Emergency Care

If you are experiencing an emergency with your pet, please do not hesitate to come directly to our hospital during regular business hours. In the event you are unsure if it is an emergency, contact us immediately at 519-653-1003. Our trained staff will assist you in deciding the best course of action to take for your pet at that time.

What happens during emergency visits?

Here at Gateway Pet Hospital, we will do our best to accommodate you and your furry companion. Our hospital is equipped to deal with the diagnosis, treatment, and management of most veterinary emergencies. For more complicated or critical cases, we may stabilize the patient and offer referral to several specialty hospitals. Our colleagues at these facilities have access to board-certified veterinary specialists, 24-hour ICU care, and advanced diagnostics such as MRI and CT. 

How do I know if my pet requires emergency care?

Sometimes, if can be difficult to know when your loyal companion needs urgent care. However, here are some typical signs that your pet may need to be seen right away:

• Bloated, swollen, or painful abdomen
• Difficulty breathing, extreme coughing or choking
• Inflammation or injury to the eye
• Uncontrolled bleeding, diarrhea, or vomiting
• Unconsciousness or instability
• Dilated pupils
• Seizures
• Inability to urinate (for male cats especially)
• Inappetence or lethargy for a couple of days

Where do I go during after-hours if there is a medical emergency?

If Gateway Pet Hospital is closed, and you require immediate medical attention for your pet, please contact the Emergency Veterinary Clinic of the Waterloo Region (519-650-1617). Located at 405 Maple Grove, the Emergency Veterinary Clinic is open from 6:00 pm to 8:00 am during the week, as well as 24 hours on weekends and holidays.