What Is Considered Urgent Care?
Urgent care covers non-life-threatening issues that still require timely medical attention. These concerns may not be true emergencies, but they shouldn’t wait for a routine appointment either.
We commonly treat the following conditions:
-
Vomiting and/or diarrhea
-
Ear infections
-
Eye redness, squinting, or discharge
-
Lameness or limping
-
Urinary issues (straining, blood in urine, frequent urination)
-
Coughing or sneezing
-
Loss of appetite
-
Allergic reactions (mild to moderate)
-
Skin rashes or hot spots
-
Pain or discomfort
-
Sudden behavior changes or signs of distress
If you're unsure whether your pet needs urgent care or emergency care, please contact us. We’ll help assess the situation over the phone and guide you on next steps.
When to Seek Emergency Veterinary Care
Some situations require more intensive support than we can provide in a general practice setting. If your pet is experiencing a life-threatening emergency outside of our hospital hours or we recommend emergency care, we will refer you to a trusted 24/7 facility.
Examples of true emergencies include:
-
Difficulty breathing or blue/pale gums
-
Seizures or collapse
-
Heatstroke
-
Inability to urinate (especially in male cats)
-
Hit by a car or serious trauma
-
Suspected toxin ingestion
-
Bloat/GDV (swollen abdomen, retching with no vomit)
-
Uncontrolled bleeding
Emergency Veterinary Referrals
When your pet needs care beyond our scope or after hours, we trust the following local emergency hospitals to provide skilled and compassionate support:
Always Here When It Matters
We know how stressful it is when your pet is suddenly sick or in pain. At our North Shore animal hospital, our urgent care services are designed to provide fast answers, expert treatment, and heartfelt reassurance, because you and your pet deserve nothing less.
If you’re concerned about your pet’s health, don’t wait. Call us right away.