Pet Owner FAQs

If I suspect that my pet is in the midst of a medical emergency, should I call my family vet first?

It’s always a good idea to give your vet a call, but some may only have an answering service available after hours. If you believe it is an emergency, give us a call. Our knowledgeable staff members are always available to provide a recommendation. Or bring your pet immediately to Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies night or day. We will contact your vet as soon as possible to coordinate care.

How can I recognize a true emergency that won’t wait until morning?

Here are a few examples of medical emergencies for pets:

• Your pet has been hit by a car or a blunt object or has fallen more than a few feet, especially if you suspect broken bones.
• Your pet is unconscious, isn’t breathing or you can’t find a heartbeat. Also if your pet has difficulty breathing, has blue gums or tongue.
• Your pet has been vomiting or has had diarrhea for more than 24 hours. Also if he or she is vomiting blood or has bloody diarrhea.
• Your pet appears to be having a seizure.
• Your pet is bleeding. Look for blood in his or her urine or feces or blood coming from eyes, nose or mouth.
• You think your pet ingested something toxic, such as antifreeze, rat poison, household cleansers, or any kind of medication that wasn’t prescribed. Other things that are toxic to dogs include grapes/raisins, chocolate, and xylitol (found in sugar free gum). It may also be an emergency if your pet swallowed a foreign object.
• Your pet seems to be in extreme pain, and is whining, shaking, or refusing to socialize.
• Your pet can’t stand up, begins to bump into things and seems disoriented. Also if your pet is fainting or collapsing.
• Your pet’s abdomen is swollen and hard to the touch—especially if that is combined with gagging and trying to vomit.
• Your pet has been bitten by a snake that you suspect may be poisonous.
• Your pet has sustained an eye injury or trauma to the eye.
• Your pet appears to have heat stroke.
• Your pet has sustained a penetrating wound like a bite or gunshot wound.
• Your pet is in labor and has had unsuccessful contractions for more than one hour.

What can I expect if I bring my pet in to Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies during an emergency?

There are usually four steps involved in our evaluation and treatment of emergency cases.

1. Check in and initial assessment—A veterinary technician will evaluate and prioritize your pet’s care. We operate on a first come, first serve basis, although critical cases will take priority if other patients are stable.
2. Exam and consultation—If your pet is in stable condition, we will move your pet into an exam room and get a medical history. An ER veterinarian with our emergency veterinary services will meet with you and examine your pet. If x-rays or other tests are needed, we can complete those with your permission. The emergency vet will discuss treatment recommendations with you and provide an itemized treatment plan. We will answer any questions you might have and proceed with treatment upon your approval.
3. Treatment—Depending upon the nature of the illness or injury, there may be either inpatient or outpatient options recommended. You may be recommended to one of our veterinary specialists or you may be able to pick up your pet in the morning and take them to your family vet for care during their normal office hours.
4. Admission to the Hospital—If needed (and upon your approval), your pet will be admitted to the animal hospital for care. This could result in further examination and treatment by one of our specialists in internal medicine, veterinary surgery or cardiology.

My pet is scheduled to come in for an evaluation by a specialist or for surgery. What do I need to know and bring with me?

There is some information that is critical to our treatment of your pet. That includes:

• Vaccine history, including rabies.
• Radiographs (x-rays) and any lab results, if available or applicable.
• List of current medications, including any supplements taken. If your pet will be staying with us, please bring all prescribed medications in their original containers to your appointment.
• Information about current diet and food used.
• Travel history (within and outside of the United States).

All dogs are required to be on leashes and cats must be in carriers when visiting Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies.

What can I bring for my pet to make him comfortable after surgery or if he or she will be hospitalized?

You can bring a small toy or blanket if you would like. We prefer that pets use the beds that we provide for sanitary purposes. You can also bring the food he or she usually eats, as long as the pet is not on a raw (BARF-type) diet.

What are my payment options? Do you have any pet health insurance that you recommend?

We will provide a cost estimate with the treatment/care plan. For surgical procedures and hospital stays, we require a deposit. Payment is expected at time of services. We accept credit cards, cash, checks, Apple Pay, PayPal, and Care Credit.

There are many pet health insurance companies and plans available. Most have a waiting period before coverage begins. You may want to discuss options with your family vet.

If my pet is hospitalized, when can I see him or her?

We ask for your assistance following these guidelines to help us provide the best care to all patients under our care:

We encourage family members of our hospitalized patients to visit whenever possible but it is most ideal to visit in between treatment times. Please call prior to visiting to determine when would be best to visit your family member. If your pet is receiving treatments at the time of your arrival, you may be asked to wait until these are completed.

All families are required to check in with our reception staff and be escorted to the treatment area for their visit. We ask that all cell phones be switched to silent/vibrate mode while visiting in a patient ward area.

We request that visits are limited to a maximum of 30 minutes at a time. Lengths of visits can be extended on a case-by-case basis.

For patients hospitalized in the isolation unit of our hospital, all visitors will be required to follow our recommended safety protocols to help maintain a safe environment for all patients.

Scenarios can arise that may temporarily require a pause in visiting. If this were ever to occur, our staff will reunite you with your pet as soon as they are able.

Hospitalized patient family members are not permitted to stay overnight but we do encourage phone calls any time you would like an update.

What can I expect when it is time to take my dog or cat home?

A member of our staff will sit down with you and review instructions for home care. We will also recommend a follow-up visit with either one of our specialists or with your family veterinarian, depending upon what is most appropriate.