Is It an Emergency or Just Urgent? When to Call an Emergency Vet

Pet emergency.

It can be hard to know whether your pet needs emergency attention or if it can wait until the morning. With pet emergency hospitals such as at Animal Medical Hospital & 24 Hour Urgent Care being busier than ever, it is helpful for pet parents to have a good understanding as to when to bring their animal in immediately and when to wait for an appointment. 

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Breathe Easy Understanding Asthma in Dogs

A closeup of the nose of a dog with asthma.

Pet emergencies can be distressing, especially when they involve your pet’s ability to breathe. While there are many different causes of respiratory problems in our pet patients, you can be assured that Animal Medical Hospital & 24 Hour Urgent Care is equipped to diagnose and handle all kinds of scenarios. 

Many respiratory problems that we see appear similarly to how one might envision asthma in dogs. While true asthma is not something that is often seen in dogs, there are definitely diseases that might seem consistent with it. Understanding these worrisome canine conditions can help pet owners spot trouble quickly and seek help early, before it becomes a true emergency.

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In Case of a Pet Emergency…

A cat in a carrier

An emergency situation is enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed and out of control. When it involves your beloved animal family members, though, the stakes can feel even higher. 

Emergencies happen, and Animal Medical Hospital & 24 Hour Urgent Care knows how much having a game plan ahead of time can make a difference. In case of a pet emergency, we are here for you.

Pet Emergency Preparedness

In any stressful situation, the first step is to identify if you are truly experiencing a pet emergency or not. While it is always better to err on the side of caution and give us a call if you are not sure if it’s an emergency, some things are always emergent. These may include, but are not limited to…

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All About the Veterinary Services We Offer to Our Pet Families 

A brown and white puppy with a stethoscope

We so appreciate the fact that you follow our blog, whether you are a current client or someone who simply reads us for information and enjoyment. It is our goal to provide great information and resources that keep you informed about the latest in pet health and wellness. But did you know that Animal Medical Hospital & 24 Hour Urgent Care offers many services under one roof? That’s right!

If you are looking for a one-stop place for complete, holistic veterinary care, we can accommodate you! Let’s explore some of the options in animal health you can access at our facility.

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Allergic Reaction or Pet Poisoning? How to Tell

A small, brown fluffy dog sits in focus against a backdrop of blurred leaves.

It is downright stressful when your pet is sick; and even more so when you think something might be seriously wrong. If you have ever found yourself agonizing about whether to bring your pet in during emergency hours, you know what we mean.

Sometimes pets have emergencies; and it’s not always possible to tell (at home) how serious something might be or even what is going on. That is where Animal Medical Hospital & 24-Hour Urgent Care Center comes in! Don’t worry too much about whether it is an allergic reaction or pet poisoning or something else – give us a call and let us figure it out.

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The Best Ways to Protect Your Pet When Disaster Strikes

Protect your pet with pet disaster prep

Charlotte has a reputation for mild weather, but we’re actually the ice storm capital of America. Indeed, our winters can be extreme, but our summers also compete with record-breaking temperatures. Additionally, tornadoes, hurricanes, and even drought are all possible contenders when it comes to natural disasters in our area. Although preparing for an emergency isn’t fun, taking steps to protect your pet is absolutely critical to their safety.

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The Rumble Down Under:  What to Do About Pet Tummy Trouble

Pet tummy trouble should be addressed by a veterinary examExperiencing gastrointestinal upset can be uncomfortable, distressing, and downright painful. It can be upsetting for us as well when our pets experience it. Not knowing how to help or what to do can be almost as bad as the issue itself.

Animal Medical Hospital would like to help you understand how to recognize pet tummy trouble, what you need to do, and when you need to call us for help. We are here around the clock to help your pet feel better.

All Signs Point to Pet Tummy Trouble

Sometimes it is obvious when your pet’s digestive system is not functioning at its peak. Clearly, if there is vomiting, diarrhea, or your chowhound is refusing his dinner, something is not right. Other times, though, our animal friends can be more subtle. Continue…

The Truth About Veterinary Drug Expiration Dates

Monitoring veterinary drug expirations dates can keep your pet safeFor some people expiration dates are a hard and fast rule. Gallon of milk that expired yesterday? Not worth it. For others, though, dates on food and other items are viewed as merely a suggestion. That yogurt in the back of the fridge probably has at least a week or two past the stamped date, right?

When it comes to veterinary drug expiration dates, it is not so safe to gamble. Animal Medical Hospital wants you to know why the dates on your pet’s medications matter.

Dates Matter

The American Veterinary Medical Association mandates that veterinary drug expiration dates be provided on all dispensed medications when appropriate. All drugs originating from our pharmacy will have one displayed on the label. Continue…

Sweet Smells? Essential Oils and Pets

Essential oils and pets don't always mix!Aromatherapy has been around for many years, but nowadays, essential oils are all the rage. Recently, people have been using essential oils in a number of home remedies. They’re touted for relieving everything from muscle aches to depression to allergies. This begs the question – is it safe to mix essential oils and pets? The team at Animal Medical Hospital set out to find answers!

The Basics of Essential Oils

Essential oils are plant compounds that have been meticulously extracted and distilled. These compounds can impart the properties of the plant. Many compare the process of distilling essential oils to that of making fine wine.

Essential oils are highly volatile, meaning they can have powerful effects on our bodies and minds. They enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or through contact with the skin. They’re absorbed rapidly by the bloodstream and affect the internal organs. If used properly, they can have therapeutic effects. Continue…

A Spotlight on Our Pet Emergency Services

pet emergency servicesDealing with a pet emergency is one of the most difficult parts of being a pet owner. Seeing your pet injured or in pain, the confusion of wondering what comes next, and managing the financial aspects can be downright upsetting.

Some pet emergencies simply aren’t preventable, but knowing where you can go for pet emergency services, any time of the day or night, can be a big relief for pet owners. Here at Animal Medical Hospital, we are committed to providing high quality emergency care for the Charlotte community, every hour of every day!

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