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What to Do in an Emergency:  If you think your foster pet is having a medical emergency, follow the steps Below.

In Case of emergency

Email: MedicalRequest@DallasDogRRR.org | Hello@DallasDogRRR.org

Medical Director: Deana Varner - Text: +1 (817) 217-4203

Foster Coordinator: Barbara White - Text: +1 (215) 715-9398

Director: Patti Dawson - Text: +1 (214) 535-3832

What to Do in an Emergency?

During Business Hours (8 am - 5 pm)

For emergencies during regular hours:

• Contact: Email the medical team at medical@dallasdogrrr.org. Include “Emergency” and your foster pet’s name in the subject line.

• Details: In your email, describe the medical concern in detail.

• Additional Contacts: If necessary, text your foster coordinator, foster buddy, or the medical director.

• Authorization: Please do not visit a vet without Dallas DogRRR’s approval, as unauthorized visits may incur costs for which you would be responsible.

After-Hours Emergencies (6 pm - 8 am)

If an emergency occurs outside business hours:

• Contact: Text or email your foster coordinator, medical director, or Patti Dawson (Director).

• Follow-Up: After handling the emergency, send an update to medical@dallasdogrrr.org with a full description of the situation.

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Emergency Reporting: What to Include.

• Describe Symptoms: Detail any signs such as lethargy, seizures, difficulty breathing, or vomiting. Mention if the pet ingested anything unusual, their last meal, and any other relevant details.

• Email Instructions: Label urgent emails as “Emergency - 911” in the subject line. If it can wait until the next day, note that in the email to help us prioritize.

Is This a Medical Emergency?

If unsure, consult our Signs of Emergency section in the Medical Guidelines.

Signs of Medical Emergency:

If your foster dog displays any of these symptoms, they need immediate medical attention. Contact our medical team or, if it’s your personal pet, your veterinarian ASAP:

• Difficulty breathing

• Major trauma (e.g., hit by car, large wound)

• Penetrating wounds

• Seizure activity

• Loss of balance or consciousness

• Ingestion of poison or foreign objects

• Severe hives, itching, or uncontrollable bleeding

• Bloated or painful abdomen

• Difficulty urinating or defecating

• Rapid heartbeat or dilated pupils

• Blood in vomit or stool

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Essential Contacts for Emergencies

Please keep these numbers in an accessible place for quick reference:

• Regular Veterinarian: List your vet’s name, phone, and address. If traveling, call in advance to authorize treatment and payment.

• Emergency Veterinarian: Nearest 24-hour emergency clinic details.

• Poison Control: ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435.

• Emergency Contact: A friend or family member who can help in an emergency.

• Medical Info: Any medications, allergies, or critical health details for your dog.

Signs of Medical Concern (Non-Emergency)

If you see these signs with your foster pets let the medical team know as soon as possible, if it is your personal dog it should trigger a call to your vet:

  • Continual diarrhea

  • Continual vomiting

  • Open mouth breathing, difficulty breathing or increased effort to breathe

  • Bleeding that will not stop

  • Unexplained bruising in the skin

  • Not eating or drinking; a lack of interest in food

  • Lethargic or an unexplained reduced level of activity or play

  • Sudden changes in behavior

  • Loss of color in the gums

  • Abnormal discharge

  • Difficulty urinating or defecating

  • Lumps under the skin

  • Marked weight loss or gain

  • Hair loss

  • Excessive scratching or licking

  • Swollen or painful abdomen

Dalmatian Dog
Colorful Craters

Emergency Care Reminder

Most veterinary partners close at 5 pm. If your foster pet shows illness during the day, try to arrange care within regular hours to avoid costly emergency visits. For urgent after-hours care (6 pm - 10 pm), we partner with urgent care facilities in Dallas and Bedford. Timely attention is essential; reach out at the first sign of concern.

Contact Information

• Email: MedicalRequest@DallasDogRRR.org | Hello@DallasDogRRR.org

• Medical Director: Deana Varner - Text: +1 (817) 217-4203

• Foster Coordinator: Barbara White - Text: +1 (215) 715-9398

• Director: Patti Dawson - Text: +1 (214) 535-3832

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