Difficulty Breathing
Labored breathing, choking, persistent coughing, or blue-tinged gums indicate your pet may not be getting enough oxygen.
When your pet is in distress, every minute matters. Call our clinic right away and our team will be ready for you.
“When our puppy had a seizure early in the morning, the clinic was waiting with open arms.”
From a Harper's Animal Clinic client review
At Harper's Animal Clinic, emergency situations receive our full and immediate attention during business hours. Our team understands the fear and urgency you feel when your companion is hurting, and we are committed to acting quickly on their behalf.
If your pet is showing any of the following signs, do not wait to see if things improve on their own. Call (229) 928-3300 right away.
Labored breathing, choking, persistent coughing, or blue-tinged gums indicate your pet may not be getting enough oxygen.
Bleeding that does not stop within a few minutes of applying gentle pressure, or any bleeding from the nose, mouth, or rectum.
Uncontrolled shaking, collapsing, paddling of the legs, or loss of consciousness. Note how long the episode lasts for your vet.
Chocolate, xylitol, grapes, antifreeze, rodent poison, certain plants, and many household chemicals are dangerous to pets.
Sudden paralysis, extreme weakness, dragging of limbs, or inability to bear weight could signal a spinal injury or other serious condition.
A swollen, hard belly combined with retching without producing vomit can be a sign of gastric torsion, which is life-threatening.
This list is not exhaustive. If something feels wrong with your pet, trust your instincts and call us. It is always better to check than to wait.
Follow these steps to give your pet the best chance at a quick recovery.
Your pet can sense your anxiety. Take a breath, speak softly, and handle them gently. Staying composed helps you make clear decisions.
Reach our team at (229) 928-3300 during business hours. Describe what happened and your pet's current symptoms so we can prepare for your arrival.
Minimize movement if you suspect a fracture or spinal injury. Wrap your pet in a blanket for warmth and to help restrain them gently during transport.
Drive carefully to 509 West Forsyth Street in Americus. If someone else can drive, sit with your pet to keep them calm and monitor their condition.
Our team responds to urgent cases as quickly as possible during business hours. One call is all it takes.
(229) 928-3300Harper's Animal Clinic is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. If your pet experiences an emergency outside of these hours, here is what we recommend:
Call (229) 928-3300. Our voicemail message may include updated after-hours instructions or an emergency contact number.
Search online for “emergency veterinarian near Americus, GA” or “24-hour animal hospital” to locate the closest facility that can see your pet right away. Emergency animal hospitals are staffed around the clock and equipped for overnight and critical care.
Once the immediate crisis has passed, call us the next business day. We will schedule a follow-up appointment to review your pet's condition, continue treatment if needed, and make sure they are on the path to recovery. Our team has a history of checking in on emergency patients to see how they are doing.
As a pet owner, you notice when something is off. Maybe your dog is unusually lethargic, your cat has stopped eating, or your pet's behavior has changed suddenly. These observations matter.
If you are unsure whether the situation is a true emergency, call us anyway. Our staff can help you assess the situation over the phone and advise you on the best next steps. There is no such thing as calling too early.
Do not hesitate to reach out. Our team at Harper's Animal Clinic is ready to help your pet when it matters most.
(229) 928-3300