Dog Emergency Care at Columbia Pike Animal Hospital and Emergency Center
If you think that your dog has an emergency, you can call us or go online to make an appointment. Numerous dog emergencies need to be addressed as soon as possible.
Abdominal and Internal bleeding are always an emergency. How will I know if my dog has abdominal or internal bleeding?
Abdomen or internal bleeding into the abdominal cavity is one of the most common emergencies we deal with daily. A couple of things to look for at home: your dog might pace around due to changes in blood pressure or be very lethargic and stay in cold places, essentially just laying down on the ground. You will notice the abdomen acutely getting bigger. You can check the gums as well; they will be pale, almost like a white wall. A dog can experience tachypnea or very rapid breathing.
What are the symptoms of foreign body ingestion or anaphylactic shock in my dog?
Common symptoms for a dog include vomiting, diarrhea, and hematochezia or a lot of blood in the stool. Many dogs experience these clinical symptoms due to the ingestion of a foreign body or anaphylactic shock because many dogs will have inflammatory mediators released, which momentarily affect the gastrointestinal tract and cause signs of vomiting and diarrhea, as well as collapse. Many dogs don't realize they're not supposed to eat socks or underwear, which is why they often experience vomiting.
What kind of emergency treatment can I do for my dog at home?
We usually recommend having something like Benadryl. However, many emergencies cannot be addressed at home. It's better to bring them to qualified professionals. We deal with many life-threatening emergencies here, and the sooner they are addressed, the better the outcome for your pet. In other words, the faster you bring them to us, the faster we can diagnose and start treatment, resulting in the best outcome and survival rate.
CPR on a Dog
CPR on a dog is a very involved process, usually requiring at least five to seven people. CPR includes the placement of an intravenous catheter, intubation of the pet, and chest compressions, very similar to human beings. After the emergency protocol is implemented, we will start using emergency drugs like atropine, epinephrine, and dopamine. You can do both. Our advice is to bring your dog to us and, while you're on the way, give us a call so our emergency team can prepare. We can take your dog immediately to the back and start implementing emergency protocols.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (703) 256-8414, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff is always here for you.
Dog Emergency Care — Frequently Asked Questions
Are you open 24/7 for dog emergencies?
Yes. Columbia Pike Animal Hospital is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year — weekends, nights, and holidays included. There is no additional emergency fee, regardless of when you come in.
What dog emergencies require immediate veterinary care?
Come in right away for: difficulty breathing, bloated or distended abdomen (which can signal GDV/bloat), collapse or loss of consciousness, suspected poisoning or toxin ingestion, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, broken bones, eye injuries, severe vomiting or diarrhea, or trauma from a car accident or animal attack.
My dog ate something toxic — what should I do?
Call us immediately at (703) 256-8414 or come straight in. Common toxins include chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, certain medications, and rat poison. Time matters — earlier treatment is always more effective.
What is bloat and why is it an emergency?
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), or bloat, occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. It is rapidly fatal without surgery. Signs include a swollen belly, unproductive retching, restlessness, and distress. If you suspect bloat, do not wait — come in immediately.
Do you charge more for emergency visits after hours or on weekends?
No. Our pricing does not change based on time of day, day of week, or holidays. The no-additional-emergency-fee policy applies around the clock. What you pay at midnight is the same as what you pay at noon.