24/7 Emergency Care in Winston-Salem
Carolina Veterinary Specialists provides 24/7 emergency veterinary care including Saturdays and Sundays.
What To Do In A Pet Emergency
Although you may feel anxious about visiting an emergency veterinarian, knowing what to expect at our emergency animal hospital will make this process easier for both you and your pet.
STEP 1
Call Ahead If You Can
We understand that in a pet emergency, you may not be able to call us before arriving, but it's always best if you can. If you have time, you can also fill out our New Patient Form.
STEP 2
Get To Our Emergency Animal Hospital Right Away
You will be taken to an exam room and asked to complete our New Patient Form if you have not already done so. Your pet will be triaged by a vet technician before an emergency veterinarian completes a thorough exam of your pet.
STEP 3
Determine Treatment
After your pet has been assessed, our veterinarians will establish a treatment plan so we can provide your pet with the best possible treatment. We will also update your primary care veterinarian with your pet's medical files and history to ensure care remains integrated and seamless.
Animal Emergency FAQs
When animals are in situations that need immediate medical attention or their lives are at stake, they require emergency veterinary care and treatment.
- What is considered an emergency?
These situations are classified as emergencies, and need immediate care. If your pet has had an accident or is exhibiting any of these symptoms, please bring them to our office right away.
- Obvious signs of pain or extreme anxiety
- Severe bleeding or bleeding that doesn't stop
- Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, or blood in urine
- Seizures and/or staggering
- Choking, difficulty breathing or continuous coughing/gagging
- Inability to urinate or pass feces, or pain associated with urinating or passing feces
- Fractured bones, severe lameness or inability to move leg(s)
- Heat stress or heatstroke
- You know or suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous (such as antifreeze, xylitol, chocolate, rodent poison, etc.)
- Injuries to the eye(s)
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea; more than two episodes in 24-hours
- Unconsciousness
- Refusal to drink for 24 hours or more
- What emergency services do you offer?
Your four-legged family member can receive state-of-the-art emergency care at our emergency clinic, which is equipped to provide specialized diagnostics, complete surgical services, and hospitalization.
- Do I need to call ahead?
It always appreciated when you can call us ahead of arriving, but we understand that in emergency situations that's not always practical.
If the situation does not allow you time to call, please do not hesitate to bring your pet to our clinic for immediate attention.
- When is your emergency clinic open?
We are open 24/7 for 365 days a year.
- How long will we have to wait to see the vet?
A veterinary emergency hospital is similar to a human emergency department—it can be unpredictable and you may have to wait.
We cannot predict which cases we will be treating and when they will arrive, but we will prioritize cases by medical need.
We provide a comfortable waiting area and we will do our best to keep you informed about wait times and your pet's status.
- Will you keep in touch with our primary care veterinarian?
Yes, we keep your primary care veterinarian up to date with your pet’s medical history and files to ensure integrated, seamless care.