Arrowhead Animal Hospital is
open seven days a week
and prepared to provide urgent and emergency pet care to pets in the Westminster, CO area. Our facility is open Monday through Sunday from 7:00am to 10:00pm, with a veterinary team ready to meet you and your dog or cat with compassionate, quality veterinary care. While we know this is not always possible, if you need to bring your pet in for an urgent care exam, we request that you call us in advance so we can prepare to treat your pet as soon as we can.
Recognizing Signs of an Emergency
It is important for our veterinarians to be here when you need them, but we also take pride in educating our clients to recognize when their pet may need urgent care services.
Here are eight warning signs that your pet needs immediate veterinary attention:
CHANGES IN EATING HABITS
Significant changes in a dog’s or cat’s typical eating habits are different on a case-by-case basis, but could be a sign of a serious illness, or pain. Skipping a meal or excessive hunger are common changes in your pet’s eating habits that warrant a visit with a veterinarian.
Excessive Drinking
If you notice your pet drinking more water than usual throughout the day or all at once, they should see their veterinarian. While some pets may drink more because of a change in weather or after intense exercise, excessive thirst can be a sign of a health problem, such as kidney disease or diabetes.
Difficulty or irregular breathing
While panting after exercise or in hot weather is normal, dogs should not have a hard time catching their breath while resting or in cooler temperatures. Panting is also a serious issue in cats and should rarely, if ever, occur. It’s important to pay close attention to how your dog or cat normally breathes while at rest so that you are able to notice any sudden changes and take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Lethargy or lack of energy
An animal’s energy level is usually consistent on a day-to-day basis, though they may change with age. If you notice your pet is persistently acting more tired or is frequently reluctant to exercise, it could be a sign they aren’t feeling well.
Vomiting and unusual stool
Occasional vomiting or diarrhea can happen and are not always a sign of concern, but if these symptoms begin to show, it is recommended to closely monitor your pet. Consistent vomiting and changes in your pet’s stool could indicate intestinal or digestive issues that require an urgent pet care visit and more advanced medical attention.
Irritated skin or changes to fur
Changes in diet, weather, seasons, furniture, laundry detergent, or environment are a few different causes of irritated skin, skin rashes, dry skin, or a dull coat. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog or cat, bring them for a veterinary exam so we can determine the cause and provide treatment to help your pet feel more comfortable.
Squinting, bleeding, or swollen eye(s)
Any irritation noticed in one or both of your pet’s eyes should warrant an urgent pet care exam with a veterinarian. Common eye issues include allergies, dry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, conjunctivitis (pink eye), or corneal damage, and should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Sudden changes in behavior
You know your pet better than anyone else. If you notice your pet acting out of the ordinary and showing signs of lethargy, aggression, or changes in appetite, it may be a sign there is something bigger affecting their wellness. Consult with a veterinarian to evaluate for any illnesses or injuries that could be causing the sudden change in temperament.
