When your pet suddenly becomes ill or injured, an emergency vet can help. These professionals offer care outside of the average animal hospital’s opening hours. Knowing you have somebody to count on in these instances is a huge relief—but how can you be sure that you should seek urgent care instead of waiting for the regular pet clinic to open? Below are five moments when you should take your pet to the emergency clinic.

5 Times You Should Contact the Emergency Vet

1. Retching Without Product

Trying to vomit but not bringing anything up can indicate a variety of problems, from gastric torsion to poisoning. These are serious ailments that can be fatal if not treated right away.

2. Breathing Problems

Breathing difficulties can range from rapid, shallow breathing to the animal visibly using its stomach muscles to breathe. Cats may also begin open-mouth breathing. In any of these cases, seek an emergency vet’s help.

3. Excessive Vomiting or Diarrhea

Every cat or dog has the occasional incident of indigestion; however, extreme cases are cause for concern. These are characterized by repeated sickness—several times over one hour or lasting longer than four hours. Excessive diarrhea is also an issue, indicating massive fluid loss.

4. Confusion & Non-Responsiveness

Some illnesses also have an impact on a pet’s mental well-being. If you notice your animal acting particularly sluggish, confused, or disoriented, this could be a sign of dehydration or stroke. 

5. Traumatic Events

If your pet was hit by a car, bitten by another animal, or experienced any otherwise traumatic incident, head to the animal hospital. Keep in mind that you may not have witnessed the accident itself. If you notice signs, like a wound or bleeding from a bite, you should still go to the veterinarian’s office.

If you need emergency vet care, Animal Care Center Of Fairfield in Ohio can help. These professionals offer extended doctor hours, giving you access to a veterinarian without the excess fees that come with emergency services. In addition to urgent care, they have comprehensive general and preventative pet care. Find out more online or by calling (513) 829-6621.