What is considered a pet emergency?
In most cases, the following conditions are too risky to wait before seeking treatment:
- Injury from a traumatic accident or from an attack by another animal
- Fainting or passing out
- Paralysis (loss of movement)
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing or choking
- Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
- Intense or ongoing diarrhea or vomiting
- Broken bones
- Deep or puncture wounds
- Severe allergic reactions
- Heat exhaustion or heatstroke
- Breathing has stopped
- Heart stopping (cardiac arrest)
- Labor complications or a mother struggling to deliver kittens or puppies
If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, please call Hilltop Animal Hospital right away so we can suggest the best way to help.
When should I see an urgent care vet?
Pets should go to urgent care for problems needing immediate medical attention, even if they are not life-threatening:
- Upset stomach (diarrhea or vomiting)
- Swollen or bloated belly
- Difficulty with bowel movements (constipation)
- Signs of dehydration
- Itchy skin or unusual rashes
- Treating wounds and injuries
- Unexplained hair loss
- Limping or general discomfort
- Overgrown nails
- Excessive scooting
- Eye issues (tearing, redness, discharge)
- Ear infections
- Pale or discolored gums
- Changes in appetite (eating too little or too much)
- Cuts, scrapes, and abrasions
- Runny nose, coughing, or sneezing
- Pests like worms, fleas, ticks, or mites
- Blood in urine or urinary issues
- Ingesting toxins or harmful foods
- Swallowing foreign objects (toys, rawhide, etc.)
Please call our veterinary team at Hilltop Animal Hospital so we can provide the best course of action for your furry family member.
