• BLEEDING
  Bleeding from any part of the body. Blood in the urine or stool.
  
• VOMITING OR DIARRHEA
  Many repeated episodes in a short period or intermittently over a period of days or 'weeks
  
• CONVULSIONS
  Violent shaking of the head or body with uncontrolled spasms.
  
• LETHARGY
  Lack of normal tolerance for exercise, reduced energy or playfulness or disinterest in food or water.
  
• PAIN
  Limping or favoring a leg, crying or showing signs of pain when touched.
  
• EYE PROBLEMS
  Redness, discharge, squinting, film over the eye, foreign object in eye or difficulty seeing.
  
• WEIGHT LOSS
  Dramatic unexplained loss in body weight or gradual weight loss over weeks or months.
  
• LUMPS OR BUMPS
  Any lump(s) that are bleeding or growing noticeably larger.
  
• CHANGES IN APPETITE
  Refusing food or eating significantly more or less than normal.
  
• SCRATCHING
  Frequently scratching or biting any body area; pawing at face or ears, shaking or tilting the head.
  
• CHANGES IN THIRST OR URINATION
  Drinking and urinating more, straining to urinate or any changes in your pets elimination habits.
  
• COUGHING OR BREATHING TROUBLES
  Coughing, shortness of breath, any difficulty breathing.
  
  PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO CALL IF YOU THINK YOUR PET IS ILL. EARLY TREATMENT CAN MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH.

• The Animal Emergency Clinic is a fully equipped emergency hospital organized by a group of Twin Cities veterinarians who wish to provide their clients with quality veterinary care during hours when most individual clinics are closed.
  
  
• The hospital has well trained, professional staff. The veterinarian is available and on the premises during all operating hours.
  
  
• The emergency facility does not perform routine procedures such as vaccinations. Any non-emergency conditions discovered in the course of examination or treatment will be brought to your attention for treatment by your regular veterinarian.
  
  
• Please call before coming to the emergency clinic. This will enable our staff to be prepared for your arrival.
  
  
• On many occasions the clinic experiences several emergencies at once. The most critical animals will be seen first. Please be patient if you are asked to wait a short time. Your animal will be cared for as soon as possible.

Some animals will be released to home care within a few hours of admission. If continued hospitalization and treatment is required, the clinic may keep animals overnight and refer clients to their regular veterinarian the next day with the emergency medical record. The emergency clinic staff will tell you when to pick up your pet. It is your responsibility to move your animal to your regular veterinary hospital.

• Don't panic. Remember, your pet's well-being depends on you.
  
  
• Call your veterinarian or emergency clinic, immediately.
  
  
• Handle your pet with care. An animal in pain will bite. Muzzling may be necessary for your own safety.
  
  
• Control any bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound.
  
  
• Transport your pet carefully using a blanket or stretcher. Find someone to help you transport your pet, if needed.
  
  
• Prevention is better than any cure. Keep your home and yard safe for your pet. Potentially harmful objects, such as brittle bones or toys that can be swallowed and poisonous materials such as household cleaners, medicines, insecticides and antifreeze, should be kept out of reach.
  
  
• Be a responsible pet owner Ask your veterinarian for more information about basic animal first aid and how to handle emergency situations involving your pet.
  
  
• Keep a small first aid kit for your pet.