If your pet is experiencing a life-threatening after hours emergency, please contact your nearest emergency veterinary hospital as soon as possible! You can find a list of local emergency hospitals on our contact page.
Whether your pet is sick, injured, or something just feels off, managing their care can be stressful. Luckily, knowing the difference between an urgent care vet and an emergency vet hospital can make a significant impact on the well-being of your animal companion. In this blog, we’re looking at the different capabilities of each facility, how to recognize an emergency, and the first steps to take when your pet’s care is on the line.
So, what’s the difference between urgent and emergency care?
Urgent Care Vet
Generally speaking, urgent care falls somewhere between emergency care and regular vet visits. It includes conditions that aren’t necessarily life-threatening but do need immediate medical attention. A few examples include:
- Bite wounds or abscesses
- Cuts and abrasions
- Limping, back pain, or difficulty walking
- Coughing, sneezing, and/or eye discharge
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Urinary tract issues (e.g., Frequent urination or straining to urinate)
- Toxic ingestion (e.g., Ate chocolate, raisins, or nicotine products)
- Foreign object ingestion (eg. swallowed a tennis ball or ate your socks)
- Other non-critical conditions
The symptoms and behaviors of conditions that require urgent vet care often overlap with those that require emergency vet visits. If you’re ever in doubt about what qualifies for urgent versus emergency care, contact our team ASAP! We can help you figure out the best course of treatment for your pet.
What does an urgent care vet do?
When something’s wrong with your pet, time is of the essence. Veterinary clinics with urgent care services, like Pine Point Animal Hospital, are generally able to see your pet on the same day so they get timely treatment.
Just like a regular wellness appointment, we’ll start with an exam and assessment to determine the best treatment option for your pet. Depending on what symptoms your pet is showing, we may recommend in-house lab work or imaging like x-rays or ultrasound. We can perform minor procedures, like abscess drainage, first aid for broken nails, and wound repair.
An urgent care vet can also offer supportive care for pets with vomiting and diarrhea. This includes hospitalization and monitoring, as well as giving medications and IV fluids. Sometimes, pets require 24-hour monitoring or overnight hospitalization. In those cases, we can provide care to get them stable enough for transfer to the nearest emergency hospital.
Veterinary Emergency Hospital
Emergency hospitals are specially equipped to handle life-threatening veterinary emergencies. Most emergency hospitals are open 24 hours a day and can offer round-the-clock monitoring and interventions for critically ill or injured animals.
Examples of emergencies include severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, seizures, trauma from accidents, or signs of severe pain and distress. In these critical moments, every second counts, and seeking immediate veterinary care is your best chance for a positive outcome.
As a pet owner, we recommend that you always trust your instincts and err on the side of caution. If you notice any sudden or concerning changes in your pet’s behavior, appearance, or overall well-being, it is best to consult a veterinarian for guidance!
Contact Pine Point Animal Hospital for Urgent Vet Care in Damascus, Oregon
Knowing when to contact an urgent care vet versus an emergency veterinary hospital can make all the difference in your pet’s health and recovery! Urgent care is ideal for non-life-threatening issues that still require prompt attention, while emergency hospitals are equipped to handle life-threatening situations around the clock.
As a pet owner, staying informed about your options and trusting your instincts can help ensure your furry friend receives the right care at the right time. At Pine Point, we do our best to accommodate same-day and urgent appointments so Damascus pets and their people can get the care they deserve. If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always here to help!