Is It an Emergency or Can It Wait? How to Decide When Your Pet Needs Urgent Care
As pet parents, we never want to imagine our furry family members in distress, but when a serious concern arises, it can be hard to know what to do next. Is this an issue that can wait until morning, or is it time for an emergency vet visit? At Animal Medical Hospital & Urgent Care, we’re here to help you make that call with clarity and confidence.
Understanding the difference between a true emergency and something that can wait is essential for your pet’s health—and your peace of mind.
Urgent vs. Emergency: What’s the Difference?
When you have serious concerns about your pet’s health, contact us immediately. A member of our team will use our veterinary triage guide to prioritize your pet’s case based on the urgency of symptoms. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Emergency: Immediate, life-threatening issues that require prompt intervention.
- Urgent: Concerning symptoms that aren’t immediately life-threatening but still need timely medical attention.
- Non-Urgent: Minor issues or chronic concerns that can often wait for an appointment.
Knowing which category your pet falls into can help you understand if you need after-hours pet help, same-day pet urgent care, or a next-day appointment.
Urgent Symptoms Dogs and Cats
Some warning signs indicate the need for an emergency vet visit and should never be ignored. If your pet experiences any of the following, call us immediately or head to the nearest emergency hospital:
- Difficulty breathing or choking
- Obvious physical injury
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea (especially with blood)
- Snake bites
- Collapse or inability to stand
- Seizures
- Swollen or distended abdomen
- Ingestion of toxins or foreign objects
- Straining to urinate or not urinating at all
- Severe wounds or uncontrolled bleeding
When It Might Be Urgent—But Not Critical
Other symptoms may not be immediately life-threatening, but still deserve quick attention. These include:
- Limping or signs of pain
- Loss of appetite for more than a day
- Minor wounds or cuts
- Mild sneezing or coughing
- Persistent scratching, shaking, or head-tilting
- Sudden changes in behavior or mood
- Mild vomiting or diarrhea for more than a day
In these cases, a same-day pet urgent care appointment is often the best option. We see walk-in urgent care appointments from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Please call first to ensure we are not at capacity.
After-Hours Pet Help
Emergencies can happen at any time. If it’s after 6 p.m. and you need after-hours pet help, please contact one of the following emergency pet care providers:
Veterinary Emergency Group: (980) 880-6062
CARE Charlotte: (704) 457-2300
Carolina Veterinary Specialist Matthews: (704) 815-3939
Pet Urgent Care 365 Days a Year
Our committed Urgent Care Team is here for you and your pets 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call (704) 334-4684 or visit us today. We’re here to ensure that your pet receives the care they need when they need it.