When your pet isn’t acting like themselves, it’s normal to feel panicked—especially when symptoms show up suddenly. The good news: many situations can be handled with urgent veterinary care, while others truly require an emergency hospital right away.
This guide will help you decide what to do next, fast.
If you’re unsure, call us. If your pet’s condition seems severe or rapidly worsening, don’t wait.
➡️ Call Poplar View Pet Hospital: 901-457-7315
➡️ Learn more about Urgent Care: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/services/emergencies-urgent-care/
➡️ Request an appointment: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/request-appointment/
Urgent care vs emergency: the simple difference
Urgent care is for conditions that need attention today, but are not immediately life-threatening.
Emergency care is for conditions that could become life-threatening within minutes to hours.
If your pet is stable enough to travel safely and you’re not seeing major red flags (below), urgent care is often appropriate.
Go to emergency care immediately if you notice any of these
These symptoms are “don’t wait” signs:
- Trouble breathing, open-mouth breathing in cats, or blue/pale gums
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Collapse, unresponsiveness, or extreme weakness
- Severe trauma (hit by car, fall, bite wounds with shock signs)
- Suspected toxin ingestion (certain human meds, rodent poison, etc.)
- Repeated vomiting with weakness/bloating, or vomiting blood
- Seizures lasting more than 2–3 minutes or multiple seizures close together
- Inability to urinate (especially male cats)
- Severe pain (crying, rigid abdomen, unable to get comfortable)
If you see any of the above, seek emergency help immediately. If it’s during our hours, call us first so we can direct next steps.
Urgent care is often right for these common issues
These problems usually shouldn’t wait days, but often don’t require an ER if your pet is stable:
- Vomiting once or twice but otherwise alert
- Diarrhea without significant weakness or blood
- Limping or mild pain with stable breathing and gum color
- Ear infections, hot spots, itchy skin flare-ups
- Eye irritation or squinting
- Minor wounds that aren’t gushing blood
- Mild coughing/sneezing (especially if eating/drinking)
What to do before you head in
A few smart steps can protect your pet:
- Call ahead if possible so we can guide you
- Keep your pet calm and warm (shock can happen after trauma)
- Use a carrier for cats and leash for dogs
- Avoid giving human medications (many are toxic)
- If vomiting/diarrhea is present, bring a photo or sample if practical
- If your pet may have eaten something dangerous, bring packaging/label info
What we’ll likely do at the hospital
Depending on symptoms, your visit may include:
- A focused exam and vital checks
- Diagnostics (labs, x-rays, ultrasound depending on case)
- Fluids for dehydration
- Anti-nausea/anti-diarrheal care when appropriate
- Pain control
- Treatment plan and follow-up schedule
When in doubt, call
A quick phone call can save time—and in some cases, save your pet.
➡️ Urgent Care: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/services/emergencies-urgent-care/
➡️ Contact: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/contact-us/
➡️ Request Appointment: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/request-appointment/
