As a pet owner, few things are more stressful than realizing your dog or cat isn’t acting like themselves. Maybe they started vomiting overnight, they’re limping after a walk, or they’ve suddenly stopped eating. While not every illness or injury requires a trip to the emergency hospital, many conditions shouldn’t wait days for the next available appointment.
At Hollymead Veterinary Hospital, we provide same-day urgent care for dogs and cats experiencing non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Our experienced veterinary team is here seven days a week to evaluate your pet, relieve their discomfort, and help you determine the best course of treatment.
Here are 10 signs your pet should be seen by a veterinarian today.
1. Frequent Vomiting or Diarrhea
One isolated episode of vomiting or diarrhea isn’t always cause for alarm. However, repeated episodes, especially when accompanied by lethargy, loss of appetite, or dehydration, can indicate an underlying illness that needs prompt attention.
Your pet should be evaluated if they:
- Vomit multiple times in a day
- Have diarrhea lasting longer than 24 hours
- Cannot keep water down
- Show signs of weakness or dehydration
- Have blood in their vomit or stool
Early treatment can help prevent dehydration and identify the underlying cause before it becomes more serious.
2. Limping or Difficulty Walking
If your pet suddenly begins limping or refuses to put weight on a leg, they may have suffered a sprain, soft tissue injury, torn nail, or fracture.
Even if they still seem comfortable, it’s important to have them examined. Delaying treatment can sometimes worsen the injury or prolong recovery.
Seek same-day care if your pet is:
- Limping
- Reluctant to walk or climb stairs
- Crying when touched
- Holding up a paw
- Showing signs of pain after playing or exercising
3. Ear Infections
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons pets need urgent veterinary care. Left untreated, they can become extremely painful and may even lead to hearing loss or chronic ear problems.
Common signs include:
- Head shaking
- Scratching at the ears
- Redness
- Foul odor
- Brown or yellow discharge
- Sensitivity when touching the ears
Fortunately, most ear infections respond well to treatment when addressed early.
4. Sudden Loss of Appetite
Most pets love mealtime, so refusing food is often one of the first signs something isn’t right.
A decreased appetite can result from:
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Dental pain
- Infection
- Fever
- Underlying illness
If your pet skips multiple meals or stops eating altogether—especially if they’re also vomiting, lethargic, or hiding—they should be examined as soon as possible.
5. Excessive Itching, Hives, or Swelling
Sudden itching, facial swelling, or hives can signal an allergic reaction to insect bites, medications, foods, or environmental allergens.
Prompt treatment can help relieve discomfort and prevent the reaction from worsening.
Contact your veterinarian if you notice:
- Facial swelling
- Hives
- Constant scratching
- Swollen paws
- Red or irritated skin
If your pet is having difficulty breathing, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
6. Minor Cuts, Bite Wounds, or Injuries
Not every wound requires an emergency hospital, but even seemingly minor injuries should be evaluated.
Small puncture wounds and bites often appear harmless on the surface while trapping bacteria underneath the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
Same-day treatment may include:
- Cleaning the wound
- Antibiotics
- Pain medication
- Bandaging
- Recommendations for home care
7. Coughing, Gagging, or Difficulty Breathing
Occasional coughing may not be serious, but persistent coughing or gagging can indicate respiratory infections, kennel cough, heart disease, or other medical concerns.
If your pet is experiencing persistent coughing, excessive panting, wheezing, or labored breathing, they should be evaluated promptly by a veterinarian. These symptoms may indicate a respiratory illness, heart condition, or another medical issue that requires timely treatment.
If your pet is struggling to breathe, this is considered an emergency and they should be taken to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
8. Changes in Behavior or Energy Level
You know your pet better than anyone.
Sudden behavioral changes—such as hiding, sleeping much more than usual, restlessness, whining, shaking, or decreased interest in interacting with family members—can be early signs that something isn’t right. If your pet is displaying any of these behaviors, it’s a good idea to have them evaluated by a veterinarian.
Subtle behavioral changes are often one of the earliest indicators of pain or illness.
9. Difficulty Urinating
Straining to urinate, frequent unsuccessful attempts, or crying while urinating should never be ignored.
Urinary problems can quickly become serious—particularly in male cats, where urinary blockages are life-threatening emergencies.
Call your veterinarian immediately if your pet:
- Cannot urinate
- Strains repeatedly
- Has blood in their urine
- Cries while urinating
10. You’re Simply Not Sure
Sometimes your pet just seems “off.”
Maybe they’re quieter than normal, not eating quite as much, or behaving differently.
If you’re questioning whether they should be seen, trust your instincts and give us a call.
Our veterinary team can help determine whether your pet should be evaluated, monitored at home, or referred for emergency care.
Urgent Care vs. Emergency Care: What’s the Difference?
Not every illness requires a visit to an emergency veterinary hospital. Urgent care is designed for pets that need prompt medical attention but are stable enough to be treated during regular hospital hours.
Conditions commonly treated with urgent care include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Ear infections
- Limping
- Minor wounds
- Allergic reactions
- Skin infections
- Eye irritation
- Loss of appetite
- Coughing
- Urinary concerns
- Lethargy
Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if your pet experiences:
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse or unconsciousness
- Continuous seizures
- Severe bleeding
- Hit by a vehicle
- Suspected poisoning
- Heat Stroke
- Inability to urinate (especially male cats)
If you’re ever unsure where your pet should be seen, call our team. We’ll help guide you to the most appropriate level of care.
Same-Day Urgent Care at Hollymead Veterinary Hospital
When your pet isn’t feeling well, waiting several days for an appointment isn’t always an option. Hollymead Veterinary Hospital offers same-day urgent care appointments seven days a week for dogs and cats experiencing non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
Located on Airport Road in Charlottesville, our experienced veterinary team provides prompt evaluations, diagnostic testing, treatment, and compassionate care to help your pet recover as quickly as possible. Whether your pet has an ear infection, upset stomach, minor injury, or another unexpected illness, we’re here to help.
If your pet needs urgent care, call Hollymead Veterinary Hospital today to check same-day appointment availability.
