When to See an Urgent Care Vet or Emergency Vet

March 15, 2024

Emergencies don't wait for office visits. Some life-threatening emergencies require a full-service animal hospital or emergency vet. However, many more minor emergencies can be treated by an urgent care vet. At Pet Urgent Care of Enterprise, we offer walk-in emergency and routine veterinary care with extended hours.


Patient Severity Index

One way to know if your pet needs to visit an urgent care vet or emergency vet is the patient severity index. The index rates the severity of illnesses and injuries from 1-5.


Level 1-2

Level 1 means your pet needs immediate resuscitation, which means they may die without immediate care. This includes serious physical trauma, cardiac arrest, and inability to breathe.


Level 2 care is still very urgent. This includes snake bites, heat stroke, and trauma that is serious but may not necessarily be life-threatening.


Level 1 and 2 care should be provided by a full-service animal hospital or
emergency vet.


Level 3 Care

Level 3 care can be provided by an urgent care vet. This means your pet needs prompt care, but their life isn't in danger. Level 3 situations include serious cuts, difficulty walking, frequent diarrhea or vomiting, and difficulty urinating.


Level 4 and 5 Care

Levels 4 and 5 are less serious. This means your pet needs to be seen by the vet, but it's not serious enough to require immediate care. An urgent care vet can handle these issues as well. These include small cuts or minor injuries, limping, and loss of appetite.


Signs Your Pet Needs Urgent Veterinary Care

  • Your pet may need urgent veterinary care if they've had an accident or injury. 
  • If they are limping or have a cut that requires stitches, you should bring them to urgent care.
  • If they have vomiting or diarrhea that doesn't subside quickly, this also requires prompt care. Bloody diarrhea is another sign you should bring your pet in on the same day.
  • If they are having difficulty breathing from a respiratory infection, you'll need to see the urgent care vet. 
  • Lethargy, stumbling, or seeming disoriented are also indications your pet needs urgent care.
  • Lastly, if they are having difficulty urinating or defecating, you should contact your vet or bring them into urgent care.

What to Do If Your Pet Needs Urgent Care

If you think your pet needs urgent care, there are a few steps you should take. You can choose to bring your pet in as a walk-in. Remember, an urgent care vet can treat minor illnesses and injuries as well. However, if you are unsure if your pet needs urgent or emergency care, give your emergency vet a call. They can tell you where to take your pet for care.


Urgent Care Vet—Open Saturdays and Sundays at Pet Urgent Care of Enterprise in Enterprise, AL

If you are looking for an urgent care veterinarian who is open on Saturdays and Sundays, contact us at Pet Urgent Care of Enterprise in Enterprise, AL, by calling (334) 417-1166. We treat many serious conditions, including minor or moderate injuries, dehydration, and gastrointestinal issues. We can also treat your pet if they are limping or seem to be in pain. We offer extended and weekend hours so you can get your pet the care they need fast.

By Michael Rayburn July 7, 2025
Taking care of your pet means more than just feeding and playing with them. Regular veterinary care is essential to ensure your furry friend stays healthy and happy throughout their life. Routine checkups and preventative services provided by a vet play a crucial role in catching health issues early, maintaining wellness, and preventing serious diseases. Whether you have a playful puppy, a curious cat, or a senior dog, understanding the importance of vet visits can make all the difference. The Importance of Routine Vet Checkups Routine checkups at the vet are like regular health screenings for humans. These visits allow the veterinarian to perform a thorough physical examination, assess your pet’s overall health, and recommend vaccinations or treatments that keep diseases at bay. At My Montgomery Vet, routine visits are designed to be comprehensive and tailored to your pet’s specific needs. During a typical vet visit, the veterinarian will examine your pet from head to tail, checking the eyes, ears, mouth, skin, coat, and body condition. They will listen to the heart and lungs, check vital signs like temperature and pulse, and palpate the abdomen to detect any abnormalities. This detailed exam helps the vet near me identify any early signs of illness before they become serious problems. Pets age faster than humans, so a yearly checkup is recommended for adult pets, while puppies, kittens, and senior animals may require more frequent visits. These regular visits to the vet help in monitoring your pet’s health over time and adjusting care plans as needed to keep them in the best shape possible. Preventative Services: Protecting Your Pet Before Problems Arise Preventative care is the cornerstone of keeping your pet healthy. It includes vaccinations, parasite control, dental care, nutrition advice, and lifestyle recommendations. A vet ensures your pet receives all necessary vaccinations to protect against contagious diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. These vaccines are critical for preventing outbreaks and keeping your pet safe. Parasite prevention is another vital service offered by vets. Fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms can cause discomfort and serious health issues if left untreated. During routine checkups, the vet will screen your pet for parasites and recommend appropriate treatments or preventive medications to keep these pests away. Dental health is often overlooked but is essential for your pet’s overall well-being. A vet will examine your pet’s teeth and gums during checkups, looking for signs of tartar buildup, gum disease, or infections. Regular dental cleanings and care can prevent pain, tooth loss, and more severe infections that could affect other organs. Nutrition and exercise guidance are also part of preventative care. A vet can help you choose the right diet for your pet’s age, breed, and health status and suggest exercise routines that keep them fit and active. When to Visit an Emergency Vet While routine checkups are vital, sometimes pets face sudden health crises that require immediate attention. Knowing when to visit an emergency vet can save your pet’s life. Emergency vets are equipped to handle urgent situations such as trauma, poisoning, severe allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, or sudden collapse. If your pet shows signs like persistent vomiting or diarrhea, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, seizures, or unconsciousness, it’s crucial to seek emergency vet care right away. Emergency vets provide 24/7 services and have the tools and expertise to stabilize your pet and provide critical treatments. Even if you’re unsure whether a situation is an emergency, it’s better to err on the side of caution and contact an emergency vet. They can guide you on the next steps and ensure your pet receives the care they need promptly. How My Montgomery Vet Supports Your Pet’s Health At My Montgomery Vet, the focus is on comprehensive care that combines routine checkups with preventative services tailored to your pet’s unique needs. Their experienced vets provide thorough exams, up-to-date vaccinations, parasite control, dental care, and nutritional advice. They also offer emergency vet services to handle unexpected health issues swiftly and effectively. By establishing a relationship with a trusted vet like My Montgomery Vet, you ensure your pet receives consistent, high-quality care throughout their life stages. Regular visits help detect health problems early, improve treatment outcomes, and enhance your pet’s quality of life. Tips for a Successful Vet Visit To make the most out of your pet’s vet visit, consider these tips: Bring your pet’s medical history and vaccination records. Note any changes in behavior, appetite, or activity to discuss with the vet. Prepare a list of questions or concerns you have about your pet’s health. Bring your pet’s favorite toy or treat to help them feel comfortable. For cats or small pets, use a secure carrier; for dogs, use a leash. These simple steps can help the vet provide the best care and make the visit less stressful for your pet. Regular vet care is a vital part of responsible pet ownership. By prioritizing routine checkups and preventative services, you give your pet the best chance at a long, healthy, and joyful life. Whether it’s a scheduled wellness visit or an unexpected emergency, having a trusted vet like My Montgomery Vet by your side ensures your pet receives expert care when it matters most. My Montgomery Vet 2585 Bell Rd, Montgomery, AL 36117, United States (334) 600-4050 https://www.mymgmvet.com/
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