Note: Due to a high volume of scheduled appointments, our veterinarians at Four Corners Veterinary Hospital are unable to provide urgent or emergency care at this time. Please refer to our emergency page for 24/7 emergency veterinary hospitals in and near Concord.
When to Bring Your Cat or Dog to an Emergency Veterinarian
There are many ways our four-legged friends can become sick or injured. Whether your pet eats something it shouldn't, fights with another animal, or just falls inexplicably ill, it can be challenging to know when to go to an emergency vet clinic, when your pet's circumstances require urgent care, and when you can wait for your regular animal hospital to open.
It's time to visit your nearest emergency vet if your pet is experiencing any potentially life-threatening symptoms, such as:
- Repeated spells of vomiting
- Recurring diarrhea
- Extremely lethargic
- Difficulties urinating
- Ingested object (e.g. fabric, toys, string)
- Ingested toxin (e.g. raisins, batteries, chocolate)
- Painful or severely irritated eyes
- Isn't eating or drinking
- Swelling
- Clear signs of pain (whimpering, crying)
- Distended or bloated abdomen
- Suspected broken bone
- Bitten by a snake
- Unable to move or walk normally
- Frothing at the mouth or drooling
- Trauma (e.g. fight with another animal, fall, hit by car)
- Severe bleeding
- Gaping or open wound
- Seizures
- Collapsed or unconscious
- Health rapidly becoming worse
Steps to Take in a Veterinary Emergency
If your pet is displaying any of the symptoms or conditions listed above, you'll need to take immediate action. Here are the steps to follow if you are experiencing a veterinary emergency.
- Call an emergency veterinary hospital right away. When possible, let the veterinary team know that you are on your way.
- Follow the instructions the veterinary professional will give you over the phone. When you call, your vet may be able to give you specific advice regarding your pet, such as whether your animal's circumstances warrant emergency or urgent care (which is for issues that are not life-threatening but still require same-day veterinary care).
- Remain calm and be extra cautious around your pet. When an animal is hurt or in pain, they may react negatively even toward the people who are trying to help. Even if it's a pet that you've loved for many years, be extra cautious around your pet. A frightened or sick animal may bite.
- Calmly bring your pet to the emergency animal clinic. Do not put yourself at risk. Safely bring your pet to the emergency veterinary hospital.
- Be aware of the need to discuss the cost of your pet's emergency treatment. Your veterinarian will walk you through each step of diagnosis and treatment, and then explain the fees associated with each aspect of your pet's care. Speak to your vet honestly about your financial limitations. There may be more affordable alternatives to the recommended treatment.
Planning for an Emergency
While pet emergencies are never easy to deal with, planning ahead can help to make emergencies less stressful. Keep the phone number of your nearest emergency veterinary clinic on your phone and know how to get there if you need to.
Nobody wants to worry about emergency vet bills while their pet is unwell. Budgeting ahead of time for emergencies, or investing in pet insurance can help you when the unexpected happens.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.