The Difference Between Urgent Care and Emergency Pet Care
When your pet is sick or injured, it can be difficult to know whether they need urgent care or emergency care. While both types of care address immediate concerns, the level of severity and the type of treatment required can differ. At Coastal Animal Referral Emergency (CARE), we specialize in providing emergency care for pets when they need it most, and we want to help you understand these distinctions so you can make the best decision for your furry family member.
What Is Pet Urgent Care?
Pet urgent care addresses issues that need prompt attention but are not life-threatening. This type of care is typically provided during regular office hours and is designed for non-critical problems that require same-day treatment.
Examples of pet urgent care situations include:
- Minor wounds or small lacerations that aren’t bleeding excessively
- Vomiting or diarrhea lasting less than 24 hours
- Limping without signs of swelling or severe pain
- Ear infections or mild eye irritation
- Skin rashes or mild allergic reactions
While urgent care can handle many medical concerns, it’s not equipped for emergencies that pose an immediate risk to your pet’s life. For those situations, emergency care is the best option.
What Is Pet Emergency Care?
Pet emergency care is designed for severe or life-threatening conditions that require immediate attention and is often available 24/7. At CARE, our experienced team is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and life-saving equipment to handle critical situations.
Signs your pet may need emergency care include:
- Difficulty breathing or choking
- Ingestion of toxic substances or foreign objects
- Seizures, fainting, or loss of consciousness
- Significant bleeding or trauma from an accident
- Pale gums, which may indicate shock or internal bleeding
- Bloated or distended abdomen, a sign of conditions like GDV (bloat)
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
- Snake bites, burns, or smoke inhalation
If you observe any of these symptoms, do not delay. Emergency care can save your pet’s life in critical situations.
Learn more about the role of emergency veterinary care in our related blog post.
How to Decide: Urgent Care or Emergency Care?
When your pet shows signs of illness or injury, it’s essential to assess the severity of the situation. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
- Choose Urgent Care if your pet’s condition is stable and they are alert, eating, drinking, and behaving relatively normally. Examples include mild symptoms or injuries that don’t seem to worsen quickly.
- Seek Emergency Care if your pet’s condition appears life-threatening, their symptoms are worsening rapidly, or they show signs of extreme distress, such as labored breathing, collapse, or unresponsiveness.
When in doubt, always err on the side of caution. Contacting a veterinary professional can help clarify whether urgent or emergency care is needed.
What CARE Offers
Coastal Animal Referral Emergency provides comprehensive emergency services for pets in critical situations. Our skilled team is here to deliver expert care when your pet needs it most. Whether stabilizing a life-threatening condition, performing advanced diagnostics, administering intensive treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, hospitalization, or performing surgery, we are equipped to handle the toughest cases with compassion and expertise.
We’re Here for Your Pet 24/7
Knowing when and where to seek care can make all the difference in your pet’s health. If you’re unsure about your pet’s condition, call us at Coastal Animal Referral Emergency. Our team is available 24/7 to provide guidance and ensure your pet receives the care they need. Emergencies are unpredictable, but with CARE by your side, you can face them with confidence.