Exotic Pet Emergency Glendale | Urgent Care for Birds and Reptiles

Signs of an exotic pet emergency.

Bring your pet in right away if you notice:

Severe bleeding or visible wounds
Difficulty breathing or gasping
Collapse, seizures, or unresponsiveness
Constant vomiting or diarrhea
Bloated or painful abdomen
Straining to defecate or urinate
Sudden paralysis, falls, or limb dragging
Not eating or drinking for more than 24 hours (for most species)

These signs indicate a life-threatening condition that needs urgent intervention.

What to do before you arrive at the exotic pet emergency vet.

Safe handling and transport tips include:

Move calmly and minimize stress
Keep your pet warm but not overheated
Transport birds in a towel-lined carrier with air holes
Place reptiles in escape-proof containers with appropriate heat support
Use a quiet, dark environment for sensitive species
Bring recent food, medications, or photos of your setup, if possible

Do not attempt to medicate, feed, or hydrate your pet unless directed by a vet – it may do more harm than good.

What happens in the emergency department at BluePearl Glendale?

We start with triage to assess how critical your pet is. From there, our avian and exotics specialists may:

Administer fluids, oxygen, or emergency stabilization
Take x-rays or perform lab work
Provide pain control or thermal support
Admit your pet for observation or surgery if needed

We tailor everything to your pet’s species, size, and condition – and communicate clearly along the way.

Emergency care for exotic pets at BluePearl Glendale — FAQ.

Exotic pets, such as birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals, often conceal signs of illness until it becomes critical. Recognizing an emergency situation is crucial. If you observe severe bleeding or visible wounds, difficulty breathing or gasping, collapse, seizures, or unresponsiveness, it is essential to seek immediate veterinary care. Other urgent signs include constant vomiting or diarrhea, a bloated or painful abdomen, straining to defecate or urinate, sudden paralysis, falls, or limb dragging. Additionally, if your pet is not eating or drinking for more than 24 hours, it indicates a life-threatening condition that requires urgent intervention.

Before you arrive at BluePearl Glendale, it is important to handle and transport your exotic pet safely. Move calmly to minimize stress and keep your pet warm, but avoid overheating. For birds, use a towel-lined carrier with air holes for transport. Reptiles should be placed in escape-proof containers with appropriate heat support. Create a quiet, dark environment for sensitive species to reduce stress. If possible, bring recent food, medications, or photos of your pet's setup to provide the veterinary team with valuable information. It is crucial not to attempt to medicate, feed, or hydrate your pet unless directed by a veterinarian, as it may cause more harm than good.

Upon arrival at BluePearl Glendale, your pet will undergo triage to assess the severity of their condition. Our avian and exotics specialists are trained to provide emergency care tailored to your pet's species, size, and condition. This may include administering fluids, oxygen, or emergency stabilization, taking x-rays or performing lab work, and providing pain control or thermal support. If necessary, your pet may be admitted for observation or surgery. Throughout the process, we ensure clear communication with you to keep you informed about your pet's status and the steps being taken to address their health needs.

Acting quickly in an exotic pet emergency is vital because these animals often hide their illnesses until they reach a critical stage. By the time they show signs of distress, the situation can be severe. Prompt intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome for your pet. At BluePearl Glendale, we are equipped to provide the specialized care that exotic pets require in emergencies, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment to stabilize and improve their condition.