Emergency Vet vs. Regular Vet: When Should You Go?

Is It an Emergency?

It's 10 PM and your dog is acting strange. Do you rush to the ER or wait until morning? Knowing the difference can save your pet's life and save you unnecessary stress.

Go to the ER Immediately If:

• Difficulty breathing or choking
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Inability to urinate (especially in male cats)
• Seizures or collapse
• Ingestion of toxins (chocolate, grapes, antifreeze)
• Severe trauma (hit by car, fall)

Wait for Your Regular Vet If:

• Mild limping (but still eating/drinking)
• Single episode of vomiting or diarrhea
• Itchy skin or ear infections
• Broken toenail (unless bleeding heavily)

When in doubt, call your local emergency clinic. They can often tell you over the phone if your pet needs to be seen right away.