Emergency Vets in West Virginia

ADDRESS: 131 Bunners Ridge Road, Suite 2, Fairmont WV 26554
TEL: (304) 363-2227
Fairmont Veterinary Hospital is a progressive, small animal exclusive multi-doctor practice in Fairmont, WV. Our Veterinarians and staff are dedicated to providing the best medical and surgical care available for your pets. The facilities offered provide the opportunity to treat and operate on a wide array of clinical cases.

VISIT CLINIC

SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV

KANAWHA VALLEY VETERINARY EMERGENCY HOSPITAL

ADDRESS: 5304 MacCorkle Avenue SW, South Charleston WV 25309
TEL: (304) 768-2911
Seizures, tremors, inability to urinate or have a bowel movement, non-progressive labor, bloat, bleeding, collapse, shortness of breath, etc.; there are many types of veterinary medical emergencies. If you are concerned about your pet, bring him or her in for one of our experienced veterinarians to evaluate.

VISIT CLINIC

WHEELING, WV

ANIMAL URGENT CARE CENTER

ADDRESS: 4201 Wood Street, #1, Wheeling WV 26003
TEL: (304) 233-0002
Our practice partners with your regular veterinarian to provide the highest level of after hours care for your pets. After an examination and any necessary testing, your pet will either be sent home or transferred to your vet for continued care. We will provide your vet’s office with copies of all medical records from your visit here.

VISIT CLINIC

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 stabalize 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 manouver by giving a sharp blow to their chest.

CPR:

If your pet is unconcious 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.