When your pet is in distress, you need a veterinary team that can see them the same day. Alpha Animal Hospital in Abbotsford accepts urgent and emergency cases during clinic hours for dogs and cats. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If your pet is experiencing a life-threatening emergency outside of these hours, please contact a 24-hour emergency veterinary facility in the Lower Mainland. For urgent concerns during our open hours, call us at (604) 859-6322 and we will do everything we can to get your pet seen as quickly as possible.
Difficulty breathing is one of the most serious emergencies a pet can experience. Open-mouth breathing in cats, labored chest movement, blue or grey gums, or gasping are all signs of a breathing emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention. Do not wait to see if it improves. If your pet is struggling to breathe during our clinic hours, call us immediately at (604) 859-6322 on your way to the clinic so our team can prepare for your arrival.
A seizure lasting more than two minutes, or multiple seizures in a short period, is a medical emergency. If your dog or cat has a seizure, time it if you can, keep them away from furniture or stairs, and do not put your hand near their mouth. Collapse without an obvious cause can also indicate a serious cardiac, neurological, or metabolic event. Contact us immediately if your pet seizes or collapses during our clinic hours.
Trauma from a vehicle accident, a fall from height, or a bite wound may not always be visible on the outside. Internal injuries can be present even when a pet appears to be walking normally. If your pet has experienced any significant trauma, bring them in for an examination as soon as possible rather than waiting for visible symptoms to develop. Time matters when it comes to internal bleeding or internal injury.
Severe allergic reactions in pets can cause facial swelling, hives, vomiting, pale gums, weakness, or difficulty breathing. These reactions can develop rapidly and require prompt veterinary attention. Insect stings, new foods, and certain products can all trigger allergic reactions. If you suspect your pet is having a serious allergic reaction, contact us immediately.
A urinary blockage is a life-threatening emergency, particularly in male cats. Signs include straining to urinate with little or no output, crying out in the litter box, frequent trips to urinate, blood in the urine, vomiting, or lethargy. A complete blockage can be fatal within 24 to 48 hours if not addressed. If you notice any of these signs, please contact us right away.
Dogs and cats sometimes swallow objects they should not, including toys, bones, string, fabric, and household items. A foreign object in the stomach or intestines can cause a blockage that becomes life-threatening if untreated. Signs include vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and abdominal pain. If you know or suspect your pet has swallowed something, contact us promptly so we can assess whether intervention is needed.
Pyometra is a serious uterine infection that develops in intact female dogs and cats. It typically occurs in the weeks following a heat cycle and can be life-threatening if not addressed quickly. Signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, increased thirst, vomiting, and discharge from the vulva. If your unspayed female pet is showing any of these signs, please contact us the same day.
Cuts, puncture wounds, and bite wounds require prompt veterinary assessment. Bite wounds in particular can be deceptively serious, as the visible entry point may conceal significant damage beneath the surface. All open wounds carry a risk of infection. Our team can assess the extent of the injury, clean the wound, and determine whether sutures or further care are needed.
Parvovirus is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral illness that affects unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated dogs, particularly puppies. Signs include severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If you suspect parvovirus in your dog, please call us before arriving so we can take appropriate precautions to protect other patients.
Heatstroke can develop quickly on warm days, especially in brachycephalic breeds, overweight pets, or those left in vehicles or direct sun without access to water and shade. Signs include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, and collapse. Move your pet to a cool area, offer water if they can drink, and contact us immediately.
Sudden or severe limping can indicate a fracture, soft tissue injury, dislocation, or other orthopedic concern. While not every case of limping is an immediate emergency, any pet that is non-weight-bearing, in significant pain, or has an obviously abnormal limb position should be seen promptly.
Cuts, scrapes, and bite wounds should be assessed promptly to reduce infection risk and support proper healing. We clean and evaluate the wound, determine whether closure is needed, and provide pain management or bandaging as appropriate. Diagnostics may be recommended for deeper injuries. After treatment, we outline home-care instructions and follow-up needs to ensure recovery progresses smoothly. Quick care helps limit complications and keeps your pet more comfortable during the healing process.
Explore More Services
Call us immediately at (604) 859-6322 if we are open. Keep your pet calm and restrained, avoid putting your face near their mouth, and drive safely. If it is outside our clinic hours, contact a 24-hour emergency veterinary facility in the Lower Mainland.
Yes. We accept urgent and emergency cases during our open hours. We strongly recommend calling ahead at (604) 859-6322 so our team can prepare for your arrival and reduce wait time.
Signs of a genuine emergency include difficulty breathing, collapse, suspected poisoning, inability to urinate, severe bleeding, major trauma, uncontrolled seizures, pale or blue gums, or severe pain. When in doubt, call us and describe what you are seeing. We will help you determine how quickly your pet needs to be seen.
We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For emergencies outside these hours, please contact a 24-hour emergency veterinary facility in the Lower Mainland.
Yes. We can complete the official veterinary health examination and paperwork required for international pet travel. Requirements vary by destination, so please contact us as early as possible before your travel date to confirm what is needed.
Do not wait when your pet needs help. Call Alpha Animal Hospital in Abbotsford at (604) 859-6322, open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Walk-ins welcome for urgent cases. For after-hours emergencies, please contact a 24-hour emergency veterinary facility in the Lower Mainland.
