Pet Urgent Care in Charlotte, NC
When your pet experiences an unexpected illness or injury, getting them the care they need as soon as possible is essential. At Hickory Grove Animal Hospital, we understand how important your pet’s health is to you. That’s why we offer pet urgent care in Charlotte, NC, providing prompt and compassionate care for pets needing immediate attention but not experiencing a life-threatening emergency.
What Is Pet Urgent Care?
Our pet urgent care in Charlotte, NC, serves as a bridge between regular veterinary visits and emergency care. It’s designed to address health concerns that require timely attention but do not necessarily qualify as emergencies. For conditions that can’t wait for a routine appointment, urgent care offers an efficient and effective solution, ensuring your pet gets the treatment they need without the long wait for an emergency clinic.
Our pet urgent care services are designed for minor injuries, illnesses requiring immediate attention, or unexpected health changes. For less severe conditions, we prioritize your pet’s well-being and ensure they receive the best care possible.
Reasons to Seek Pet Urgent Care:
Gastrointestinal Issues and Loss of Appetite
- Vomiting or diarrhea lasting for more than 24 hours
- Loss of appetite lasting more than 24 hours
- Sudden weight loss
Injury, Infections, and Pain
- Minor cuts, lacerations, or burns
- Limping or difficulty walking
- Crying out in pain
- Eye infections with redness, discharge, or squinting
- Ear infections with itching, discharge, or foul odor
Respiratory and Behavioral Concerns
- Persistent coughing or sneezing
- Unexplained lethargy or sudden changes in behavior
- Difficulty defecating or straining to urinate (Note: Male cats straining to urinate may need immediate emergency care)
After-Hours Urgent Care
If your pet needs urgent care outside our regular hours, please refer to our after-hours emergencies page for a list of local 24-hour facilities. If you believe your pet requires emergency care, we encourage you to visit our pet emergency page or call us at (704) 563-5858 for further guidance.
We are committed to providing your pet with the best possible care at Hickory Grove Animal Hospital, even in urgent situations. Whether your pet has a minor illness, injury, or unexpected change in behavior, we’re here to help ensure their health and comfort.
Pet Urgent Care FAQs
What should I do if my pet has an injury?
In the case of physical traumas, evaluate the injury and use a clean bandage or cloth to gently wrap the injured area. Do not use any antiseptic and avoid cleaning out a wound, as an experienced professional should handle that. Wrapping the wound helps slow the bleeding, and pressure should be continuously applied for severe bleeding. Once your pet’s injury has been covered, seek urgent or emergency care immediately.
How do I know if my pet’s condition requires urgent care vs emergency care?
You should seek urgent pet care if your companion has a mild sickness or injury. However, if your pet is experiencing severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, collapse, or any life-threatening condition, that should be considered an emergency. If you are unsure, please call us, and we will guide you through the appropriate treatment for your pet.
Can I bring my pet in for an urgent care walk-in?
No, we require you to call ahead for urgent care services. This helps us prepare for your pet’s arrival and guides you on whether you should continue to observe your pet for now or refer you to an emergency facility if necessary.