If you suspect something is wrong with your pet, you know to take him to the vet. But during more urgent health crises, it is not always obvious what to do.
In the human healthcare system, there are different options for receiving medical care, and which one you visit depends on the severity of the issue. The same is becoming true for our furry friends, as more veterinary urgent care centers open up across the country.
These clinics are designed to treat health emergencies in pets that are not life-threatening. They typically work by appointment, so you can keep the stable pet comfortable at home and see a vet as soon as possible.
They may or may not perform surgical procedures, depending on the size of the clinic. If they are incapable of treating the issue, they will transport the pet to an emergency clinic.
If you are ever unsure if you should bring your pet to veterinary urgent care, call the nearest one and ask. Read on to discover some general guidelines of where to bring your pet in an emergency.
When to Bring Your Pet to the Primary Care Vet
If the issue is non-life-threatening and causes minimal discomfort to the pet, then it can probably wait for an appointment with the primary care veterinarian.
Some of these issues include:
- Sneezing or runny nose
- Changes in behavior
- Non-severe changes in appetite
- Itchy or irritated skin
- Limping
- Broken nail
- Vomiting twice or more within 24 hours, but otherwise acting normal
- Diarrhea or constipation, but otherwise acting normal
When to Bring Your Pet to Veterinary Urgent Care
If your pet is in stable condition, but cannot wait to see the regular vet, you should call a veterinary urgent care.
Some things they can treat here include:
- Minor wounds and injuries
- Minor bites or porcupine quills
- Blood in urine or stool
- Difficulty walking
- Diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting WITH a change of behavior
- Allergic reactions
- Minimal toxin or foreign body ingestion
- Complete loss of appetite
- Worms, ticks, fleas, mites, etc.
- Infection of the eyes or ears
When To Bring Your Pet to Emergency Care
If your pet’s life is in danger, you need to bring him to an emergency care clinic as fast as possible. If the nearest urgent care is closer, they may recommend bringing him there first, where they can bring the pet to stable condition before transporting him to the emergency clinic.
Bring your pet to emergency care if he or she is experiencing:
- Serious trauma (being hit by a car or falling object, for example)
- Broken bones
- Choking or difficulty breathing
- Severe bites or open wounds
- Snake bites
- Loss of consciousness
- Collapsed or paralyzed
- Severe toxin or foreign body ingestion
- Heatstroke
- Labor
- Inability to defecate or urinate
Learn more about the most concerning signs that your pet needs emergency care here.
Veterinary Urgent Care In Frederick, MD
If you are looking for a conveniently located veterinary care clinic to trust with the health of your pet, call Old Farm Veterinary Hospital! Our compassionate team has the years of experience needed to diagnose and treat a variety of illnesses, diseases, and injuries. Don’t wait – schedule an appointment today!
