Urgent Care

What is pet urgent care, and how is it different from a regular vet visit?

Pet urgent care is for emergencies and serious health issues that need immediate attention but may not require a full emergency hospital. Unlike a routine vet visit for a checkup or vaccinations, this type of care addresses sudden or severe conditions that can’t wait for a regular appointment.

When should I take my pet to urgent care?

You should bring your pet to urgent care if they show signs of a serious health issue that needs
prompt attention. Common situations include:

Trauma or Injury: Hit by a car, falls, cuts, or limping.
Breathing Problems: Labored breathing, choking, or persistent coughing.
Severe Vomiting or Diarrhea: Especially if it lasts over 24 hours, contains blood, or your pet seems weak.
Seizures: Any seizure, especially if it’s the first or lasts longer than a minute.
Poisoning or Toxin Exposure: If your pet eats something toxic (e.g., chocolate, grapes, antifreeze, human medications, or plants like lilies).
Difficulty Urinating or Defecating: Straining without producing urine/stool or signs of pain.
Sudden Lethargy or Weakness: Extreme tiredness, collapse, or inability to stand.
Uncontrolled Bleeding: From wounds, nose, or gums.
Eye Issues: Squinting, discharge, redness, cloudiness, or sudden vision loss.
Severe Pain: Whining, trembling, or reluctance to move.
High Fever or Hypothermia: Abnormal body temperature ( the normal temperature for dogs and cats is ~100–102.5°F).
Allergic Reactions: Swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing after a sting or exposure.
Suspected Fractures: Limping, swelling, or inability to bear weight.
Bloat (GDV): Swollen abdomen, retching without vomiting, or restlessness (common in large dogs).
Foreign Object Ingestion: Swallowing toys, bones, or objects that could cause blockages.

What are some examples of non-urgent issues?

Non-urgent issues that can usually wait for a regular vet include:

Mild itching or skin irritation without severe symptoms.
Routine vaccinations or checkups.
Minor changes in appetite or behavior that aren’t sudden or severe.
Chronic conditions already being managed (unless symptoms worsen dramatically).

What should I do if I suspect my pet needs urgent care?

Stay Calm: Your pet can sense your stress, so try to remain composed.
Call Ahead: We recommend to call first in order to describe symptoms and get advice. We can tell you if it’s urgent or how to stabilize your pet before transport.
Secure Your Pet: Use a carrier for cats or small pets, or a leash for dogs to prevent further injury.
Bring Information: Note symptoms, recent activities, any toxins/medications your pet may have encountered, and your pet’s medical history.
Avoid Home Remedies: Don’t give human medications or try to treat severe symptoms without professional guidance.

How can I prepare for a potential pet emergency?

Know Your Nearest Urgent Care/Emergency Vet: Save their contact info and address.
Pet First Aid Kit: Keep supplies like gauze, antiseptic, and a thermometer handy.
Pet Insurance: Consider a plan that covers emergencies to reduce financial stress.
Training: Learn basic pet first aid (e.g., how to handle choking or stabilize a wound).
Records: Keep your pet’s vaccination and medical history accessible.

What should I expect at a pet urgent care visit?

Triage: Staff will assess your pet’s condition to prioritize urgent cases.
Diagnostics: Tests like bloodwork, X-rays, or ultrasounds may be needed.
Treatment: This could include fluids, medications, wound care, or surgery, depending on the issue.
Costs: Urgent care can be expensive (hundreds to thousands of dollars), so ask for estimates and discuss payment options if needed.
Follow-Up: You may be referred back to your regular vet or given instructions for at-home care.

Can I prevent needing urgent care for my pet?

While not all emergencies can be prevented, you can reduce risks by:

Keeping toxic substances (foods, plants, chemicals) out of reach.
Regular vet checkups to catch health issues early.
Supervising pets during outdoor activities to avoid injuries.
Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine to prevent obesity-related issues.
Spaying/neutering to reduce certain health risks (e.g., uterine infections).

Where can I find more information?

Pet Poison Helplines: Services like ASPCA Animal Poison Control (1.888.426.4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (1.855.764.7661) offer 24/7 guidance (fees may apply).
Online Resources: Websites like ASPCA.org or PetMD.com have emergency care guides.