Urgent Versus Emergency Care
When your pet isn’t feeling well, timely care can make all the difference. But is your pet’s condition an emergency, or would urgent care at Pet Medical Services be a better fit? Here’s some information to help you decide.
Urgent care for pets
Veterinary urgent care is intended for pets with non-critical conditions. These pets are not in life-threatening danger but could benefit from prompt veterinary attention. Urgent care is usually recommended for conditions including:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Persistent itching
- Insect bites or stings
- Skin allergies or hot spots
- Ear infections
- Limping
- Pain
- Toenail injuries
- Urinary tract infections
Urgent care is available at Pet Medical Services during regular business hours on a first-call basis. Appointments are limited and are seen between scheduled visits.
Emergency care for pets
Veterinary emergency care is intended for pets with life-threatening conditions. These pets are in immediate danger and need rapid veterinary attention. Their symptoms often progress rapidly, and pets may be in shock. Emergency conditions include:
- Trauma (hit by a car, falling from a height)
- Prolonged seizures
- Difficulty breathing or choking
- Excessive bleeding
- Bloat (swollen abdomen, retching)
- Heat stroke
- Abnormal gum color (blue, white, or gray)
- Sudden paralysis or extreme weakness
- Collapse
- Toxin ingestion
- Eye injuries
- Inability to urinate
If your pet’s condition is an emergency, transport them to the nearest veterinary emergency center for immediate care. We recommend the following locations:
