Routine Vet Care vs Emergencies: Key Differences Explained
Your pet is more than just an animal—they’re a beloved member of your family. Keeping them happy and healthy means staying on top of routine care while also being prepared for emergencies. Regular check-ups and preventive care can catch potential health issues early, while knowing when to seek urgent veterinary attention could save your pet’s life.
At Rossmore Vet, we understand that pet healthcare can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the essentials, from routine check-ups and vaccinations to emergency situations, so you can confidently care for your furry friend every step of the way.
What is Routine Vet Care?
Routine vet care includes regular check-ups and preventive treatments designed to keep your pet in the best possible health. These occur during a regular vet visit and assist with identifying potential health problems early with preventive care.
What’s included in routine veterinary care?
- Physical exams: At every check-up, your vet will examine key organs like the heart and lungs, their weight, stance, and way of walking.
- Vaccinations: In Australia, there are core vaccinations all dogs and cats require to protect them from widespread and life-threatening diseases.
- Parasite screenings: Your pet will be tested for fleas, ticks, and other parasites.
- Dental cleanings: Your pet’s teeth develop a build-up of plaque and tartar that needs to be removed.
- Desexing: Your vet can neuter or spay your pet to prevent unwanted pregnancies and other health issues.
- Nutrition and exercise guidance: Your veterinarian will provide advice on a recommended diet and exercise level for your pet.
- Grooming: Your pet’s coat will be brushed and bathed to remove mats and maintain healthy skin and fur. They will also clip your pet’s nails.
- Protection from household hazards: Your veterinarian can advise on how to keep your pet safe at home.
Each of these procedures is a preventive measure for your pet to avoid minor injuries or serious illnesses requiring immediate medical attention. Preventative care reduces the chances of illness and disease, keeps your pet healthier and happier for longer, and gives you, as the owner, peace of mind about your pet’s health. Preventative care also includes microchipping, used to locate your pet and return them to you in the off chance they get lost.
What Constitutes a Visit to the Emergency Vet?
Regardless of how well you take care of your pet, they may still require urgent care. If your pet experiences a sudden situation in which their health is at a direct risk, such as a car accident, snake bite, heat stroke, ingestion of toxic substances and other injuries and illnesses, take your pet to the nearest emergency vet or animal hospital without delay.
In preparation, visit your nearest veterinary hospital so you know the way before an emergency happens, and have any carriers, information and records readily on hand to grab them in emergencies.
You know your pet best. If you notice your pet’s condition is irregular and seems as if in extreme pain, it may be critically ill and need emergency veterinary care.
Possible signs that require an emergency vet visit include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing, gagging or pawing at the mouth
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Rapid heart rate or elevated body temperature
- Swelling, hives or welts
- Bleeding or blood in vomit or faeces
- Lethargy, weakness or loss of consciousness
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
- Inability to eat, drink or urinate for an extended period
- Seizures
- Behavioural changes
- Visible signs of injury or discomfort
Key Differences Between Routine Care and Emergencies
Pets can be an expense on your family budget. Pet insurance helps cover unexpected vet bills, ensuring you can afford the best care for your pet in emergencies.
Preparing for Both Routine and Emergency Care
The first step to preventative care is building a relationship with your vet. Visit your local veterinary clinic during normal business hours on an off-peak day (ring up the clinic beforehand to find out these details) and discuss with the staff their approach to preventative health and treatment options for urgent pet care. This will help both you and the clinic understand each other.
At Rossmore Vet, we can be reached via our daytime or emergency after-hours phone, email and walk-ins.
Collaborate with your primary care veterinarian to create a proactive health plan for both routine and emergency care. Between your vet’s comprehensive knowledge and experience with pet healthcare, your relationship with your pet and your budget, you can build a treatment plan for your pet to maintain a healthy life.
Health plans cover general routine veterinary care along with medical imaging and other additions agreed upon between yourself and the vet.
Furthermore, all pet owners should have an emergency first aid kit in the event that their pet requires immediate medical attention. This kit should include items such as bandages, scissors and rounded tweezers, disposable gloves, soft wipes and a blanket, a thermometer, adhesive tape and salt.
Ultimately, any critical illness or injury will require urgent pet care. Rossmore Veterinary Hospital offers 24-hour after-hours emergency service for your furry friend. However, it’s a good idea to know a range of nearby 24-hour clinics as an additional safety net.
When in Doubt, Consult Your Vet
Ultimately, seeking and trusting professional advice is the best way you can help look after your pet.
If your furry friend is due for a check-up, or you would like some more information about emergency veterinary care, at Rossmore Vet Hospital we are enthusiastic about preventive measures for your pet’s health issues. Feel free to give us a call on 02 9606 6984 or simply walk in for a chat or appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between general practice and emergency medicine?
Routine care focuses on various non-emergency procedures and exams performed by your veterinarian that help keep your pet healthy. Whereas emergency care is a serious and sudden situation impacting your pet’s health that requires urgent care.
What is the definition of an emergency in veterinary care?
If your pet experiences a car accident, snake bite, heat stroke, ingestion of toxic substances and other injuries and life-threatening illness, then they must be taken to the emergency room at a vet hospital ASAP.
What kind of veterinarians make the most money?
After a zoo veterinarian, veterinary practice managers and public health veterinarians have the highest income of all veterinarians in Australia.
What is the most important part of a pet’s health that pet owners need to know?
Understanding the proper nutrition your pet requires is the cornerstone of ensuring they live a long, healthy life. Speak to your local vet for tailored advice.