Dog Emergency & Urgent Care

When your dog is sick, injured, or suddenly “isn’t acting like themselves,” it isn’t always obvious whether they should come to your family veterinarian or go directly to a 24-hour emergency hospital. That’s where we can help.

Every situation is different, and our goal is to make sure your dog receives the right care as quickly as possible—whether that’s here at Tamberly Animal Hospital or at a specialty emergency hospital.

If your dog suddenly becomes sick or injured, it’s easy to second-guess yourself. Should you come here, go directly to a 24-hour emergency hospital, or wait until morning? Give us a call. We’ll help you decide the best next step.

You know your dog better than anyone. If something doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts and give us a call. We’d much rather answer your questions than have you wonder whether you’re overreacting.

If you believe your dog may be experiencing a medical emergency during our business hours, call Tamberly Animal Hospital immediately at (678) 459-6001. We'll ask a few questions, help determine the best course of action, and prepare for your arrival if your dog should come to our hospital.

If your dog needs care after our regular business hours, please visit our After-Hours Emergency Care page to find the emergency and specialty hospitals we recommend.

Not Sure if It’s an Emergency?

That’s okay. Many medical problems aren’t black and white.

If you’re concerned, we’d rather have you call than wait and hope things improve. Our team can ask a few questions, help determine how urgently your dog should be seen, and guide you to the most appropriate care.

Whenever possible, we reserve time in our schedule each day for urgent medical concerns. If a pet arrives with a life-threatening emergency, however, they will always receive immediate priority -- even if it means adjusting our schedule for the day. Calling ahead gives us the best opportunity to prepare for your arrival and begin caring for your pet as quickly as possible.

What Is Considered a Veterinary Emergency?

Some emergencies are obvious, while others can be much more subtle. If you’re unsure whether your dog needs immediate care, it’s always best to call.

Seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog is experiencing:

•    Difficulty breathing or persistent coughing or gagging

•    Collapse, severe weakness, or inability to stand

•    Being hit by a vehicle or experiencing other major trauma

•    Severe bleeding or bleeding that won’t stop

•    Suspected poisoning or toxin exposure

•    Seizures

•    Eye injuries or sudden vision loss

•    A swollen abdomen with repeated unsuccessful attempts to vomit, which may indicate bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus

•    Heatstroke or severe overheating

•    Difficulty urinating, inability to urinate, or repeated straining

•    Severe vomiting or diarrhea, especially when accompanied by lethargy or blood

•    Broken bones or inability to use a limb

•    Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness

If you’re ever unsure whether something is an emergency, call us. We’d much rather answer your questions than have your dog become sicker while waiting at home.

Urgent Problems We Commonly Treat

Not every urgent illness requires a visit to a 24-hour emergency hospital.

During our regular business hours, we commonly evaluate and treat dogs with:

•    Vomiting or diarrhea

•    Allergic reactions

•    Ear infections

•    Eye irritation or injury

•    Limping or sudden lameness

•    Bite wounds and lacerations

•    Skin infections and abscesses

•    Urinary problems

•    Coughing or respiratory illness

•    Pain or sudden changes in behavior

•    Loss of appetite or lethargy

•    Many other sudden illnesses and injuries

If your dog requires advanced specialty care, intensive hospitalization, or treatments beyond what can safely be provided here, we'll explain why and help you get to the right facility as quickly as possible.

Should I Call Before Coming?

Yes.

A brief phone call before you leave allows our team to:

•    Assess how urgently your dog needs to be seen

•    Prepare for your arrival

•    Advise you if immediate referral to an emergency hospital would provide the fastest care

•    Help you safely transport your dog whenever possible

If your dog is having severe difficulty breathing, is actively seizing, has collapsed, or has experienced major trauma, don’t delay transport unnecessarily. If calling would significantly slow you down, begin heading to the nearest appropriate veterinary hospital immediately.

What Should I Do While I’m on the Way?

If you can do so safely:

•    Keep your dog as calm and quiet as possible.

•    Transport small dogs in a secure carrier whenever practical.

•    Support larger dogs with a blanket or firm surface if they cannot walk.

•    Apply gentle pressure with a clean towel to actively bleeding wounds.

•    Bring any medication bottles, plant samples, or product packaging if poisoning is suspected.

•    If possible, have another person drive so you can monitor your dog.

Avoid giving medications unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian.

What Happens When We See an Emergency Patient?

Every emergency is different, but our first priority is to assess your dog’s condition, stabilize them if needed, and determine how serious the situation is.

Depending on your dog’s condition, this may include:

•    A rapid physical examination

•    Oxygen support, if needed

•    Intravenous catheter placement and medications

•    Pain management

•    Digital radiographs, or X-rays, when appropriate

•    Other diagnostics needed to help determine the cause of your dog’s illness or injury

Once we’ve stabilized your dog and have a better understanding of what’s going on, we’ll explain our findings, discuss your options, and help you decide on the next steps.

Many urgent problems can be treated here at Tamberly Animal Hospital, while others are best managed at a specialty emergency hospital. If referral is in your dog’s best interest, we’ll explain why and guide you through that process.

We’re Here to Help

Medical emergencies are stressful, but you don’t have to make these decisions alone.

Whether your dog has a sudden illness, an injury, or you’re simply unsure how serious the situation may be, give us a call. We’ll help you determine the best next step so your dog receives the care they need.

Related Resources

•    After-Hours Emergency Care — Find the emergency and specialty hospitals we recommend when our hospital is closed.

•    Keeping Pets Safe During Summer — Learn how to prevent heatstroke, dehydration, and other warm-weather emergencies.

•    Dog Safety Guide for North Atlanta Parks, Trails & Events — Tips for helping your dog stay safe while enjoying parks, trails, and community events.