Critical Care for Pets: What Owners Must Know

Emergencies can strike when you least expect them, and knowing where to turn makes all the difference. At Coit Hedgcoxe Animal Hospital, your trusted veterinary clinic in Plano, TX, we provide critical care for pets when every second counts. From trauma and sudden illness to life-threatening conditions, our veterinarians are trained to stabilize, diagnose, and treat emergencies with compassion and urgency.

What Is Critical Care for Pets?

Critical care involves immediate veterinary intervention for severe or life-threatening conditions. This may include:

• Trauma from accidents or injuries
  
• Poisoning or toxin ingestion (Click here to read our blog on pet poisoning.)
  
• Respiratory distress
  
• Seizures
  
• Heatstroke
  
• Complications from chronic illness
  

At our Plano animal hospital, we’re equipped with the tools and expertise to provide urgent veterinary care when pets need it most.

What to Do in an Emergency

Pet emergencies are stressful, but staying calm helps. If your pet is in distress:

1. Call our veterinary clinic immediately to let us prepare.
   
2. Transport your pet safely, using blankets or carriers.
   
3. Avoid giving food, water, or medications unless directed by a veterinarian.
   

Common Critical Care Scenarios

• Trauma: Car accidents or falls can cause internal bleeding or fractures.
  
• Toxins: Chocolate, lilies, and household chemicals can be deadly.
  
• Heatstroke: Common in Texas summers, requiring immediate cooling and fluids.
  
• Seizures: Can signal neurological disorders or toxic ingestion.
  

Recognizing these emergencies quickly improves outcomes.

Fun Facts About Pet Emergencies

• Dogs are more likely to ingest household toxins, while cats are more vulnerable to toxic plants.
  
• Quick action within the first hour of heatstroke can make the difference between recovery and fatality.
  
• Emergency veterinary medicine has advanced dramatically, with ICUs for pets now common in advanced hospitals.
  

Ross University wrote about critical care for pets in this article.  University of Wisconsin–Madison also wrote about preventing critical health issues in this article.

FAQ About Critical Care for Pets

What counts as a pet emergency?

Any sudden change in breathing, consciousness, or mobility, as well as ingestion of toxins or major trauma.

Do I need to call ahead for emergencies?

If possible, yes. Calling ahead allows the team to prepare for immediate care.

Can pets survive serious trauma?

Yes, with quick stabilization and treatment, many pets recover from severe injuries.

Visit Our Plano, TX Veterinary Hospital for Critical Care

If you’ve been searching for a vet near me who can handle emergencies with skill and compassion, trust our team to be by your side. We’re here to help! 

Visit our Services page here to learn more about our Plano, TX vet clinic and the services we offer. 

This blog is for informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian for guidance during emergencies and follow their recommendations.