Emergency Services & Resources

It's often hard to know when your pet really needs to be seen by a vet.  When in doubt, always give us a call at 978-369-3503, WE'RE HERE TO HELP YOU DETERMINE IF YOUR PET NEEDS TO BE SEEN.​ No question is too strange and no concern is too small when it comes to the health of your pet! 

​​24-hour Emergency Hospitals

Normal pet behavior or an emergency?

If you believe your pet needs urgent care and our office is open, call us immediately at 978-369-3505 so we can determine the right next steps.
If it is outside of our business hours, call a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital, such as:

• Blue Pearl in Waltham: 781-684-8387
• Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital in Woburn: 781-932-5802
• Westford Veterinary Emergency Referral Center in Westford: 978-577-6525
• MSPCA - Angell West in Waltham: 978-902-8400

Poison Control Center

If you have any concerns about something your pet has eaten, time is of the essence! You should:

• Call us immediately at 978-369-3505 to determine whether the item is toxic and if your pet should be seen. 
• If our office is closed or if the food or household item isn't one we are familiar with in terms of pet toxicity, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435, open 24 hours/day, 365 days/year (a $65 consultation fee may apply).

To learn about some of the human foods that can be toxic for your pet, read Top 5 Thanksgiving Toxins for Your Pet.

​Chocolate Toxicity

If you know or suspect that your pet has ingested chocolate:

• Call us immediately at 978-369-3505. We will ask when your dog ate the chocolate, their dog's weight, the type of chocolate ingested and the quantity to understand the severity of the situation and whether your dog should be seen immediately.
• Consult Pet MD's Chocolate Toxicity Meter. Calculators like this one are meant to give you a rough idea of the quantities of chocolate that require an emergency trip to the vet, but always be sure to contact us with any questions or concerns.

I​n some situations, your pet needs immediate attention. Always call if you're concerned, but call right away for the following situations:

• Your pet's gums are grey instead of nice and pink.
  
• ​Your pet has been vomiting or had diarrhea for more than 24 hours, sooner if it's severe or if you know or suspect your pet ate something they shouldn't have.
• There's blood in your pet's urine or stool or coming from their eyes, nose or mouth.
• Your pet is straining to urinate or defecate.
• Their behavior changes drastically.
• Their food or water intake changes significantly.
• Your pet is having trouble breathing.
• Your pet seems disoriented.
• You pet is limping or seems sore or sensitive to touch.