Recognizing and Handling Pet Emergencies in Murrieta: When to Visit the Vet
Pet emergencies can happen without warning—whether it's a sudden injury, ingestion of something toxic, or unexplained illness. As a Murrieta pet owner, knowing the signs of an emergency and where to turn for fast, compassionate care can make all the difference in your pet's outcome.
At Hot Springs Animal Hospital, we provide urgent and emergency veterinary services during our extended hours (Mon-Fri 9AM–8PM, Sat-Sun 9AM–6PM) to help local pets get the immediate attention they need.
Common Pet Emergencies We See in Murrieta
Murrieta's active lifestyle—think hikes in nearby trails, backyard play, and warm weather—can lead to specific risks. Here are some of the most frequent emergencies our team handles:
Trauma or Injury: Hit by car, falls, bites, or limping from overexertion
Ingestion Issues: Swallowing toxins (e.g., chocolate, rodenticides, plants), foreign objects, or bones
Respiratory Distress: Difficulty breathing, choking, or collapse
Seizures or Neurological Signs: Sudden shaking, disorientation, or weakness
Gastrointestinal Emergencies: Severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, or bloat (especially in large breeds)
Heat-Related Problems: Overheating in CA summers, leading to heatstroke
If your pet shows pale gums, rapid/shallow breathing, inability to stand, continuous bleeding, or loss of consciousness, treat it as an emergency.
First-Aid Steps Before Heading to the Vet
While you should never delay professional care, these quick actions can help stabilize your pet:
Keep them calm and in a safe, quiet space.
For bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth.
Prevent licking of wounds—use an e-collar if available.
Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet (some toxins worsen with this).
Note the time of onset and any possible causes (e.g., what they ate).
Bring any suspected toxins or packaging with you.
When to Choose Urgent/Emergency Care at Hot Springs Animal Hospital
Unlike 24/7 facilities, our Murrieta clinic focuses on extended-hour urgent care, allowing us to handle most non-life-threatening emergencies promptly without long ER waits. We offer on-site diagnostics (like radiology), pain management, and stabilization. For true after-hours crises, we can guide you to the nearest emergency vet if needed.
Many Murrieta families search for "emergency vet near me" during evenings or weekends—our hours make us a convenient, trusted option for quick response.
Preventing Emergencies: Proactive Steps
Keep toxic items out of reach (e.g., medications, antifreeze).
Use pet-safe plants and secure trash.
Schedule regular wellness exams to catch issues early.
Consider microchipping for lost pets (a common emergency trigger).
Don't Wait—Get Help Today
Pet emergencies are stressful, but acting fast gives your companion the best chance. Our compassionate team at Hot Springs Animal Hospital is ready to support you and your pet.
Book an urgent appointment or call us now (951) 600-0830
Learn more about keeping your pet protected year-round in our Complete Pet Vaccination Guide for Murrieta Owners.
Planning preventive care? Check our spay and neuter cost guide many procedures help reduce certain emergency risks.
Your pet's safety is our top priority. Reach out anytime Hot Springs Animal Hospital is here for Murrieta's pets!