As a pet owner, you want what's best for your furry friend. Part of that is knowing when to seek urgent care at VetCheck Pet Urgent Care Center in Carmel and when a general vet visit will suffice. Here are four signs that your pet needs urgent care.

1. Your pet is in pain and/or displays signs of distress.

If your pet is yelping, whining, or crying out in pain, it's time to seek urgent care. Dogs and cats can mask pain well, so it's important to be attuned to any changes in behavior that may indicate that something is wrong. If your pet is normally very active but is now lethargic, this may also be a sign that they're in pain and need to see a doctor right away.

2. Your pet has sustained a serious injury.

If your pet has been hit by a car, been in a fight with another animal, or fallen from a great height, they will need urgent care. These types of injuries can result in broken bones or internal bleeding, both of which require immediate medical attention.

3. Your pet is exhibiting neurological symptoms.

If your pet is having seizures, losing their balance, or seems disoriented, these may be signs of a neurological disorder or injury and they will need to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.

4. Your pet is having difficulty breathing.

If your pet is panting excessively, making strange respiratory noises, or their gums are turning blue, these are all signs of respiratory distress and your pet needs to be seen by a doctor immediately.

Conclusion

Pets are members of the family and as such, we want them to live long, happy lives. Part of ensuring our pets' health and well-being is knowing when to take them to the vet for routine care and when they need urgent medical attention. By being attuned to changes in our pets' behavior and physical appearance, we can catch problems early and get them the treatment they need before it's too late. If you're ever unsure whether or not your pet needs to see a veterinarian urgently, err on the side of caution and bring them in anyway—better safe than sorry! Stop by or call now if your pet needs urgent care in Carmel!