How to Tell If Your Pet Needs Urgent or Emergency Vet Care
It can be stressful determining whether your pet needs immediate veterinary attention, or if they can wait a day or two. Here’s a helpful guide that outlines instances when you need to head to your urgent or emergency veterinarian.
Emergency situations (life-threatening or severe) may include:
Hit-by-car accidents
Urinary blockages
Snake bites or toxin/poison ingestion
Uncontrolled bleeding
Seizures or collapse
Bloat or foreign body obstruction
Severe difficulty breathing or heart failure
Urgent care situations (non-life threatening, but still need prompt attention) may include:
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Ear infections or urinary tract infections
Limping or lameness
Eye issues
Minor wounds or allergic reactions
Coughing, sneezing, or mild respiratory concerns
When in doubt, it’s always safer to call us at (904) 375-3995. We’ll help determine the best next step for your pet.
Our Emergency & Urgent Care Services for St. Augustine Pets
Forever Vets Central is equipped with advanced tools and technology to provide fast, accurate diagnoses and effective treatments, including:
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In-house IDEXX analyzers, ultrasound, endoscopy, laparoscopy, ECG, digital radiography, coagulation panels, digital cytology
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Foreign body removal, splenectomy, mass removals, C-sections, enucleation, orthopedic procedures
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Monitoring & Support:
Vet Guardian monitoring, transfusion therapy, oxygen therapy
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Critical Illness Care:
Sepsis management, parvovirus treatment, respiratory distress support
Our veterinary team is trained to stabilize and treat urgent and emergency conditions with skill and compassion, so you can feel confident your pet is in the best possible hands.
What To Do in a Pet Emergency
When your pet is experiencing a serious illness or injury, it can be difficult to stay focused. Here’s what to do if you believe your pet needs emergency veterinary care:
Stay calm. Pets pick up on your stress, which can worsen their condition
Transport carefully. Even the gentlest pets may bite or scratch when in pain. Use a carrier for small pets, or a stable surface for larger pets.
Call ahead. Let us know you’re on your way so we can prepare for your pet’s arrival.
Count On Our Emergency Vet Team
At Forever Vets, we believe pets deserve care that’s not only advanced but also accessible. That’s why we extend our hours across all locations, with our Central hospital open until midnight, ensuring there’s always a trusted veterinary team nearby when you need us most.
If your pet is facing an urgent or emergency situation, don’t wait. Give us a call at (904) 375-3995 for immediate care.