Emergency Vet in Gaithersburg, MD

After Hours Pet Emergencies

During business hours, please call us immediately at Lake Forest Animal Hospital for any pet emergencies so that we may recommend the best course of action for your pet.

Outside our business hours, we recommend you contact the following emergency animal hospital in the Gaithersburg, MD area.

What is considered a pet emergency?

In most cases, the following conditions are too risky to wait before seeking treatment:

• Injury from a traumatic accident or from an attack by another animal
• Fainting or passing out
• Paralysis (loss of movement)
• Seizures
• Difficulty breathing or choking
• Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
• Intense or ongoing diarrhea or vomiting
• Broken bones
• Deep or puncture wounds
• Severe allergic reactions
• Heat exhaustion or heatstroke
• Breathing has stopped
• Heart stopping (cardiac arrest)
• Labor complications or a mother struggling to deliver kittens or puppies

If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, please call Lake Forest Animal Hospital right away so we can suggest the best way to help.

When should I see an urgent care vet?

Pets should go to urgent care for problems needing immediate medical attention, even if they are not life-threatening:

• Upset stomach (diarrhea or vomiting)
• Swollen or bloated belly
• Difficulty with bowel movements (constipation)
• Signs of dehydration
• Itchy skin or unusual rashes
• Treating wounds and injuries
• Unexplained hair loss
• Limping or general discomfort
• Overgrown nails
• Excessive scooting
• Eye issues (tearing, redness, discharge)
• Ear infections
• Pale or discolored gums
• Changes in appetite (eating too little or too much)
• Cuts, scrapes, and abrasions
• Runny nose, coughing, or sneezing
• Pests like worms, fleas, ticks, or mites
• Blood in urine or urinary issues
• Ingesting toxins or harmful foods
• Swallowing foreign objects (toys, rawhide, etc.)

Please call our veterinary team at Lake Forest Animal Hospital so we can provide the best course of action for your furry family member.

Emergency Tests & Diagnostics

During your pet’s visit, we provide the highest-quality care and attention. All hospitalized patients are kept in a specialized treatment area where they are closely monitored.

Our vet team is skilled in offering surgical, diagnostic, and medical care while working with compassion and efficiency to best assist your pet .

We offer the latest diagnostics and testing for our emergency need patients at our urgent care veterinary clinic, including:

• Blood Analysis. A blood analysis can help us determine what is wrong with your dog or cat if they are experiencing an unknown illness or have ingested a toxic substance.
• Digital X-rays. X-rays help us determine what kind of internal injuries your pet might be experiencing after a fight or accident involving a car.
• Surgery. Sometimes pets need to be brought into surgery to repair internal injuries.
• Fracture Repair. We set broken bones / fractures for animals to help them heal quickly and properly. Your pet's veterinarian will also help relieve your pet's pain during the healing process.
• Medication. Medicines may be necessary to help your pet recover from a medical emergency or illness. We keep a range of pet medication on hand to ensure that your pet's needs are covered.

For more information on our emergency vet services or to book an appointment, please call our office as soon as possible.