Recognising the need for Vet Urgent Care: A guide for pet owners
In the vast world of pet ownership, there are times when our beloved furry friends experience health issues that require immediate veterinary attention. Therefore, understanding when to seek vet urgent care is vital.
What is Vet Urgent Care?
Firstly, let’s clarify what vet urgent care is. Similar to human urgent care, vet urgent care at Normanhurst Vet caters to animals that require immediate medical attention but are not in a life-threatening condition that necessitates a full-blown emergency visit. Normanhurst Vet bridges the gap between regular vet visits and emergency veterinary clinics.
For any animal that needs urgent help, please contact our team on 02 9489 6000.
Our mobile vet service can attend to any out-of-hours urgent care as needed – please call 02 9489 6000. Outside of these hours, NEVS, the Northside Emergency Veterinary Service, 335 Mona Vale Road, Terry Hills, operates 24/7 every day of the year. Simply phone (02) 9452 2933 for access to this dedicated emergency team. More information is available at nevs.net.au.
Alternatively, for after-hours emergencies, you can take your sick or injured pet or found animal to SASH (Small Animal Specialist Hospital). SASH are located at 1 Richardson Place, North Ryde and they offer a 24/7/365 service. You can call them on (02) 9889 0289 so they are expecting you.
Signs your pet needs urgent care
Recognising the signs that your pet needs urgent care is a crucial part of pet ownership. Here are some key symptoms and situations where it’s best to seek immediate attention:
Sudden changes in behaviour
A sudden change in your pet’s behaviour is often a significant indicator that something isn’t right. This could include lethargy, loss of appetite, unusual aggression, or sudden fearfulness.
Difficulty breathing
If your pet is struggling to breathe, panting excessively, or has a blue or pale tongue or gums, it’s time to seek urgent care. These are signs of respiratory distress, which can be life-threatening if not addressed immediately.
Trauma or injury
Visible injuries like wounds, fractures, or any sign of pain such as limping or difficulty moving require immediate attention. Additionally, if your pet has been involved in an accident or a fight with another animal, they should be seen by a vet as soon as possible, even if there are no apparent injuries. Be calm and cautious when handling your pet if they have suffered an injury as pain may make them fearful and, in some cases, uncharacteristically and unintentionally aggressive toward you.
Understanding the importance of Vet Urgent Care
Understanding when your pet needs urgent care can make a significant difference in their recovery and overall health. Immediate veterinary care can prevent minor issues from turning into major ones, reduce pain and suffering, and in some cases, even save your pet’s life.
While we hope our pets never require urgent care, it’s always best to be prepared. Knowing the signs of distress and understanding when to seek immediate attention can ensure your pet gets the care they need when they need it most. Remember, when in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult with our expert team at Normanhurst Vet Practice.
Keep your pets safe and healthy
As pet owners, our priority is to keep our pets safe, healthy, and happy. Paying attention to their behaviour and health, and knowing when to seek vet urgent care, is a crucial part of achieving this. With this knowledge in hand, you can rest easy knowing that you’re fully equipped to handle any health issues your pet may face.
Remember, our pets depend on us to make the best decisions for their health, so don’t hesitate to speak to one of our team if you’re ever unsure.
Normanhurst Vet Practice is open from 8:00am to 7:00pm, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday and 10:00am to 12:00pm on Sunday. Contact our team on 02 9489 6000.