If your pet is seriously injured or ill, please contact us as soon as possible at (937) 667-8489.
As much as we love seeing your pets, as animal lovers, our hope is that we won’t need to see them beyond regularly-scheduled appointments and that your pet continues enjoying a healthy life for years to come. However, unexpected incidents can and do occur, and it is important to be prepared. That’s why we offer daytime urgent care services here at Tipp City Veterinary Hospital.
We set approximately 50% of our daily appointments aside for urgent care services. On a limited basis, we are able to accept appointments in addition to this.
A few of the common signs your pet may need urgent or emergency care include:
- Trouble or no breathing
- Weak heartbeat or pulse
- Extreme lethargy or trouble standing
- Extreme vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Inability to urinate
- Loss of consciousness; unable to awaken
- Seizures
- Broken bones or open wounds
- Excessive bleeding or blood in eyes, ears, nose, or urine/stool
It's Thursday 8:42 PM — Sorry, we're closed – So what do you do next?
During Business Hours
If you are experiencing an urgent situation with your pet during our normal business hours, a member of our medical staff will help you assess the situation and determine the severity of your pet’s condition. Please contact us right away at (937) 667-8489. There may be times in which we are unable to provide care during the day due to nature of the injury/illness or because we actively providing care for other urgent medical needs.
After Hours Resources
If your pet is seriously injured or ill after hours, please contact or visit one of the two emergency animal hospitals in the Dayton area:
2714 Springboro West Road, Moraine, OH 45439
Phone: (937) 293-2714
6405 Clyo Road, Centerville, OH 45459
Phone: (937) 428-0911
Restraining an Injured Pet
No matter how gentle your pet may be on a normal basis, it is always safe to assume he or she has the potential to bite or become aggressive when severely injured, in pain, or frightened. You should always be prepared and take the proper precautions to keep both you and your pet safe.
If you suspect your dog may bite or become aggressive, or if you must handle them while they are frightened or in pain, you should always use a muzzle. If you do not own a muzzle, you can make a substitute using tape, gauze, cloth, a leash, or other fabric. Follow the steps below:
- Using the material you have, make a large loop over the dog’s muzzle.
- Tighten the loop by crossing the ends underneath the muzzle.
- Bring the ends behind the ears and tie snuggly.

It is important to remember to never muzzle a dog if it is vomiting, coughing, having difficulty breathing, or is unconscious.
Transporting an Injured Pet
If your pet is injured and you need to transport them to an animal hospital, near or far, it is best to do so in the safest manner possible.
- Small animals should be transported in a large box or pet carrier or wrapped in a large blanket.
- Large animals that may have a possible back or head injury can be transported on a large piece of plywood or heavy cardboard. Use duct tape or rope to secure the dog to the board at the shoulders and in front of the hips.
No matter their size, confining is key when it comes to transporting an injured pet. For more information, see these tips for handling an injured pet from the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Poison Control
If you suspect that your pet may have ingested a toxic substance, call us right away at (937) 667-8489. If it is outside of our normal office hours, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and offers consultations and other emergency services.
Common household pet toxins include:
- Xylitol (found in gum, candy, and toothpaste)
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Garlic, Onions, Chives
- Grapes, Raisins
- Bleach, other household cleaning liquids
- Human medications
- Some household plants
If you believe your pet has ingested something potentially poisonous, seek help right away.