A pet emergency is any sudden, serious change that cannot safely wait, such as trouble breathing, repeated vomiting, suspected poisoning, a swollen belly, collapse, seizures, or a major injury. If you see these signs in your dog or cat in Abbotsford, call Abby Veterinary Hospital and Emergency right away. When in doubt, call first.
What counts as a pet emergency
An emergency is any situation where waiting could put your pet’s health or life at risk. Pets cannot tell us how they feel, so they depend on us to notice when something has changed quickly. Some emergencies are obvious, like a fall or a wound that will not stop bleeding. Others are quieter, like a cat who suddenly stops eating, hides, and strains in the litter box, which can signal a life-threatening blockage.
A simple guide for Abbotsford pet owners: if a problem came on fast, is getting worse, or involves breathing, the belly, or the nervous system, treat it as urgent. A quick phone call costs nothing and helps you decide whether to come in now or monitor at home for a short while.
Red-flag signs that mean call now
Contact an emergency veterinarian promptly if your dog or cat shows any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing, choking, or gums that look pale, blue, or grey
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea, especially with blood or with no interest in water
- A swollen, firm belly with restlessness and unproductive attempts to vomit
- Collapse, fainting, sudden weakness, or trouble standing
- Seizures, disorientation, or a sudden change in awareness
- Suspected poisoning after eating something toxic
- A major injury, a deep wound, or a suspected broken bone
- Straining to urinate or producing little or no urine, which is especially dangerous in male cats
These signs are prompts to call, not a way to diagnose your pet at home. A trained emergency team can confirm what is happening and act quickly.
Summer emergencies we see in Abbotsford
Warm Fraser Valley summers bring a predictable rise in a few serious risks. Heatstroke is one of the most urgent. Dogs cool themselves mainly by panting, so a hot afternoon, a long midday walk, or a few minutes in a parked vehicle can push body temperature to dangerous levels. Heavy panting, drooling, wobbliness, and bright red gums all call for immediate cooling and a prompt call.
Summer also means more curious noses finding toxic foods at backyard gatherings. Chocolate, grapes and raisins, and the sweetener xylitol found in some gums and baked goods are all genuinely dangerous to pets. Bee and wasp stings rise too, and while most cause only mild swelling, some pets have a severe allergic reaction with facial swelling, hives, or trouble breathing that needs urgent care. Deep-chested dogs face a separate emergency called bloat, where the stomach fills with gas and may twist. A swollen abdomen with restlessness is always an emergency.
What to do on the way to the emergency vet
If you believe your pet needs to be seen, call ahead so the team is ready when you arrive. Keep your pet calm and as still as possible, and avoid giving any human medications, which can do more harm than good. If you suspect poisoning, bring the packaging or a photo of what was eaten. For a suspected heat emergency, move your pet to a cool, shaded place and offer small sips of water on the way in. Clear, fast information helps the team act the moment you walk through the door.
What to expect when you arrive
When you reach the hospital, the most serious cases are seen first, a process called triage. The team will ask what you saw and when it started, then perform an exam and recommend next steps. Timely pet diagnostics such as bloodwork and imaging often reveal what is happening inside, and emergency surgical services are available on site when a problem needs to be addressed without delay. If your pet needs ongoing treatment, medical services continue the care plan, and follow-up pet care services support recovery once the crisis has passed. Our focus is steady, clear communication and a calm, stress-free environment, so you understand each decision for your pet.
Knowing our hours and when to come in
Abby Veterinary Hospital and Emergency is open every day from 12:00 PM until 8:00 AM the following morning, which covers the evenings, nights, and early mornings when many day practices have closed. Because hours can change, the safest first step in any emergency is to call (604) 969-0911 before you travel, so the team can prepare and confirm they are open to receive you.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if it is a real emergency or can wait until morning?
If the problem is severe, getting worse, or involves breathing, the belly, the nervous system, or heavy bleeding, treat it as an emergency and call right away. When you are unsure, phone us and describe what you are seeing so we can guide you.
Should I call before coming in?
Yes. Calling ahead lets the team prepare for your pet and confirm current availability, which saves valuable time when minutes matter.
Is it safe to give my pet human medicine in an emergency?
No. Many common human medications are toxic to dogs and cats. Avoid giving anything and let the veterinary team recommend safe treatment.
My pet seemed to recover quickly. Do I still need to come in?
Often yes. Some emergencies, such as toxin exposure or heatstroke, can look better briefly and then worsen. A phone call helps you decide the safest next step.