The Importance of Being Your Dog's Advocate in Emergency Situations

When a pet emergency happens, every second counts. As a dog guardian, you are your dog’s voice and protector. This weekend, I faced a situation no pet owner wants to experience: two nights in a row at emergency veterinary clinics. It was exhausting, emotional, and overwhelming, and it served as a powerful reminder of how crucial it is to stay informed, ask questions, and trust your instincts when it comes to your dog’s care.

Emergency veterinary room with Bruce, a black dog, with paw on person's lap

Recognizing When to Speak Up

In moments of crisis, it’s easy to feel paralyzed and defer entirely to veterinary professionals. And while veterinarians and emergency staff are highly trained professionals, they don’t know your dog, you do. Emergency situations are fast-moving, and answers aren’t always immediate or clear. This is why it’s essential to:

• Ask clear questions about diagnosis, treatment options, and risks.

• Request explanations if something is unclear or seems contradictory.

• Observe your dog and communicate any changes or factors you may notice.

• Seek second opinions if you feel uncomfortable or uncertain.

  
  

You are not being difficult by asking questions. You are being responsible.

What happened: night one

After being gone for about seven hours, I came home to discover my dogs had gotten into a cacao mushroom mix with no clear labeling and no way to determine how much each of the four had consumed. I called the Emergency Vet and was instructed to call the Pet Poison Helpline, something emergency vets often rely on for toxicology guidance. For a fee, the hotline works to establish a case, offer at home guidance if an option and then directly with the vet to determine a treatment plan once arriving at the emergency vet.

For those unfamiliar with cacao (as the receptionist was (first red flag)), cacao is the raw bean used to make chocolate. It is far more concentrated than cocoa and contains theobromine, the compound that is toxic to dogs. At the time, none of my dogs were showing visible symptoms, but that’s exactly why early intervention matters. Once symptoms appear, it often means the toxin has already been absorbed, and treatment options become far more limited and supportive rather than preventative.

After a 45-minute call with the Pet Poison Helpline, it was determined that all four dogs should be brought in immediately, as nothing could safely be done at home. I loaded up all four dogs, case number in hand, and headed to the emergency vet. Given the risk factors, I decided to check in my smallest dog, Sunny, first as since she was likely at highest risk.

Despite arriving prepared, it took over an hour and a half before the clinic had even spoken with the Pet Poison Helpline. After two and a half hours, a treatment plan was finally presented. They recommended overnight monitoring based on Sunny’s elevated heart rate.

If you know Sunny or have met her in the boutique, contrary to as much as we do publicly, she is very shy. She dislikes being touched by strangers, and can be startled by unfamiliar environments. You can only imagine being there and then separated from me for vitals alone and then an extended wait time was extremely stressful for her. When I asked questions, I was told her heart rate had already dropped by 60 while waiting which suggested to me stress was likely a significant contributing factor. There were no other indicators that justified overnight hospitalization, so I declined that recommendation.

Next was inducing vomiting. Sunny had already vomited once on her own before arriving. Inducing vomiting is most effective within six hours of ingestion which we were already well beyond that window. It was also already established vomiting would not be effective alone and would require a charcoal treatment for detoxification. Considering the timing and the fact that three other dogs still needed care, the recommendations began to feel careless and more of a sale approach.

While nothing overtly inappropriate occurred, it was also difficult to ignore the lack of emotional awareness in the space. Conversations could be overheard through doors, and there was little acknowledgment of the stress, fear, or financial burden placed on me as a pet owner in crisis, or others I witnessed. By the time we left at 2am, four hours after arriving and six and half hours since my first call, only Sunny had been treated. Based on the risk assessment, the experience as a whole, and financial barrier, I made the decision to closely monitor the other three at home.

A Note on Charcoal and Accessibility

Activated charcoal is a major component in treating toxin ingestion. It is available over the counter for animals and can be found at places like Tractor Supply or Walmart though surprisingly through this experience discovered it isn’t stocked on hand and must be ordered. The charcoal Sunny received at the vet contained sorbitol, which is necessary for absorbing certain toxins such as theobromine.

While it had already been a pressing issue on my mind this experience has made me deeply reflect on how many pet owners simply cannot afford emergency care and how few accessible alternatives are discussed, even when imperfect options could potentially save a life. I plan to further research stocking charcoal at the boutique to have on hand for home emergencies.

Emergency Vet Visit: Day Two

The next day, everyone appeared stable and okay. Against my better judgment, I opened the boutique, expecting to close early. The day moved quickly, and before I knew it, the day had passed. I went home to walk into another emergency.

The food bin had been tipped over. Bruce’s stomach was severely distended, hard, swollen, and accompanied by heavy breathing. While overeating was the possible cause, given the circumstances of the night before, I couldn't rule out a response to the cacao. Equally urgent, whether cacao or food Bruce was clearly experiencing bloat, with the potential progression to GDV.

Bloat causes the stomach to swell and puts pressure on surrounding organs. GDV occurs when the pressure causes the stomach to twist and constrict. Without immediate surgical intervention, it can be fatal within hours. I was terrified.

I called the emergency vet we visited the night before to ask questions: Could my existing poison control case number be reused or did I need to reach out to the hotline again prior to bringing him in? The answers to this and other basic questions were inconsistent and unclear. I was told one thing, then placed on hold, then told the opposite. When escalated to the vet, my questions still weren’t clearly answered, they were short and again there was no acknowledgment of the emotional weight of the situation or the inconsistency of answers or lack of.

By the time I hung up, I was a wreck.

While I am deeply grateful for the care we did receive the night before, the accumulation of red flags led me to make the decision to seek a different emergency veterinary clinic for Bruce that night.

At the second emergency vet, the contrast in care was immediate from the very first interaction. They were organized, communicated clearly, and compassionate. I was given clear answers, options, and reassurance. Bruce, and I both, were treated with care and respect. That difference mattered.

An xray confirmed food bloat. So now, on Monday after monitoring, he seems to be okay with no further complications.

Why Advocacy Matters Beyond Emergencies

Advocacy is not just for emergencies. Whether you are choosing a daycare, grooming service, or trainer, your dog depends on you to ensure their safety and well-being. If something feels off, whether it’s misinformation, unclear communication, or dismissive attitudes, it’s okay to pause, ask questions, and if necessary, walk away.

Your dog’s health and happiness depend on your vigilance. Being informed helps you make the best decisions and builds trust with the professionals who care for your pet. No one will ever know your dog the way you do.

Learning from Experience

This weekend was incredibly long and stressful. Advocacy is not about distrust, it’s about responsibility. It’s about partnering with professionals while still honoring your role as the person who knows your dog best.

Dogs, all pets, rely on us to be their voice in every space they enter. When emergencies happen, your role becomes even more critical. By staying informed, asking questions, and trusting your instincts, you can help ensure your dog gets the best care possible.

If you ever face a similar situation, although I hope you never do, remember: it’s okay to speak up, seek second opinions, and choose what feels right for you and your dog. Your advocacy can make all the difference.

*This is not medical advice and reflects only my personal experience. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your dog’s health and medical decisions. The veterinary field is incredibly demanding, and this is shared not to diminish the vital work done by professionals, but to encourage informed, compassionate advocacy. Facilities have not been named intentionally.