How do you know if you should seek immediate Veterinary Care for your pet?

It’s always scary when your pet shows signs of illness or trauma, so knowing when to seek Urgent Care is critical. It is always highly worrisome when your pet is showing signs of distress or trauma, especially when it is a sudden onset. A sick pet always raises the challenge for pet owners: “Is this an emergency and do I need to seek care now?” Sterling Pointe Veterinary Clinic is happy to announce the opening of SPVC Urgent Care. We are available to help with those Urgent Care situations on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings after regular practice hours. Not all situations call for an emergency visit, so, how do you decipher if your pet needs the Emergency Hospital or an Urgent Care facility? The team at SPVC Urgent Care can carefully guide you during these situations by directing you to the appropriate facility.

Signs to Keep an Eye Out For

While not all symptoms or injuries are immediately noticeable when you do recognize any of the symptoms listed below, acting quickly by reaching out for professional help could be a lifesaver for your pet. Symptoms to be aware of include:

• Coughing, Difficulty Urinating, Pale gums, Lacerations, Weak pulse, Unconsciousness, Strange or unusual behaviors, Venomous Snake Bite, Vomiting or Diarrhea, Heat Stroke, Prolonged Low Appetite, Limping, Issues Breathing, Bleeding, Toxin Exposure and Seizures

Determining Next Steps

While we always recommend reaching out to us or any veterinary care provider when your pet is showing any signs of distress, determining the next steps of care is crucial. SPVC Urgent Care recommends that when you do decide to take your pet in for an Urgent Care visit, please do the following to streamline your pet’s care:

• Document any injuries, odd behaviors
• Photos or videos can be helpful
• Have a list of medications and food along with the amount given
• If your pet has ingested anything, bring the packaging of what they ate
• Time permitting, prepare yourself with any pre-appointment paperwork.

When in Doubt, Bring Them In

As a pet owner, it is always best to be safe than sorry and to avoid playing “doctor.” For instance, if you know that your dog has ingested any poisonous items (e.g., human medications, rat poison) or foods such as chocolate or grapes, it is imperative to bring your dog in for emergency care. By delaying emergency care, you are inviting the possibility for your pet to become critical.

Other Useful Resources

• Are you unable to make it to a hospital quickly enough, or do you need to take action ASAP? Here is a list of other credible resources that can guide you in providing proper medical care for your pet.
• If you are at all concerned that your pet may have been poisoned, please call the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435
• FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine for inquiries regarding any medications that your pet may have gotten into at 240-402-7002
• HomeAgain offers a 24/7 Emergency Hotline at 888-HOMEAGAIN

We’re Here For YOU

We proudly provide Placer County and surrounding areas with extended hours to serve your family during these frightening Urgent care cases. Please call us at with any questions at (916) 543-9663.