Understanding Urgent Care vs. Emergency Care
As pet owners, it is critical to understand the distinction between urgent care and emergency care to ensure your pet receives proper care and expert medical attention when they need it the most. Urgent care refers to medical attention required for non-life-threatening but concerning health issues that cannot wait for a regular veterinary appointment. These issues often require timely evaluation and treatment to prevent potential complications.
On the other hand, emergency care is reserved for severe, life-threatening situations where immediate medical intervention is crucial for the pet's survival. In such cases, time is of the essence, and pet owners should seek assistance at their nearest emergency clinic or animal hospital without delay. For a complete list of our emergency partners, click here.
Symptoms that Qualify for Urgent Care
Our after-hours, at-home urgent care service is ideal for pet owners facing the following non-life-threatening symptoms:
Diarrhea: Sudden or persistent diarrhea can indicate various underlying health issues and requires professional evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Vomiting: Frequent or severe vomiting can lead to dehydration and malnutrition, making it essential to seek urgent care for your pet.
Limping: If your furry friend is experiencing difficulty in walking or is limping, urgent care can help identify and address the source of discomfort.
Skin Rash: Pets can develop skin rashes due to allergies, insect bites, or skin infections, necessitating prompt attention.
Cuts/Abrasions: Wounds need proper cleaning, disinfection, and sometimes stitches to prevent infection and promote healing.
Eye Issues: Redness, discharge, squinting, or any other eye-related problem should be examined promptly to prevent potential vision loss.
Coughing or Sneezing: Persistent coughing or sneezing may indicate respiratory issues that require veterinary assessment.
Ear Issues: Pets experiencing ear pain, discharge, or frequent head shaking could have ear infections that need attention.
Urinary Tract Infections: Symptoms such as frequent urination, straining, or accidents in the house may signal a urinary tract infection.
Symptoms Requiring Emergency Care
While our urgent care service covers a wide range of concerning symptoms, some situations demand immediate attention at a local emergency clinic due to their life-threatening nature. These include:
Collapse: If your pet suddenly collapses or becomes unresponsive, it is a medical emergency that requires immediate evaluation.
Seizures: Seizures can be caused by various conditions and demand urgent assessment to prevent further harm to your pet.
Choking: If your pet is choking and having difficulty breathing, seek emergency care immediately.
Excessive Bleeding: Uncontrolled bleeding from any wound or injury requires emergency attention.
Heatstroke: Heatstroke can be fatal and requires immediate cooling and medical attention.
Cardiac Arrest: In the event of cardiac arrest, immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential while en route to the emergency clinic. Learn how to administer CPR to a dog, here.
Trauma or Accident: Any traumatic injury, like being hit by a car, requires immediate emergency care.
Consumed a Foreign Body: If your pet ingests a foreign object, immediately seek emergency assistance to prevent intestinal blockage.
Remember, the health and happiness of your four-legged companions are our top priorities, and we're here for them every step of the way! If any non-life-threatening symptoms arise, give us a call at 713-987-3237.