When your pet is sick or injured, it can be difficult to know what’s a true emergency and what can wait until the next available appointment. At A R Animal Hospital in Ontario, CA, we want pet owners to feel confident recognizing urgent situations and knowing when to reach out for help. While our team is highly experienced in handling urgent and emergency cases, we are not a 24/7 facility. That’s why it’s important to understand the difference between urgent and life-threatening emergencies, and to know when to seek immediate care.
What Counts as an Emergency?
A pet emergency is any situation that poses an immediate threat to your pet’s life or long-term health. These include:
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures or collapse
• Severe bleeding or trauma (such as being hit by a car)
• Inability to urinate or pass stool
• Sudden weakness or inability to stand
• Ingestion of a toxic substance
If your pet is experiencing one of these symptoms outside of our regular hours, please contact a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital right away.
Urgent Care Situations
Not all health problems are life-threatening, but they still require prompt attention. Examples of urgent cases include:
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Ear infections or severe itching
• Limping or minor injuries
• Eye redness, squinting, or discharge
• Loss of appetite for more than a day
• Coughing or mild breathing issues
In these situations, our team at A R Animal Hospital can provide timely evaluation and treatment during our regular business hours. We’re here to help relieve discomfort, prevent conditions from worsening, and get your pet back to feeling like itself.
Our Approach to Emergency and Urgent Care
When urgent or emergency cases come through our doors, your pet becomes our immediate priority. Dr. Sidhu and our staff work quickly to assess the situation, stabilize your pet, and develop a treatment plan that fits its needs. For conditions that require around-the-clock monitoring or specialized equipment, we’ll refer you to a trusted local emergency hospital and coordinate care to ensure your pet receives seamless treatment.
Partnering with Pet Owners
We know how stressful it can be when your beloved companion isn’t feeling well. That’s why we take the time to explain what’s happening, what your options are, and what steps you should take next. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge while giving your pet the best possible care.
Call Our Veterinarian Near You Right Away
If you’re concerned about your pet’s health, don’t wait. Give us a call at (909) 923-5400. While we’re not open 24/7, we’re here during regular hours to provide urgent care, emergency support, and guidance on what to do next. Your pet’s well-being is always our priority.