When to Visit Your Vet Clinic Compared to an Emergency Vet

As a pet owner, knowing when to visit your regular vet clinic compared to an emergency vet can be challenging. Our pets can’t tell us how they feel, so it’s up to us to determine whether an issue requires urgent attention or if it can wait until the next available appointment. Below, we’ll discuss the role of your primary veterinarian versus an emergency vet so you can ensure your pet receives the right care at the right time.

What Is the Role of Your Regular Vet Clinic?

Your regular vet clinic, like Shallowford Animal Hospital, is your go-to for routine care and managing ongoing health conditions. Regular veterinary visits can help keep your pet healthy, from annual check-ups and vaccinations to dental care and managing chronic conditions. But what about those situations that don’t seem to fit neatly into a routine visit? Let’s explore the scenarios where visiting your regular vet clinic is appropriate.

Routine Check-Ups and Preventive Care

During these visits, your vet will conduct a thorough examination, checking for any signs of illness or abnormalities. Preventive care, including vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and heartworm medication, is also handled during these appointments. If your pet is generally healthy and you’re following their preventive care schedule, your regular vet clinic is the perfect place to address these needs.

Managing Chronic Conditions

If your pet has a chronic condition such as diabetes, arthritis, or kidney disease, your regular vet is also best equipped to manage their care. Regular wellness appointments allow your vet to monitor your pet’s condition, adjust treatment plans, and ensure their quality of life remains high. Unless your pet’s condition suddenly worsens, these types of visits can usually be scheduled during normal clinic hours.

Signs That It’s Time to Visit an Emergency Vet

While your regular vet clinic handles most of your pet’s healthcare needs, some situations require immediate attention from an emergency vet. Here are the key indicators that it’s time to seek emergency veterinary care.

Sudden and Severe Symptoms

If your pet suddenly exhibits severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, collapse, or uncontrollable bleeding, these are clear signs of an emergency. Time is of the essence in these situations, and immediate care from an emergency vet can be life-saving. Other severe symptoms include seizures, severe pain indicated by constant whining or crying, and loss of consciousness.

Accidents and Injuries

Accidents happen, and when they do, they often require urgent attention. Whether your pet has been hit by a car, fallen from a height, or suffered a bite from another animal, these injuries can be serious, even if they don’t seem severe at first glance. Internal injuries or complications like shock may not be immediately apparent but can quickly become life-threatening. In these cases, heading straight to your nearest emergency vet is the best course of action.

When in Doubt, Call for Advice

Sometimes, it’s not clear whether an issue requires immediate emergency care or if it can wait for a regular vet appointment. When in doubt, it’s always best to call your primary vet clinic or an emergency vet for guidance. They can help you assess the situation and direct you to the appropriate level of care.

Assessing Non-Emergent Symptoms

If your pet is showing symptoms that concern you but don’t seem life-threatening, such as mild vomiting, a slight limp, or minor changes in behavior, call your regular vet clinic first. They can help determine if an immediate visit is necessary or if you can monitor the situation at home. For example, a single episode of vomiting might not be cause for alarm, but repeated vomiting or vomiting combined with other symptoms could indicate a more serious issue.

After-Hours Concerns

Pet health issues don’t always occur during regular business hours. If you’re facing a situation after hours and are unsure if it’s an emergency, many vet clinics have after-hours emergency numbers or partner with local emergency clinics. Calling these services can provide peace of mind and help you decide on the best course of action.

The Importance of Preparation

Knowing when to visit your vet clinic compared to an emergency vet is helpful, but being prepared for an emergency situation is equally important. While it’s impossible to prepare for every situation, having a general plan of action can make a stressful situation more manageable.

Emergency Contact Information

Keep the contact information for both your regular vet clinic and the nearest emergency vet in an easily accessible place. This includes saving the numbers on your phone and having them posted in a visible location at home. For Shallowford Animal Hospital, the number to call is (336) 945-4412. We can provide advice or direct you to the nearest emergency clinic if needed.

Creating a Pet Emergency Kit

A pet emergency kit can be a lifesaver in urgent situations. Include items such as a muzzle (to prevent biting if your pet is in pain), a leash, a blanket or towel, and basic first aid supplies like gauze and antiseptic wipes. This kit should also include any medication your pet takes regularly, along with a copy of their medical records. Being prepared with this kit can help you act quickly if an emergency arises.

Trust Your Instincts and Take Action

Ultimately, you know your pet better than anyone else. If something feels off or you’re concerned about your pet’s well-being, trust your instincts. If that means making an appointment at your regular vet clinic or rushing to the nearest emergency vet, taking action is always better than waiting and worrying. If you’re ever uncertain, Shallowford Animal Hospital is here to guide you. Call us at (336) 945-4412, or schedule an appointment to ensure your pet gets the care they need.