires a specialist’s expertise, we’re ready for that too. Our experienced team of veterinarians, vet technicians and support staff work closely together to provide the comprehensive, compassionate care your pet needs and deserves.

VCA AVONDALE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

ADDRESS: 4318 E Army Post Road, Des Moines IA 50320
TEL: (515) 262-6111
At VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital, we offer complete pet health care services to make sure your pets stay happy and healthy for life. Our location gives us the pleasure of serving pets not only in Des Moines but surrounding areas such as Pleasant Hill, Runnells, Carlisle, Ankeny, Altoona and Indianola.
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Signs Your Pet Needs Emergency Care

Has your pet experienced some kind of trauma and in need in emergency care? Here are some of the signs to look when determining whether your pet needs an emergency vet:

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

How to Handle Your Injured Pet

It is possible that your pet can act aggressively when they’ve been injured. It’s important to be careful how you handle them for their safety and your own.

For Dogs:

  • Be calm and go slow when approaching.
  • If your dog appears aggressive, get someone to help you.
  • Fashion a makeshift stretcher and carefully lift your dog onto it.
  • Support their neck and back as you move them in case of spinal injuries.

For Cats:

  • Cover your cats head gently with a towel, to prevent them from biting you.
  • Very carefully, lift your cat into its carrier or a box.
  • Support their neck and back as you move them in case of spinal injuries.

First Aid Treatment At Home

Depending on the situation, there are some actions you can take at home to stabilize your pet before transporting them to an emergency vet.

Bleeding:

  • If your pet is bleeding externally due to a trauma, apply pressure to the wound quickly and hold it there.
  • If possible, elevate the injury.

Choking:

  • If your pet is choking on a foreign object, put your fingers in their mouth and try to remove the blockage.
  • If you’re unable to remove the blockage, perform a modified version of the Heimlich maneuver by giving a sharp blow to their chest.

CPR:

  • If your pet is unconscious and unresponsive, you may need to perform CPR.
  • First, check if your pet is breathing and if they have a heartbeat. If you cannot find either, start chest compressions.
  • Perform 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths. Repeat this until your pet starts breathing on their own again.
  • To give a rescue breath, close your pets mouth and extend their neck to open the airway. Place your mouth over your pets nose and exhale until you see your pets chest rise.
  • Check for a heartbeat every 2 minutes.
  • Continue giving your pet CPR until you reach an emergency vet.