When to Visit Pet Urgent Care vs. the ER
As a pet parent, it's natural to worry when your furry friend isn’t feeling well. But when the unexpected happens, knowing where to turn can make all the difference. VetCheck Wesley Chapel provides trusted urgent care services for pets—but how do you know whether urgent care or a full-scale emergency hospital is the right choice?
Let’s break down the difference to help you make quick, informed decisions that protect your pet’s health.
What is Pet Urgent Care?
Urgent care bridges the gap between your primary veterinarian and a 24/7 emergency hospital. It’s ideal for non-life-threatening conditions that still need prompt attention. VetCheck Wesley Chapel is open during extended hours and weekends to make sure your pet can get help when their regular vet is closed or unavailable.
Common conditions treated at urgent care include:
- Minor wounds or lacerations
- Vomiting or diarrhea (without severe symptoms)
- Coughing, sneezing, or mild respiratory issues
- Limping or mild injuries
- Ear infections or skin irritations
- Minor allergic reactions
Our team of experienced veterinarians can diagnose and treat most urgent conditions right on-site—often with shorter wait times and lower costs than an ER visit.
When is the Emergency Room Necessary?
Emergency pet hospitals are designed to handle critical or life-threatening issues. If your pet is in distress, losing consciousness, or has been hit by a car, the ER is where you should go immediately.
Head to an emergency vet if your pet is:
- Struggling to breathe
- Bleeding heavily or has deep wounds
- Experiencing seizures
- Unable to walk or stand
- Unresponsive or collapsing
- Ingested a toxic substance
In these cases, time is critical—and emergency hospitals have the advanced equipment needed for intensive care.
Making the Right Call
Sometimes the signs aren’t so clear-cut. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to call ahead. At VetCheck Wesley Chapel, our team can help you assess the situation over the phone and recommend whether an urgent care visit is appropriate—or if you need to seek emergency care right away.
What Sets VetCheck Apart?
With multiple locations, convenient hours, and walk-in availability, VetCheck Wesley Chapel makes it easier than ever to access urgent care when your pet needs it most. We offer diagnostics, treatment, and even surgical care for a wide range of non-critical conditions.
We’re excited to announce that our new location will be opening soon in early 2025! Stay tuned for more details! Continue to our website, HERE!
