Medical Care
Is your foster dog sick?
If you think your foster dog is sick or injured use this page to decide how to proceed. You can also find links to information about common illness beneath.
The Dog Foster Care Team
The Dog Foster Care Team (dog-foster-care@austinpetsalive.org) is your primary contact via email for all general care-related matters. Ask them anything! You can generally expect a reply within 24 to 48 hours. They will also remind you when your foster dog is overdue for any routine care. The Dog Foster Care Team can assist with most medical situations, but see the Medical section below for emergency information. Please inform them whenever you take any of these steps.
CALL THE HOTLINE
If you notice any of the issues below, please call the emergency line.
For Medical Emergencies: 512-466-0720 (business hours: 9 am to 7 pm) OR 888-733-8840 (outside business hours). Remember to inform the Dog Foster Care Team (dog-foster-care@austinpetsalive.org.
EMERGENT SYMPTOMS
If your dog presents any 2 out of the 3 following symptoms:
vomiting
diarrhea
rapid weight loss
If your dog suffers a severe injury causing any of the following:
neurological impairment
unresponsiveness
significant bleeding
possible broken bones
inability to walk
limping
pain that does not resolve quickly
If your dog has diarrhea that is white, tar-like, very watery, or very bloody, or looks like coffee grounds;
If your dog hasn't urinated in 24 hours - is unable to urinate or strains to urinate;
If your dog has a seizure; or,
If your dog has ingested a toxin or dangerous item.
EMAIL THE CLINIC OR FILL OUT THIS FORM
If you notice any of the symptoms below, fill out the Medical Request Form OR email medicalreception@austinpetsalive.org. You will receive a reply within 24 hours. Remember to inform the Dog Foster Care Team (dog-foster-care@austinpetsalive.org.
MODERATE SYMPTOMS
Weight loss
Vomiting
Sneezing with nasal discharge
Congestion, raspy or crackly breathing
Eye discharge, squinting, swelling
Shakiness, wobbliness, or loss of coordination
Foster unable to swallow
Foster is very bloated and/or gassy
Foster was eating well, but loses interest in food or stops eating’
Diarrhea for more than 24 hours
Visible worm in stool
Fleas
Drop in energy
Limping
Cut, puncture wound, or minor injuries
Itchy ears
Has not defecated in 48 hours or is producing very hard, dry pellet-like stool
Hot spot/skin irritation
Foster appears to be in pain
INFORMATIONAL HANDOUTS
MEDICAL AGREEMENTS