When your dog or cat is sick or injured during clinic hours, Bowness Animal Hospital is here to help. We see same-day and urgent cases as promptly as possible, ensuring your pet receives the care they need without unnecessary delays. Our clinic in Bowness, NW Calgary is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you believe your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, call us immediately at (587) 391-3911. For after-hours emergencies, please contact VCA Canada Calgary Animal Referral and Emergency Centre.
Not every urgent situation requires an after-hours emergency hospital. Many conditions can be assessed and managed effectively during our clinic hours. Signs that your pet needs to be seen as soon as possible include sudden changes in breathing, collapse, repeated vomiting or diarrhea, suspected poisoning, severe lacerations, difficulty urinating, sudden limping, eye injuries, and seizures. If you are unsure whether your pet’s situation is urgent, call us at (587) 391-3911. Our team will ask a few quick questions and advise whether you should come in immediately or book the earliest same-day appointment.
Labored breathing, open-mouth breathing in cats, blue or pale gums, or unusual respiratory sounds are signs of a serious respiratory emergency. These symptoms can indicate fluid around the lungs, airway obstruction, severe asthma, or heart failure. If your pet is struggling to breathe, do not wait. Call us immediately at (587) 391-3911 and head to our clinic right away. We are open until 7:00 pm on weekdays and until 5:00 pm on Saturdays. If we are closed, contact VCA Canada Calgary Animal Referral and Emergency Centre.
If your pet has been hit by a vehicle, fallen from a height, or suffered blunt trauma, treat it as an urgent situation even if they appear to be walking normally. Internal injuries are not always immediately visible, and shock can mask pain in the short term. Bring your pet in for a full assessment. Our team will evaluate them thoroughly and determine what steps are needed. Call ahead on the way so we can prepare for your arrival.
Toxin ingestion is time-sensitive. If your pet has eaten human foods toxic to animals such as grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol, or onions, or has been exposed to household chemicals, certain plants, or rodenticides, contact us immediately at (587) 391-3911. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. The faster we can respond, the better the outcome. If our clinic is closed, contact VCA Canada Calgary Animal Referral and Emergency Centre or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
A seizure lasting more than two minutes is a medical emergency. If your pet has a seizure, time the event if you can, keep them away from furniture and stairs, and call us the moment it ends. Do not place your hand near their mouth. Multiple seizures in a short period require immediate veterinary attention. Our team will advise on the safest next steps based on your pet's history and the current episode.
Our team also sees same-day cases involving urinary blockages (especially in male cats, which can become life-threatening within hours), eye injuries, suspected foreign body ingestion, severe vomiting or diarrhea with blood, lacerations requiring stitches, sudden limping from injury, severe allergic reactions, and heatstroke. When in doubt, call. We would rather reassure you that it can wait than have you delay care your pet genuinely needs.
Overgrown nails can cause discomfort, affect your pet's gait, and contribute to joint issues over time. Regular nail trims are a simple but important part of maintaining your pet's comfort and mobility. Our team at Bowness Animal Hospital provides professional nail trimming for dogs and cats in a calm, safe environment. If your pet is anxious about nail care, speak with our team about whether a sedated nail trim through our Medical Grooming services might be a better fit.
Call us first at (587) 391-3911. For true emergencies we will direct you to come in immediately. For same-day urgent cases we will find you the earliest available slot and advise on what to do on the way.
Please contact VCA Canada Calgary Animal Referral and Emergency Centre for after-hours emergency care. Keep their number saved so you have it ready when you need it.
Signs include repeated trips to the litter box with little or no urine produced, straining or crying in the litter box, licking at the abdomen, and visible distress. Urinary blockage in male cats is a life-threatening emergency. Call us immediately during our hours.
No. Many human pain relievers, including ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen, are toxic to dogs and cats and can cause serious harm. Do not give your pet any human products without consulting a veterinarian. Call us first.
Nails should be trimmed to just before the quick, the blood vessel inside the nail. Our team is trained to trim safely without cutting into sensitive tissue. Pets with dark nails where the quick is not visible receive extra care at each nail.
If your pet needs urgent care during our clinic hours, call Bowness Animal Hospital right away at (587) 391-3911 or come in directly to Bowness, NW Calgary. We are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For after-hours emergencies, please contact VCA Canada Calgary Animal Referral and Emergency Centre.
