Does Your Pet Need Urgent or Emergency Care?
Urgent care is for health concerns that should be addressed soon but may not require a 24-hour emergency hospital. Emergency care is for severe, life-threatening, or rapidly worsening conditions that need immediate attention.
Your pet may need an urgent visit for:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Limping or minor injuries
- Ear discomfort or head shaking
- Eye redness, squinting, or discharge
- Coughing or mild breathing changes
- Minor wounds
- Sudden changes in appetite or energy
- Pain, restlessness, or unusual behavior
- Urinary discomfort
- Skin irritation, swelling, or licking
Some symptoms should be treated as emergencies instead. Seek emergency care right away if your pet has:
- Trouble breathing
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
- Severe bleeding
- Seizures
- Suspected toxin exposure
- Major trauma
- A swollen or painful abdomen
- Inability to urinate
- Pale gums
- Extreme weakness
If you’re unsure what level of care your pet needs, call us at (916) 885-0288. We can help you decide the safest next step based on your pet’s symptoms.
What Happens When Your Pet Needs Urgent Care
When you contact Murieta Pet Hospital about an urgent concern, our team will ask about your pet’s symptoms, when they started, any medications they take, and any recent changes in their routine. This helps us understand how quickly your pet should be evaluated.
During your pet’s visit, our veterinarians may recommend a physical exam, pain assessment, bloodwork, digital X-rays, ultrasound, medications, wound care, surgery, or additional treatment based on what we find. We’ll talk through our recommendations, explain your options, and help you understand what comes next.
If your pet needs care beyond what can be provided during a daytime visit, we’ll guide you toward the appropriate emergency or specialty option.