Possible poisoning? ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 · 24/7, fees may apply. Call your vet or nearest emergency clinic first if your pet is in distress.
Ready North / Pet emergency glossary: terms for storms, poisons and ticks
Pet emergency glossary: terms for storms, poisons and ticks
Quick answerIn an emergency you hear unfamiliar words fast. This glossary explains the common ones in everyday language, and links to the guide on this site for each. It is general information, not veterinary advice. In an emergency, call your veterinarian or the nearest 24-hour clinic.
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Published Oct 20, 2026 · Updated Oct 20, 2026 · By the Editorial team. General education, not veterinary advice and not yet individually reviewed by a licensed veterinarian. About and sources
At the clinic and on the phone
Triage
Sorting cases by how urgent they are. A clinic can often triage by phone, which is why calling when you are unsure is a good first step. Is it a pet emergency?
Emergency vet
A veterinary hospital open outside regular hours. Find the one nearest you before you need it, and ask your regular vet who they refer to after hours. Find an emergency vet before you need one
Poison control
A 24-hour phone service for possible poisonings. ASPCA Poison Control is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and a consultation fee may apply. Pet Poison Helpline is 24/7 and lists an incident fee on its site. Pet poison hotlines
Toxin
Something that can poison an animal, such as certain foods, plants, medicines or antifreeze. Say what, how much and when when you call.
Antifreeze
A common winter hazard. The ASPCA advises cleaning up antifreeze spills right away, because it is dangerous if a pet licks it. Winter pet safety
A packed kit for leaving fast. The AVMA suggests 3 to 7 days of food, at least 7 days of water, two weeks of medicine, records, a carrier and first aid for each pet. Storm go-bag builder
Shelter in place
Staying home during an emergency instead of leaving. The Red Cross and ASPCA both advise bringing pets indoors early and planning where you will go. Storm and power-outage plan
Pet first-aid kit
Supplies for first aid on the way to a vet. The American Red Cross publishes a list. Build yours with your vet's input and add your vet and poison hotline numbers. What goes in a pet first-aid kit
Emergency info sheet
A one-page record of your pet's details, contacts and medicines. Keep a photo of it on your phone. Printable emergency info sheet
Ticks and winter
Tickborne disease
An illness spread by ticks. The CDC says signs may not show for 7 to 21 days or longer after a bite. New England tick season
Lyme disease
A tickborne bacterial disease. Ask your vet about local tickborne diseases and whether the Lyme vaccine for dogs makes sense for yours.
Tick preventive
A product that helps stop ticks attaching or kills them. The CDC says to check pets that go outdoors daily and use a preventive on dogs. Never use a dog product on a cat without asking a vet.
Paw care in winter
Wiping paws after walks to remove ice, salt and chemicals, as the ASPCA advises.
