Pet Emergency in Middle Sackville? What to Do During and After Clinic Hours

Quick answer: If your pet has an emergency during our regular business hours, bring them to Middle Sackville Veterinary Care Centre right away at 1622 Sackville Drive. For after-hours emergencies, call our clinic at (902) 864-2882 and you will be patched through to a triage service that will direct you to the hospital on call.

When something is wrong with your dog or cat, it can be hard to know whether it can wait for a regular appointment or needs attention now. This guide explains the warning signs our veterinarians want you to act on quickly, what to do during and after our hours, and what happens when you arrive.

Our hours and how we handle emergencies

Middle Sackville Veterinary Care Centre provides emergency and urgent care during our regular business hours:

• Monday, Tuesday and Friday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Wednesday and Thursday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: closed

During business hours: Bring your pet to our clinic immediately. Walk-ins are accepted for emergencies, while scheduled appointments are given priority for routine care.

After hours: Call our clinic and you will be patched through to a triage service that will direct you to the hospital on call. You can also contact your nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic.

Warning signs you should not wait on

Our veterinarians ask you to contact us promptly if you notice any of the following.

Breathing, energy and appetite changes. Rapid breathing, coughing, a decrease in appetite, tiring easily, weakness or difficulty exercising can be signs of heart disease, including congestive heart failure. Learn more in our guide to heart disease in dogs and cats.

Eye problems. Dilated pupils, a cloudy cornea, red or bloodshot eyes, eyes that look different in size, excessive squinting or tearing, or pawing at the eyes and rubbing the face can point to raised eye pressure. Glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss if it is not addressed quickly. Read more about glaucoma and eye pressure testing.

Swallowing something they should not have. Pets sometimes eat objects that can cause serious problems. Our digital x-rays help us detect foreign objects, fractures and other abnormalities inside your pet's body.

Injury or trauma. Injuries can be painful and may hide damage you cannot see. We can image your pet, treat the problem and provide pain management tailored to trauma and recovery.

Signs of pain. Pets often hide pain. Our article on recognizing pain in dogs and cats explains the subtle signs to watch for.

What happens when you arrive

1. Check-in and exam. Check in at reception and our team will assess your pet. Your pet is weighed at every visit, and your veterinarian will perform a physical exam.

2. Diagnostics. Our diagnostic services include digital radiography and an on-site laboratory that can run tests from blood counts to specialized assays, so we can get results quickly and start treatment without delay. You can read more in what to expect from pet x-rays and lab testing.

3. A clear estimate and plan. If your pet needs treatment, we provide a detailed estimate and review your options with you. Together, we decide what works best for you and your pet before any procedure begins.

4. Surgery or referral if needed. Our veterinarians perform a wide range of surgical procedures. For complex cases that need specialized training or equipment, we refer to board-certified veterinary specialists and stay in close contact so your pet's care stays coordinated.

How to be ready before an emergency happens

• Save our phone number, (902) 864-2882, in your phone.
• Know our hours so you know when to come in and when to call for after-hours triage.
• Keep your pet's records and a list of current medications and supplements handy. Our patient portal lets you access your pet's medical records online.
• Keep up with regular wellness exams. Many problems, including heart issues, can be found during a routine physical exam before they become urgent.

Frequently asked questions about pet emergencies

Do I need an appointment for an emergency?

No. During business hours, bring your pet to the clinic immediately. Walk-ins are accepted for emergencies.

What do I do if my pet has an emergency at night or on the weekend?

Call our clinic at (902) 864-2882 and you will be patched through to a triage service that will direct you to the hospital on call, or contact your nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic.

How do I pay for emergency care?

We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, debit and cash, and payment is due at the time of service.

Do you offer financing?

Yes. Eligible clients can apply for Humm financing online in a few minutes and receive a credit decision in as little as 7 minutes. Humm offers financing for veterinary care of up to $30,000, including 6- and 12-month zero-interest payment plans on eligible purchases. A soft credit check is required.

Get help for your pet in Middle Sackville

If you are worried about your dog or cat, call us at (902) 864-2882 or bring your pet in during our business hours. For non-urgent concerns, you can request an appointment online. New to the clinic? Visit our new clients page to get set up before you need us.

Middle Sackville Veterinary Care Centre is a veterinary-owned, CVMA- and NSVMA-accredited animal hospital at 1622 Sackville Drive, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3A8. This article is general information and is not a substitute for an examination of your pet by a veterinarian.