Urgent Care vs. Routine Check-ups: What Every Pet Owner Should Know
Visiting urgent care is different than visiting your regular doctor for a routine check-up, and the same is true when it comes to your pet. Regular visits to the veterinarian are important for keeping your pet healthy as they go through different stages of life. Unlike these routine visits, urgent care visits are reserved for medical emergencies and other unexpected health issues. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between urgent care and routine check-ups for your pet.
Urgent Care for Pets
An urgent care center is equipped to handle issues that require immediate attention without threatening a pet’s life. For example, if you notice something unusual in your pet’s behavior, such as trouble with walking or a total loss of appetite, you can go to an urgent care center to get immediate medical help without needing to make an appointment in advance.
Other issues that urgent care centers commonly handle include:
- Minor bites
- Injuries
- Wounds
- Eye and ear infections
- Allergic reactions
- Bloody urine or stool
- Ticks
- Issues such as vomiting or diarrhea when combined with a change in the pet’s behavior
Routine Check-Ups for Pets
While urgent care is there for non-life-threatening medical issues, it is not a replacement for routine check-ups. Your pet still needs to see their veterinarian regularly to maintain good health throughout every stage of their life. Visiting the veterinarian once or twice a year is essential for keeping an eye on your pet’s development and making sure they are up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations and preventative care. This also gives the vet an opportunity to look for any abnormalities that could be early warning signs of various illnesses.
Knowing Which Option is Right
As mentioned above, it’s a good idea for your pet to see their veterinarian at least once each year for a routine check-up. You can schedule these appointments in advance so you have plenty of time to prepare your pet. However, if your pet is experiencing a medical issue that cannot wait for their next regular appointment, you should bring them to an urgent care center as soon as possible. You can always call your veterinarian to discuss your pet’s symptoms and get their recommendation.
The team at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital is equipped to help your pet during medical emergencies, and we also provide a comforting environment that makes routine check-ups easy and relaxing for your pet. Call us today at (916) 624‑PETS (7387) to learn more about our veterinary hospital or to schedule an appointment.