Pet Illness in North Richland Hills
Just like humans, pets can fall ill unexpectedly and require the care of a skilled veterinarian. At Cornerstone Animal Hospital in North Richland Hills, TX, our veterinarians are fully equipped to provide a comprehensive range of services.
Request an AppointmentEmergency Versus Urgent Care
Caring for a sick pet can be stressful, and it’s often difficult to determine whether your pet’s condition requires urgent or emergency care. Here’s how to tell the difference:
- Emergency Pet Care. This care is for life-threatening situations. Clear emergencies include collapse, unconsciousness, broken bones, severe wounds, heavy bleeding, and poisoning symptoms. Visit our emergency care page for more detail on what qualifies.
- Urgent Care for Your Pet. These issues aren’t as severe as emergencies but still require prompt attention. Examples include not eating or drinking, difficulty urinating or defecating, and minor cuts. If you’re unsure, feel free to call our North Richland Hills office for guidance from our team.
Why Would a Pet Visit a Vet?
Here are 10 common reasons pets are brought to the vet:
- Soft tissue injury (bruises and contusions)
- Skin allergy or infection
- Skin mass or tag
- Ear infection
- Dental disease
- Urinary tract infection or kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Not eating or drinking
- Arthritis
Skin-related concerns are often evaluated further by our pet dermatology team, while dental issues are handled through our dental services. Diagnosing many of these conditions starts with our on-site laboratory services.
Symptoms to Watch For
Since pets can’t tell us where they hurt or how they feel, knowing their normal behavior and recognizing changes is essential. If needed, seek veterinary care promptly. Watch for these signs:
- Vomiting or diarrhea. Occasional vomiting may occur if pets eat too fast or play right after eating, but repeated vomiting over 24 hours requires a vet visit. Occasional diarrhea may not be serious, but persistent episodes could indicate gastrointestinal issues needing veterinary attention.
- Not eating. Missing one meal might be okay, but skipping multiple meals needs evaluation.
- Lethargy.
- Hair loss, itchy skin, or rash.
- Excessive urination or urinating in unusual places.
Contact Cornerstone Animal Hospital Today
If you’re in the North Richland Hills area and need expert veterinary care or advice regarding your pet’s illness, call Cornerstone Animal Hospital at (817) 514-8387 to schedule an appointment today.
How do I know if my pet’s illness is an emergency?
Clear emergencies include collapse, unconsciousness, broken bones, severe wounds, heavy bleeding, and poisoning symptoms. If you see any of these, seek immediate care.
What’s the difference between urgent and emergency care?
Urgent issues like not eating, difficulty urinating, or minor cuts need prompt attention but aren’t immediately life-threatening. Emergencies require immediate care.
What are common reasons pets visit the vet?
Common reasons include skin allergies, ear infections, dental disease, urinary issues, vomiting or diarrhea, and arthritis.
When should I worry about my pet vomiting?
Occasional vomiting from eating too fast usually isn’t a concern, but repeated vomiting over 24 hours should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
My pet skipped a meal, should I be concerned?
Missing one meal is often not serious, but skipping multiple meals in a row warrants a veterinary evaluation.
What if I’m not sure whether my pet needs to be seen?
Call our office for guidance. Our team can help you determine whether your pet’s symptoms need same-day care or can wait for a scheduled appointment.
Can lethargy be a sign of illness?
Yes, unusual tiredness or lack of energy can be an early sign of illness and is worth mentioning to your veterinarian.