When Should I Bring My Pet to Urgent Care vs. Emergency Services?

Every pet owner has experienced that heart-stopping moment when their furry family member isn’t acting quite right. Whether it’s your dog refusing their favorite treat, your cat hiding under the bed, or noticing something unusual during your evening walk, these moments can leave you wondering: Does my pet need immediate medical attention, or can this wait until tomorrow? Understanding the difference between urgent care and emergency situations can help you make the best decision for your pet’s health while giving you peace of mind during stressful moments.

At Pawtown Veterinary Care in Bend, Oregon, Drs. Erin Miller and Lauren Stayer understand that pets don’t always get sick during convenient hours. That’s why they provide both urgent care and emergency services during their business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. As locally-owned veterinarians who prioritize building personal relationships with their patients and families, they’re committed to helping you navigate these challenging situations with confidence and compassion.

Understanding Urgent vs. Emergency Veterinary Care

The distinction between urgent care and emergency care often depends on the severity of your pet’s condition and how quickly they need medical attention. Urgent care typically involves conditions that need prompt attention but aren’t immediately life-threatening, while emergency care addresses situations where your pet’s life or long-term health could be at risk without immediate intervention.

Urgent care situations are those that make you concerned but don’t require split-second decision-making. Your pet may be uncomfortable or showing concerning symptoms, but they’re stable and alert. Emergency situations, on the other hand, involve symptoms that could indicate a serious threat to your pet’s well-being and require immediate professional assessment and treatment.

The key is learning to recognize the signs that fall into each category, so you can respond appropriately and seek the right level of care for your beloved companion.

When Your Pet Needs Urgent Care 

Several situations warrant urgent veterinary attention during regular business hours. 

Mild to Moderate Vomiting or Diarrhea For More than 24 Hours

If your dog or cat is experiencing mild to moderate vomiting or diarrhea that has persisted for more than 24 hours, this typically falls into urgent care territory. 

Minor Cuts or Scrapes That Need Professional Intervention

Similarly, if your pet has minor cuts or scrapes that need professional cleaning and possibly stitches, urgent care is appropriate.

Other Situations

Other urgent care situations include:

• Changes in eating or drinking habits that have lasted several days
• Mild lameness or limping without severe pain
• Persistent coughing or sneezing
• Behavioral changes that concern you but aren’t accompanied by other severe symptoms

Skin irritations, ear infections, or eye discharge that isn’t accompanied by severe pain or vision problems also typically qualify as urgent care needs.

If you notice any of these symptoms during Pawtown’s business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm), calling ahead to schedule an urgent care appointment allows the team to prepare for your visit and ensure your pet receives prompt, appropriate care in their comfortable, welcoming environment.

Recognizing True Veterinary Emergency Situations

Emergency situations require immediate professional attention and shouldn’t wait. These include difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, severe bleeding that won’t stop with applied pressure, or suspected poisoning from chocolate, medications, or other toxic substances.

Other emergency situations include:

• Signs of severe pain, such as crying, restlessness, or inability to find a comfortable position
• Repeated vomiting or dry heaving, especially if accompanied by a bloated appearance
• Inability to urinate or defecate, or signs of straining without producing results
• Seizures or sudden collapse
• Severe trauma from accidents or falls
• Eye injuries or sudden vision loss
• Suspected heatstroke or hypothermia

If your pet experiences any of these symptoms during Pawtown’s business hours, call immediately to let them know you’re coming in for emergency care. The team can provide phone guidance while you’re on your way and prepare for your arrival to ensure your pet receives the fastest possible treatment.

After-Hours Care and Preparation Tips

Since Pawtown Veterinary Care provides urgent and emergency services during business hours only, it’s important to know your after-hours options. For true emergencies occurring evenings, weekends, or holidays, Bend has emergency veterinary clinics equipped to handle critical situations around the clock.

Keep your regular veterinarian’s contact information easily accessible, along with the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic’s details. Having both numbers programmed into your phone and written down in a visible location can save precious time during stressful situations.

When preparing for any urgent or emergency visit, bring a list of your pet’s current medications, recent changes in behavior or appetite, and any relevant medical history. If possible, have a family member call ahead while you transport your pet safely and calmly. Remember that Care Credit and Scratch Pay financing options are available to help manage unexpected veterinary costs.

Trust Pawtown Veterinary Care for Your Pet’s Urgent and Emergency Needs

At Pawtown Veterinary Care, Drs. Miller and Stayer bring decades of combined experience to every urgent and emergency situation. Their comprehensive approach means they can handle a wide range of conditions in-house during business hours, from diagnostic imaging to surgical procedures, minimizing the stress of referrals for you and your pet. The team’s commitment to creating a family-like atmosphere helps keep both pets and their families calm during these challenging moments.Don’t wait. When your pet needs immediate attention during business hours. Contact Pawtown Veterinary Care at (541) 777-6310 or visit their contact form to get the prompt, compassionate care your furry family member deserves in Bend, Oregon’s most trusted locally-owned veterinary practice.