Emergency Care

Signs
As San Francisco’s only round-the-clock veterinary hospital, with a veterinary staff of eleven full-time doctors and two board certified specialists, Pets Unlimited is committed to providing the highest level of care to pets and their human caretakers.

Since we began operating as a 24-hour facility over twelve years ago, we have treated thousands of traumatized, injured and sick animals. With the goal of offering the most cutting edge veterinary care available, we have recently completed a major renovation and facilities upgrade of our hospital and adoption center. As a result, we have expanded the emergency and critical care services we provide.

Do you have a pet emergency?
When you are faced with such a situation, try to remain calm. Acting quickly and decisively may be critical in saving your pet’s life. You may need to bring your dog or cat to a veterinarian right away. Keep the phone number of the closest 24-hour veterinary hospital or emergency clinic and directions in an easily accessible location. It is best to call ahead and notify the hospital so they may prepare for your arrival. Try to explain the symptoms in clear, concise, and specific terms.

Signs of a pet emergency:

• Repeated vomiting
• Watery, bloody, or severe diarrhea
• Loss of appetite – your pet has not eaten in one or more days
• Rapid weight loss
• Trouble standing or seems uncoordinated
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe lethargy
• Poisoning – your pet has ingested any toxins such as: anti-freeze, rat or slug bait, or any medications not prescribed by a veterinarian.
• Bloated or distended abdomen – your dog’s stomach appears bloated and he/she is acting painful or uncomfortable.
• Frequent urination or inability to urinate (especially males) Bloated or distended abdomen – your dog’s stomach appears bloated and he/she is acting painful or uncomfortable.
• Eye problems – pawing at eyes or squinting, swelling/discharge from one or both eyes.
• Lameness – not bearing weight on limb or limping severely
• Your pet has been hit by a car or fallen from a building.
• Your pet has been attacked by another animal.

What should I do prior to bringing my pet to the veterinary hospital?

• If your pet is bleeding: apply direct pressure with a clean cloth.
• If your pet has a broken limb: restrict walking, apply a splint or wrap to the effected limb. If bone is exposed, cover the wound with a clean or sterile dressing.
• If your pet is in shock: wrap them in a blanket to preserve body heat, remove any fluid or vomit from the oral cavity.
• If your pet has ingested any poison: bring any labels or containers with you. Call your local veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control Center (800-548-2423) if you have questions regarding potential poisonings.

Do not administer any medications not prescribed by your veterinarian!
Many common household medicines are very toxic to animals. Tylenol will cause liver failure in cats and aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil) can cause gastric ulceration and kidney problems in domestic animals.

How We Can Help
In order to meet the needs of San Francisco Bay Area pet owners, Pets Unlimited is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our excellent and compassionate veterinary, technical, and ICU staff is available at all hours of the day and night and throughout weekends and holidays to evaluate, diagnose, and treat critically ill, sick, and traumatized animals.

Pets Unlimited is a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital offering 24-hour critical care, in-house laboratory testing, radiology, and emergency surgery. We also offer advanced diagnostics including ultrasound and endoscopy, and work closely with several veterinary specialists in the Bay Area.

If you have any questions regarding our Emergency Services, pet emergencies, or your pet’s health care in general, please call us at (415) 563-6700.