Does My Pet Need Urgent or Emergency Care?

Imagine it’s 2 a.m. and your normally energetic dog is suddenly lethargic and vomiting. You panic, wondering if you should rush to the emergency hospital or wait until morning. Sound familiar? Deciding whether a pet’s health issue can be handled at an urgent care facility or requires emergency care can be confusing and stressful for any pet owner.

When faced with these sudden, late-night scares, knowing where to turn can make all the difference. At Urgent Pet Care Omaha, we’re here to help you navigate these tough decisions, ensuring your peace of mind and your four-legged friend’s good health.

 

Pet bumps and beyond: Identifying urgent signs

Picture this—your cat has a small bump on his swollen paw that they have been licking for days. You’re worried, but cannot decide if the problem is serious enough to rush your pet to the vet. This is where understanding urgent symptoms can help.

Urgent care is for issues that need prompt attention, but aren’t life-threatening.

Common examples include:

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea with no blood
• Minor wounds or infections
• Mild to moderate pain or discomfort
• Behavioral changes, such as lack of appetite or lethargy Think of urgent care as the middle ground between routine care and emergencies.

If your pet is uncomfortable but stable, urgent care can provide the treatment they need without the stress, or expense, of an emergency visit.

 

The midnight scramble: Is it really a pet emergency?

You’re been woken up by your dog’s whimpers and see they’re struggling to breathe. This is one situation where you must not hesitate to take them to the emergency vet.

Emergency care is for pets with severe symptoms or life-threatening conditions that need immediate attention.

Red flags include:

• Difficulty breathing or choking
• Seizures or severe neurological symptoms
• Uncontrollable bleeding or major trauma
• Sudden collapse or loss of consciousness

Remember, if your pet’s condition seems severe, don’t wait. Emergencies require immediate action to ensure the best outcome.

 

Is Fluffy being dramatic? Deciding between emergency and urgent care

Sometimes, it’s hard to tell if your pet is being dramatic or they have a genuinely alarming problem. Assessing the severity and rapidity of their signs is a good rule of thumb and where you should start.

Here’s a quick guide:

• Rush to the emergency hospital if your pet has severe signs, such as severe bleeding, labored breathing, seizures, poisoning, or major trauma, that could be life-threatening.
• Consider urgent care if your pet has persistent vomiting or diarrhea, moderate pain signs, minor wounds, and allergic reactions, which can usually be handled at an urgent care facility. Quick tips for quick decision-making

 

Quick tips for quick decision-making

Let’s bring all the information together.

Emergency
If your pet’s symptoms seem severe, seek emergency care.

Urgency
If your pet’s signs are less severe but still concerning, urgent care can provide the necessary treatment.

Deciding between emergency and urgent care can be tricky, but understanding your pet’s signs can make a significant difference. To help with your decision, follow these steps:

Observe your pet’s behavior
Look for changes in your pet’s normal behavior or routine. Are they pronounced or only mild changes?

Check the problematic signs and duration
Assess the severity of the problem. Does your pet have a large gash that will need stitches, or a small wound that will heal by itself? Have they been coughing for days or only a few hours?

Get advice
When in doubt, contact our team or your primary veterinarian for advice.

 

“Can It Wait?” checklist

For those unexpected crises, check out Urgent Pet Care Omaha’s handy list of emergency signs, which you can reference quickly and act swiftly when every minute counts. Save the information in your phone or on your fridge so it’s immediately available when you may have trouble thinking clearly.

Remember two things:

• If you are unsure what your pet needs, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek emergency care.
• Never hesitate to contact our Urgent Pet Care Omaha team if you need help or guidance.