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As pet parents, it’s not always easy to know when your dog or cat’s health concern can wait — and when it calls for urgent attention. At Onalaska Animal Hospital, we understand the line between “watch and wait” and “call right away” can feel blurry. That’s why we’re here to help you recognize common signs that may need urgent care, even if they’re not life-threatening emergencies.
“Urgent” means your pet isn’t in immediate danger of dying, but they shouldn’t wait until the next routine appointment, either. It typically applies to conditions that could worsen quickly or cause serious discomfort if left untreated.
Emergencies include things like collapse, seizures, or uncontrolled bleeding. Urgent care applies to conditions that may not be immediately life-threatening but still need timely treatment.
At Onalaska Animal Hospital, urgent care is available two evenings a week so your pet can get timely treatment when they need it most.
Occasional mild coughing isn’t unusual, but if your pet is struggling to breathe, wheezing, or coughing repeatedly — especially with labored breathing, lethargy, or blue-tinged gums — they need urgent evaluation. Breathing problems can escalate quickly.
One upset stomach episode may pass, but repeated vomiting, bloody diarrhea, or signs of dehydration (lethargy, sunken eyes, dry gums) require urgent care. Left untreated, dehydration can become serious.
If your pet refuses food or water for more than a day, it could signal a serious problem (such as infection or organ disease) that shouldn’t wait. Cats are especially sensitive; skipping meals for even a short time can put them at risk of dangerous liver disease.
If your normally active dog won’t get up, or your cat suddenly hides and refuses interaction, it may signal pain, injury, or illness. Any sudden lameness or inability to use a limb should also be evaluated promptly.
If your cat is unable to urinate at all, seek emergency care immediately. For dogs, difficulty urinating or producing only small dribbles is an urgent concern. Straining without results, frequent attempts, or blood in urine/stool should never be ignored.
Eye problems are especially time-sensitive. Even minor injuries or signs of irritation (such as scratches, squinting, discharge, or cloudiness) can worsen quickly and threaten vision if not treated promptly.
Crying out, restlessness, pacing, or inability to get comfortable may all signal significant pain. Pets often hide discomfort until it’s severe, so noticeable changes usually require urgent care.
You know your pet best. If something feels off and you’re worried, it’s always better to call. Our team can help determine whether your pet should be seen right away, scheduled for the next available appointment, or monitored at home.
Onalaska Animal Hospital offers Urgent Care on Mondays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for times when your pet can’t wait until their next routine appointment. Urgent care is open to all pet owners in the community, not just hospital clients. Call us at 608-668-6777 for a same-day appointment.
