A pet emergency can include severe injuries, sudden illness, breathing difficulties, ingestion of toxic substances, seizures, or any condition that causes extreme pain or distress. If you're unsure, it's best to contact emergency vets or an emergency clinic for guidance.

You can search online, use a pet healthcare app, or call your regular veterinarian for their recommendations. Many cities have 24-hour emergency clinics. It's a good idea to locate one before an emergency occurs and you're stuck searching for available emergency vets.

Remain as calm as possible and contact your veterinarian or the nearest emergency clinic immediately. Follow their instructions and avoid trying to treat your pet without professional guidance from emergency vets.

If your pet is critically injured, it's often safer to have a trained professional transport them. Moving an injured pet can worsen its condition. Call ahead to let the emergency vets know you're coming.

When it comes to preparation, emergency vets recommend you follow these simple tips.

•Have important phone numbers, including your regular vet and an emergency clinic, readily available.

•Create a pet first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, and other supplies.

•Know basic first aid for pets.

•Microchip and tag your pet for identification.

Emergency vets typically triage cases based on the severity of the condition. Be prepared to provide information about your pet's health and any symptoms. You may have to wait since critical cases take precedence.

Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, drooling, lethargy, or agitation. Contact emergency vets or poison control immediately if you suspect your pet ingested something harmful.

Never give your pet human medications without consulting emergency vets first. Some human medications can be toxic to animals.

Regular veterinary check-ups, pet-proofing your home, keeping harmful substances out of reach, and providing a safe environment can reduce the risk of trips to emergency vets. According to Pet Keen, one out of every three pets will require an emergency vet treatment in any given year. If you want to be prepared for anything, contact NB Animal Urgent Care to learn more about our services.

The cost can vary widely depending on the nature of the emergency and the treatment required. Emergency vets can be expensive, so it's a good idea to inquire about payment options and pet insurance in advance.