Emergency & Urgent Care

Immediate, compassionate care when your pet needs it most.

Pet emergencies often strike without warning on evenings, weekends, or holidays when you least expect them. At Montgomery Animal Clinic, Dr. Kathy Haywood, DVM, brings over 33 years of experience caring for pets in Montgomery County during their most critical moments.

We know that behind every emergency is a concerned family member who needs reassurance, clarity, and action. Whether your dog has ingested something toxic, your cat is struggling to breathe, or your pet has suffered an injury, our team is here to provide the urgent medical attention they need.

Understanding Veterinary Emergency & Urgent Care

Emergency and urgent care provide immediate medical attention when your pet’s health or life is at risk. These situations require quick action to prevent complications, relieve pain, and stabilize your pet.

  • Emergency Care: Life-threatening conditions such as severe trauma, poisoning, seizures, or breathing difficulties.
  • Urgent Care: Serious but not immediately life-threatening issues like persistent vomiting, painful urinary problems, or sudden lameness.

When to Seek Emergency or Urgent Care

Contact us right away if your pet shows any of the following signs:

  • Difficulty breathing or choking
  • Severe bleeding or injuries
  • Loss of consciousness or seizures
  • Inability to urinate or defecate
  • Extreme lethargy or unresponsiveness
  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
  • Possible poisoning (toxic plants, food, or chemicals)

Recognizing these red flags can save your pet’s life.

Benefits of Veterinary Emergency & Urgent Care

Early Detection of Hidden Conditions

Emergency visits often reveal underlying health issues such as heart murmurs, kidney disease, or dental infections that owners may not notice. Early detection allows treatment to begin right away, preventing progression into more serious (and costly) conditions.

Stabilization for Complex Cases

Some emergencies require immediate stabilization before advanced treatment can begin. IV fluids, oxygen therapy, and pain management are used to prepare pets for procedures and improve their chances of recovery.

Expert Triage and Prioritization

Our veterinary team is trained to quickly assess which cases need lifesaving intervention and which can safely wait. This ensures every pet gets the right care at the right time.

Access to Specialized Equipment

Advanced tools such as digital X-rays, ultrasound, surgical instruments, and monitoring devices are available on-site. These provide rapid, accurate diagnoses and improve treatment outcomes.

Seamless Coordination with Specialists

If your pet’s condition requires specialty care, we coordinate immediate referrals and transfer of records. This ensures your companion receives the right care without delays.

Our Emergency & Urgent Care Process

Emergency Assessment & Triage

When you arrive, Dr. Haywood and our team immediately assess your pet’s condition to determine the severity of the emergency. We quickly gather information about symptoms, recent activities, and possible causes while checking vital signs. This rapid triage ensures that the most critical patients receive immediate attention, while you stay informed every step of the way.

Diagnostic Testing & Evaluation

Based on the initial assessment, we perform diagnostic tests such as bloodwork, X-rays, or urinalysis to uncover the root cause of your pet’s condition. Our in-house laboratory provides rapid results, allowing us to make treatment decisions without delay. We explain the purpose of each test and review the findings clearly, so you always understand what’s happening.

Emergency Treatment & Stabilization

Our experienced team acts quickly to stabilize your pet with treatments such as IV fluids, oxygen therapy, pain relief, or emergency surgery if needed. Throughout treatment, we continuously monitor vital signs and adjust our approach for the best possible outcome. You’ll receive regular updates on your pet’s condition and progress.

Recovery Monitoring & Support

After emergency treatment, your pet is cared for in our comfortable recovery areas with proper temperature control and quiet spaces to reduce stress. Our staff monitors recovery closely, documents progress, and watches for complications helping ensure your pet is stable before going home.

Discharge Planning & Home Care

When your pet is ready to go home, we provide detailed discharge instructions tailored to their specific recovery needs. This includes medication guidance, activity restrictions, and clear signs to watch for at home. We also schedule follow-up visits to monitor your pet’s recovery and adjust care as needed, giving you confidence as they continue to heal.

Why Choose Us for Emergency & Urgent Care

Experience You Can Trust

Dr. Kathy Haywood, DVM, brings over 33 years of hands-on veterinary experience to every emergency case. With a background in biochemistry from NC State University, she has a deep understanding of how medications and treatments work at the cellular level, knowledge that proves vital during critical situations. Growing up on a farm also gave her unique insight into animal behavior, helping her calm anxious pets during stressful emergencies.

Advanced On-Site Diagnostics

Our clinic is equipped with an in-house laboratory and advanced diagnostic tools, including digital X-rays and blood analyzers, that deliver results in minutes rather than hours. This immediate access allows us to diagnose conditions quickly and begin treatment without delay, something that can make a life-saving difference in emergency care.

Strong Referral Network

When advanced specialty care is needed, our long-standing partnerships with local specialty clinics ensure seamless referrals. We coordinate directly with specialists, share medical records promptly, and eliminate unnecessary delays that could compromise your pet’s recovery.

At Montgomery Animal Clinic, we combine scientific expertise, modern technology, and compassionate care to give your pet the best chance at a positive outcome during emergencies.

Take Action for Your Pet’s Emergency Care Needs Now

Emergencies don’t follow business hours, and neither does your concern for your pet’s health. Dr. Kathy Haywood and the Montgomery Animal Clinic team have guided Montgomery County families through countless urgent situations, from late-night poisoning scares to weekend accident injuries.

Our experience with rapid diagnosis and immediate treatment can make all the difference in protecting your pet’s life and comfort. Call us now at (910) 572-3781 to speak directly with our team about your pet’s emergency. Stay connected on Facebook and Instagram for pet safety tips that may help you prevent future emergencies.

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Emergency & Urgent Care FAQs

What should I do in a pet emergency?

Stay calm and call your veterinarian immediately for guidance. If your pet is conscious, handle them gently and avoid giving food or water, as this could worsen their condition. Transport them safely to the clinic, keeping them warm and comfortable on the way.

What is considered a pet emergency?

Any condition that threatens your pet’s life or causes severe pain and distress, including:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Severe bleeding or trauma
  • Loss of consciousness or seizures
  • Suspected poisoning
  • Inability to urinate or defecate
  • Bloat in dogs, eye injuries, or collapse

Is excessive drooling in dogs an emergency?

It can be. While some breeds drool naturally, sudden or excessive drooling may signal serious conditions like bloat, poisoning, or heat stroke. Seek immediate care if drooling is accompanied by vomiting, distress, or difficulty swallowing.

When is dog diarrhea an emergency?

Diarrhea is an emergency if it includes blood, severe dehydration, vomiting, lethargy, or pain. Puppies, seniors, or dogs with diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours should also be seen urgently.

Is cat constipation an emergency?

Yes, if your cat hasn’t had a bowel movement in more than 48–72 hours, is straining, or appears distressed. Male cats are especially at risk for urinary blockages, which can be mistaken for constipation but are life-threatening emergencies.

When should I take my cat to the emergency vet?

Seek emergency care if your cat has difficulty breathing, is unconscious, bleeding, unable to urinate, has seizures, or shows extreme lethargy. Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours or sudden hiding behavior with physical symptoms also requires immediate evaluation.

In Case of Emergency

If your pet is experiencing an emergency, call us immediately at (910) 572-3781. Our team will advise you on the next steps and prepare for your arrival.

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