When your pet is sick or injured, it’s important to get them the care they need as soon as possible. But when it comes to urgent care versus emergency room care, which option is best for your pet? Here’s what you need to know.

Urgent Care for Pets

Urgent care is typically best for non-threatening illnesses or injuries that require immediate attention but are not emergencies. Examples of urgent care situations for pets include:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea that has lasted for more than 24 hours
  • Limping or difficulty walking
  • Ear infections
  • Mild to moderate breathing difficulties
  • Minor wounds or cuts
If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, our urgent care hospital can provide prompt treatment without the higher costs and wait times associated with emergency room care. Call us at 614-833-0011 to schedule.

Emergency Room Care for Pets

Emergency room care is designed for life-threatening illnesses or injuries that require immediate attention. Examples of emergency room situations for pets include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Severe trauma, such as being hit by a car
  • Seizures
  • Uncontrollable bleeding
  • Ingestion of toxic substances
If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek emergency room care right away. Time is critical in these situations, and the longer you wait, the worse your pet’s condition may become.
How to Choose the Right Care for Your Pet

When deciding whether to seek urgent care or emergency room care for your pet, it’s important to consider the severity of their symptoms. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek emergency room care. Remember, when it comes to your pet’s health, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

In addition, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place ahead of time so you know exactly where to go in the event of an emergency. This may involve finding a local 24-hour emergency animal hospital and keeping their contact information handy, or researching urgent care clinics in your area.

In conclusion, urgent care and emergency room care both play important roles in keeping our pets healthy and safe. By understanding the difference between the two, and knowing when to seek each type of care, you can help ensure that your pet gets the treatment they need when they need it most.