It's 4 a.m. and Fido has been whimpering for an hour. Or you notice Tabby chowing down -- on your potted poinsettia. Whom to call? Of course, your pet's doctor should always be your primary source in case of emergency, but don't rule out these helpful hotlines, which can offer useful tips until you make it to the vet.
1 Your kid fed Kitty chocolate cake
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_____Previous Columns_____
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Teacup Pup Primer (The Washington Post, Jan 2, 2005)
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The 411 for Your Jet-Set Pet (The Washington Post, Dec 19, 2004)
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Musts for the First Aid Kit (The Washington Post, Dec 12, 2004)
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Are You Two Dog-Worthy? (The Washington Post, Dec 5, 2004)
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Finch 411 (The Washington Post, Nov 28, 2004)
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Did your pet eat something he shouldn't have? The ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center provides assistance from veterinary toxicologists 24 hours a day (888-426-4435 or 800-548-2423); $50 per case, follow-ups no extra charge. You can also call 900-443-0000; the cost is the same, but it's charged directly to your phone bill. Cat owners can also phone the Camuti Memorial Feline Consultation & Diagnostic Service, which reaches a Cornell Feline Health Center vet (800-548-8937). Call 9 a.m. to noon and 2-4 p.m. EST Monday, Wednesday and Friday, excluding holidays; initial consultation is $45, follow-ups are $30.
2 Rover got in a fight, and he's bleeding
Your pooch might need stitches. Call a 24-hour emergency clinic (more than likely, they'll tell you to bring him in, but they can give tips on controlling blood loss until you get there). These spots are equipped to handle such emergencies: Friendship Hospital for Animals in the District (202-363-7300); Alexandria Animal Hospital & Veterinary Emergency (703-751-2022); the Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Vienna (703-281-5121); and Anne Arundel Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Annapolis (410-224-0331).
3 Fifi, usually friendly, has been under the bed for two days
Got a cat or dog who might have a behavioral problem? Don't pull out your last hair (or watch while he pulls out his) -- get free help for both of you from the animal behavior advice hotlines at the San Francisco SPCA (415-554-3075 for cats, 415-901-6646 for dogs) or Tree House Animal Foundation of Chicago's behavioral hotline (773-784-5488, Ext. 228). The Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania (215-898-3347) also answers brief questions free (full consultations to deal with more involved problems cost $300).
Karen Fritscher-Porter
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