Sick Visits & Urgent Care

We offer same-day sick visits whenever possible and provide trusted guidance if your pet needs immediate emergency care.

When Your Pet Isn’t Feeling Well, We’re Here to Help

Just like us, pets can get sick unexpectedly. If your dog or cat seems off, isn’t eating normally, or is showing new symptoms, please call us at 520-833-2134. We do our best to accommodate same-day or next-day sick visits whenever possible.

During your call, our team will help assess your pet’s symptoms and determine whether they need urgent care, can be safely monitored at home, or require immediate attention.

Common Reasons Your Pet May Need a Sick Visit

Pets often hide discomfort or illness, so small changes in behavior can be important. Some of the most common reasons we see sick appointments include:

Vomiting or diarrhea
Loss of appetite or decreased drinking
Coughing, sneezing, or difficulty breathing
Eye discharge, redness, or squinting
Ear scratching, head shaking, or ear odor
Limping or sudden stiffness
Skin itching, rashes, or hair loss
Increased thirst or urination
Lethargy or low energy
Sudden anxiety, restlessness, or behavior changes
Signs of pain (whining, hiding, sensitivity to touch)
Minor wounds, scrapes, or insect stings

If you’re unsure whether it’s worth a visit, it usually is—early care often prevents symptoms from becoming more serious.

Signs Your Pet Should Be Seen Promptly

Some symptoms indicate your pet should be evaluated sooner rather than later:

Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Refusing food for more than 24 hours
Trouble urinating or straining
Bloody stool or bloody urine
Sudden swelling anywhere on the body
Pale gums
Weakness or collapse
Rapid breathing or prolonged panting

If your pet is showing any of these, call us right away.

What to Expect During a Sick Visit

When your pet needs to be seen for an urgent care appointment, our team starts with a thorough physical examination and a discussion about the symptoms you’ve noticed at home. We evaluate their temperature, heart rate, breathing, hydration, and overall comfort level to get a clear understanding of what may be causing their illness. If your pet’s condition requires additional insight, we may recommend diagnostics such as bloodwork, urinalysis, or imaging to pinpoint the issue more precisely.

Once we identify the likely cause of your pet’s symptoms, we’ll develop a treatment plan tailored to their needs. This may include medications to relieve pain, ease nausea, reduce inflammation, or treat infection. Our goal is always to provide immediate relief whenever possible, answer your questions clearly, and guide you through what to monitor as your pet recovers.

How to Know If Your Pet Needs Emergency Care

Seek immediate veterinary attention if your pet experiences:

Snake bite
Heat exhaustion
Trauma or suspected injury
Possible poisoning
Labored or rapid breathing
Pale gums
Uncontrolled bleeding
Collapse or fainting
Seizures
No bowel movements
Ongoing vomiting/diarrhea
No appetite for over 24 hours

If you’re uncertain, call us first. Our staff will help evaluate your pet’s condition and direct you to the appropriate level of care. To learn more visit our Emergency Services page for extra support and guidance.