Is it Urgent Care or is it an emergency?

Great question! It can be extremely difficult for pet owners to know whether an illness or injury is life-threatening and while this page is not a means to diagnose your pet, it can provide guidance that could be critical in potential emergency situations.

We always recommend calling us if you think your pet might need urgent or emergent medical attention as our team of dedicated veterinary professionals are trained to triage and provide guidance in these situations.

First, here is a non-exhaustive list of issues that we consider an emergency:

Please note, any of these issues should be addressed immediately at an emergency care facility. We are not an emergency clinic so we would recommend going to
your local emergency veterinarian.

  • Difficulty breathing can manifest as labored or rapid breathing, choking, or severe respiratory distress. Your pet may exhibit open-mouth breathing, gasping, or other signs of respiratory distress. This is a critical emergency that requires immediate attention.

  • Severe trauma involves serious injuries, fractures, or wounds that require immediate attention. Visible external injuries, broken bones, or any situation where your pet has experienced a significant impact or force, such as being hit by a car, should be treated as an emergency.

  • Poisoning occurs when a pet ingests toxic substances, such as plants, chemicals, or certain foods. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, or other signs of toxicity. Quick intervention is crucial to prevent further harm.

  • Seizures involve uncontrolled or prolonged abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Pets experiencing seizures may convulse, lose consciousness, and exhibit unusual movements. Prolonged seizure activity or clusters of seizures are considered emergencies.

  • Sudden loss of consciousness or the inability to stand indicates a critical emergency. This may be caused by various underlying issues, including cardiovascular problems, neurological disorders, or other severe medical conditions.

  • Bloat involves a distended abdomen, unproductive vomiting, and signs of extreme discomfort. GDV is a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, cutting off blood supply. Immediate veterinary attention is necessary to relieve the torsion.

  • Heatstroke occurs when a pet overheats, leading to excessive panting, lethargy, and potentially collapse. Symptoms may also include vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. Emergency intervention is vital to prevent organ damage.

  • Severe allergic reactions, or anaphylaxis, can result in difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or body, hives, and shock. Immediate treatment is necessary.

  • Sudden loss of vision or disorientation may indicate a serious underlying issue, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, or neurological problems. This requires urgent veterinary evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

  • Difficulty in delivering puppies or kittens can lead to complications for both the mother and offspring. Signs include persistent contractions without progress or signs of distress in the mother. Prompt veterinary assistance is crucial to ensure a safe delivery.

If your pet is experiencing any of these issues, please go straight to your local emergency vet.

Early intervention can significantly impact the outcome and improve the chances of a positive resolution.

Now, here is a non-exhaustive list of issues that we consider urgent:

These issues can often be treated at an urgent care facility as long as the issue is not critical or life threatening and the patient does not require hospitalization. If you are unsure, please give us a call and our care team can help assess the situation and provide guidance.

  • This may indicate discomfort or infection in the urinary tract. A UTI should be addressed promptly to prevent complications.

  • Straining to urinate can be a sign of various issues, including urinary blockage, bladder stones, or inflammation. Your pet may appear to be in discomfort, may vocalize, or spend an extended amount of time in the litter box or trying to urinate without success.
    Based on various factors, this may be an emergency situation and we recommend calling our triage team to determine if Urgent Care or Emergency is best.

  • Acute diarrhea involves the sudden onset of loose or watery stools. This can be caused by various factors such as dietary indiscretion, infections, or changes in diet. It is a concern if the diarrhea is severe, continuous, contains blood, or is accompanied by other symptoms. Persistent or severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

  • Lameness refers to difficulty or pain in one or more limbs, resulting in an abnormal gait. Your pet may limp, avoid putting weight on a particular leg, or show signs of discomfort when moving. Lameness can be caused by injuries, joint problems, or infections.

  • Coughing in pets can be a sign of respiratory issues, such as infections, allergies, or heart problems. The cough may be dry or productive (with mucus). Persistent or severe coughing warrants attention, especially if accompanied by other respiratory symptoms.

  • A mild injury typically involves minor trauma, such as a small cut, abrasion, or bruise. For example, a torn toenail. Your pet may exhibit signs of discomfort, but the injury is not severe enough to cause significant distress. It's important to clean and monitor mild injuries for signs of infection.

  • Pets may ingest non-poisonous or toxic substances, including items like toys, socks, or other objects. While non-toxic items may pass through the digestive system, they can also lead to blockages or other complications. If your pet is showing signs of abdominal discomfort, vomiting, or changes in behavior, please call us.

  • Excessive itching and scratching can be indicative of various underlying issues. Causes may include allergies, flea infestations, skin infections, or dermatitis. Pets may chew, lick, or scratch themselves excessively, leading to redness, irritation, and potential skin lesions. Persistent itching warrants a thorough examination by a veterinarian to identify and address the root cause.

  • Hair loss, also known as alopecia, can result from numerous factors. Causes may include allergies, hormonal imbalances, parasitic infestations, fungal infections, or underlying medical conditions. The pattern and distribution of hair loss, along with additional symptoms, can help determine the cause.

  • Ear infections in pets often involve inflammation of the ear canal, and they can be caused by factors such as bacteria, yeast, or allergies. Common signs include head shaking, ear scratching, redness, swelling, foul odor, and discharge from the ears. Untreated ear infections can lead to pain and discomfort, and in severe cases, hearing loss.

  • Unintentional weight loss in pets can be a sign of various health issues. Causes may include dental problems, gastrointestinal disorders, metabolic conditions, chronic diseases, or nutritional deficiencies. Significant weight loss without an apparent reason warrants veterinary attention.

If your pet is experiencing any of these issues and you are unsure about the severity or the necessary course of action, please call us promptly. Early intervention can help address the problem and prevent further complications.