Pet Resource CenterEmergency Guide

When it counts, know the plan

A little preparation makes a hard moment easier. Here is what I want you to have on hand, the signs that mean don't wait, and who to call when we're closed.

Request an Appointment (281) 859-9244

Numbers to keep handy

Hearthstone Animal Clinic

(281) 859-9244

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 7 AM to 6 PM. Wed and Sat: 8 AM to 12 PM.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control

(888) 426-4435

24/7, fee may apply

Pet Poison Helpline

(855) 764-7661

24/7, fee may apply

If something goes wrong

First aid basics

The steps that stabilize a pet while you get to us or an emergency hospital.

Check breathing and pulse, normal dog heart rate is 60 to 140 bpm, cats 120 to 220 bpm
Control bleeding with direct pressure using clean cloth or gauze
For choking, open the mouth, look for a visible object, remove it gently if you can
CPR is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths
Never give human medications unless a veterinarian tells you to
Keep your pet calm and warm, speak in a soothing voice
Call us while you provide first aid, don't wait until you're done

Emergency kit

Items worth keeping in one place so you're not searching during a crisis.

First aid supplies: gauze, bandages, antiseptic wipes, a thermometer
A written contact list: our clinic, an emergency hospital, poison control
Current photos of your pet and copies of vaccination records
A 7-day supply of food, water, and any medications
Leash, collar with ID tags, and a carrier for transport
Blankets and towels for warmth and comfort
Flashlight, batteries, and a portable radio

When to call

Signs that mean your pet needs professional care right away.

Difficulty breathing, gasping, or blue gums
Unconsciousness, seizures, or an inability to stand
Severe bleeding that won't stop with direct pressure
Signs of poisoning: vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness
Trauma from a car accident, fall, or fight
Straining and unable to urinate or defecate for more than 24 hours
Suspected heatstroke: heavy panting, drooling, weakness

Common situations

How to respond to the emergencies I see most often.

Heatstroke: move to a cool area, apply cool (not cold) water to paws and ears
Cuts and wounds: apply direct pressure, cover with a clean bandage
Poisoning: call poison control first, do not induce vomiting unless told to
Bloat in dogs: watch for a distended abdomen and unproductive retching
Seizures: keep your pet safe from injury, time it, stay calm
Eye injuries: flush with saline, keep your pet from rubbing
Broken bones: immobilize the area, transport carefully

Warning signs that mean go now

Breathing

Difficulty breathing
Blue or pale gums
Gasping for air
Excessive drooling

Neurological

Seizures
Loss of consciousness
Disorientation
Inability to stand

Trauma

Visible injuries
Limping or inability to walk
Suspected internal bleeding
Signs of shock

Poisoning

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Excessive drooling
Weakness or collapse

Risks specific to our area

Weather-related

Hurricane evacuation planning with pets
Heatstroke from high humidity and temperatures
Flooding and water safety concerns

Environmental

Venomous snake bites (coral snakes, copperheads)
Fire ant stings and allergic reactions
Toxic plants common in Texas landscaping

Common questions

Is this an emergency or can it wait?

If your pet is struggling to breathe, bleeding heavily, seizing, collapsed, unable to urinate, or you suspect poisoning or bloat, treat it as an emergency and go now. When you're unsure, call us during our hours and describe what you're seeing. It's always better to ask than to sit on something that turns out to be serious.

My pet ate something toxic, what do I do first?

Call a poison line right away: ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661, both open 24/7. Do not induce vomiting unless they tell you to, since some substances do more damage coming back up. Have the product or plant name ready if you can, and call us during our hours so we can plan the next step.

Do you handle after-hours emergencies?

We are not a 24-hour emergency hospital. During our hours, call us and we'll get you seen or point you in the right direction. When we're closed, use the nearest emergency veterinary hospital and the poison lines above. Knowing where your closest ER is before you need it saves precious time.

Not sure what you're seeing? Call us.

When something feels off, don't second-guess it. Reach out during our hours and we'll help you decide what your pet needs.

Request an Appointment (281) 859-9244