Pets spend most of their time bringing joy to their human companions. Yet even the healthiest pup or cat can develop illnesses that impact their quality of life. At Pet Medical Center of Westerville in Westerville, OH, our veterinary staff is ready to help you care for your pet’s illnesses and injuries.
What Is Urgent Vs. Emergency Care?
In Westerville, OH, you might sometimes hear people use the terms urgent and emergency care interchangeably. However, there are a few key differences between the two to know. For example, emergency services often involve immediate lifesaving measures, such as surgery to correct a blocked intestine or to close a severely bleeding wound. Urgent care needs are still serious, but they usually don’t threaten a pet’s life immediately. However, they could still cause symptoms that are uncomfortable enough that your pet might need care before the weekend is over.
What Are Serious Symptoms in Pets?
Our Westerville, OH, clinic is open in the evening and on weekends to ensure that you have the appropriate care to address those symptoms that just can’t wait for Monday morning. Some of the more serious symptoms in pets that require prompt care include unceasing vomiting, diarrhea, and a high fever. You may also need to call for services if you know that your pet ate something that is unsafe or if they exhibit other unusual symptoms such as a sudden loss of coordination.
When Should We Go to the Veterinary Clinic?
Taking your pet to the vet can help you prevent some common animal emergencies. For instance, your pet needs regular vaccinations to prevent communicable infections that can lead to life-threatening symptoms. Our veterinary team is also able to provide you with tips on caring for your pet. Each breed of dog or cat may have special needs, such as dietary recommendations. Your pet might also benefit from having regular dental cleanings and checkups, and they may need more care as they age. In between your pet’s annual checkups, you can also call our vet if you have a question about a new food, behavior, or other types of general care.
Call Us for Your Pet’s Urgent Health Care Needs
Ideally, you should always know who to call at the first sign of a pet illness or injury. We encourage you to give our veterinary clinic a call at (614) 882-7700 to set up their first appointment. When you call Pet Medical Center of Westerville in Westerville, OH, we may ask you a few quick questions about your pet’s symptoms so that we can make the appropriate arrangements for their care.