Illnesses and injuries affect everyone, including our sweet pets. If your pet becomes ill or is injured, you may wonder if the situation is an emergency or something that can wait. Getting your pet treated without delay is sometimes necessary for a good prognosis. Being able to recognize veterinary emergency signs goes a long way in keeping your pet healthy should the unexpected arise. Our Flora Family Vet team explains the difference between urgent care situations and those requiring prompt veterinary emergency care so you can get your furry pal the help they need.

Urgent pet care versus emergency care

Understanding the differences between an urgent situation and an emergency is crucial to responding appropriately to a pet illness or injury. To understand the distinction between the two, consider the following:

  • Urgent Pet Care — Urgent care typically refers to non-life–threatening situations that require prompt—not immediate—veterinary care. These situations could include minor injuries, sudden illnesses, or mild signs that need attention within a reasonable time frame. Urgent care facilities treat these non-life–threatening emergencies using standard veterinary treatment and services, and managing ongoing chronic disease signs that require follow-up. 
  • Emergency veterinary services — Emergency vet care deals with critical, life-threatening situations that require immediate attention to stabilize a pet’s condition and prevent further harm or deterioration. Examples include severe trauma, difficulty breathing, sudden collapse, or toxic substance ingestion. Veterinary emergency facilities offer triage, intensive care, and advanced medical equipment and technologies for treating emergencies in cats, dogs, and other species.

Pet urgent care overview

Urgent care implies that your pet may be experiencing something serious but not life-threatening, requiring same-day or next-day care. Urgent care is necessary for many health conditions, including the following:

  • Limping or mild lameness
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Mild abrasions or wounds
  • Porcupine quill removal
  • Coughing or sneezing
  • Itching or other allergy signs 
  • Persistent lethargy
  • Mild ear infection
  • Seeming under the weather

Is your pet experiencing an emergency?

Most health problems are profoundly concerning for pet owners because seeing their pet in pain or ill is extremely concerning. However, the question is whether the situation requires emergency care. Veterinary emergencies include the following:

  • Difficulty breathing or choking
  • Severe or uncontrolled bleeding
  • Bleeding from the nose, eyes, ears, or rectum
  • Traumatic injuries, including being hit by a car or falling from a height
  • Inability to defecate or urinate
  • Poison or toxic substance ingestion
  • Fractured bone
  • Refusal to drink water for more than a day
  • Difficulty giving birth
  • Bites or attacks from wild animals
  • Eye injuries
  • Heatstroke 
  • Hypothermia, a low body temperature
  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea
  • Seizures
  • Unconsciousness

Take immediate action in a pet emergency

If your pet is experiencing an emergency, you can easily feel overwhelmed, wondering what to do next for your suffering pet. Stay calm and assess the veterinary care your cat or dog requires. To ensure your pet gets the care they need during an emergency, follow these tips:

  • Contact your veterinarian — If you’re uncertain whether your pet’s condition requires an emergency clinic, don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian or an emergency hotline for guidance. They can help you assess the situation and advise you on the best action.
  • Assess the severity — Evaluate the seriousness of your pet’s condition and behavior. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and seek immediate emergency care. If your pet is unconscious or stumbling, immediately bring them to Flora Family Vet or a veterinary emergency hospital for an evaluation and prompt treatment.
  • Consider timing — If your veterinarian is available and your pet’s condition isn’t immediately life-threatening, you may opt for urgent care during regular business hours. However, emergency vet care is necessary if your pet’s condition deteriorates after normal business hours.
  • Base your decision on location — Consider the proximity of the nearest urgent care facility and emergency veterinary clinic. If your pet’s medical issues constitute emergency care, choose the closest emergency veterinary facility to ensure your pet receives care as soon as possible.

Preventing pet emergencies

You can help decrease your pet’s chances of having an emergency by being aware of their risks and minimizing these risks through supervision. Accidents, such as poisoning, drowning, and vehicle collisions, can be avoided when you supervise your pet at all times and train them adequately. Keep our Flora Family Vet team’s contact information on your phone, along with the number for the Pet Poison Helpline. To be able to treat minor cuts and other signs, keep a well-stocked pet first aid kit. 

Monitor your furry pal’s overall health and well-being, noting behavior and demeanor changes. Through careful observation and awareness, you help prevent or minimize an emergency’s effects on your pet’s health status.

By understanding the differences between urgent care and emergency vet services and knowing how to assess your pet’s condition, you can make informed decisions and ensure your four-legged friend receives the care they need if they are ill or injured. Contact our Flora Family Vet team if your pet requires care.