Pet Urgent Care at The Drake Center For Veterinary Care

Hey everybody, it's Dr. Michelle Drake! I'm here with my almost 5-month-old puppy, Ranger, and we're here today to talk to you a little bit about urgent care.

Dr. Michele Drake (featuring Ranger)

What are some obvious situations where a pet might need urgent care?

There are a couple of really obvious things. If your dog ingested medications or something that may be toxic, that's a big one. When I first got Ranger, I had someone else watching him for a few minutes, and I came into my backyard to see that they had allowed him to eat mushrooms in the backyard. I tried to identify what type, but I couldn't, so I immediately ran him up to the Drake Center, and we induced vomiting to get those mushrooms out because mushrooms can be severely toxic. Any exposure to medicines, bring the bottle with you, know what it is, and get your pet in as soon as you can because we want to get those substances out of your pet as quickly as possible. Human medications are truly one of the most common toxicities we see in dogs, and these things are not okay for your dog to eat, ever.

Ingestions of medications and trauma of any kind, like a hit by a car or some other kind of obvious trauma, are urgent. Dog fights can be tricky because you're not always aware of how badly your dog is injured. Even if it's just a coat like Ranger's if a dog were to attack him, you might not see something obvious, but punctures that go into the skin can inject the nastiest bacteria. Any kind of dog fight, especially if it's a big dog attacking a small dog, is an urgent care need. If you come home from work and your normally exuberant dog is acting differently, that's urgent care. If you have a Labrador or a dog that doesn't want to eat their food, that's concerning. Normally, with a picky dog, you might wait, but with a Labrador, it's concerning right away. Other signs include restlessness or panting, which can indicate pain or discomfort.

Some situations call for prompt veterinary care but may not be immediately life-threatening. These include:

  • Struggling to Urinate: May signal a bladder infection or partial blockage.
  • Protracted Vomiting or Diarrhea: Can lead to dehydration or indicate gastrointestinal issues.
  • Coughing: Persistent coughing could be kennel cough or another condition.
  • Not Eating or Drinking: Going 24+ hours without food or water warrants attention.
  • Restlessness: Signs like panting or discomfort could indicate pain or distress.

The above list is not exhaustive, and there are many more situations that may necessitate urgent care for pets! Our staff will do everything possible to help your canine friend and restore them to full health.

Can you explain the difference between urgent care and emergency care?

I want to mention the difference between why we call it urgent care as opposed to emergency. The Drake Center is very capable of taking any kind of emergency while we're here, but we're not 24/7. That's why we don't call ourselves an emergency hospital because we can't provide 24/7 care. We are open seven days a week and can see any emergency at any time, but we are not here overnight. We often assess, triage, and provide initial care for a dog or a cat, and if they truly need critical care, we may send you to a critical care facility. So, that's the difference between urgent care and emergency.

What should pet owners do if they suspect their pet needs urgent care?

If any of the things I mentioned are going on, you should come in and call us right away. At the Drake Center, we generally have five doctors on every day between the annex and here, so we will get anyone in who has urgent care needs at any time we're open. If you think something's not quite right, but your pet seems to be eating and drinking, that may be a regular appointment. Owners know their pets well, and if something's not right, let us know, and we'll do our best to get you in ASAP.

Follow these tips for safely transporting your pet to an emergency dog clinic:

  1. Approach your pet slowly and calmly
  2. Kneel down and say their name
  3. If your pet shows aggression, you may need someone to aid you in securing and transporting your pet. Towels may be used around the head or neck to attempt to keep the pet from biting while you move them.
  4. If he or she is passive, fashion a makeshift stretcher and gently lift them onto it.
  5. Take care to support the neck and back in case they have suffered any spinal injuries.
  6. Once secured, immediately transport them to an urgent care clinic. If possible, call ahead to alert the staff to your pending arrival so they can adequately prepare while you are en route.

What is the procedure when a pet is brought in for urgent care?

When you come in, we will assess the pet right away. One of the doctors will take a look immediately, even if our appointments are full. We'll stop what we're doing, assess the situation, run necessary tests, and make sure your pet is monitored carefully. Pain management will be started quickly, and we'll give you an idea of what we plan to do, what the cost is, and involve you in the plan. We'll communicate any changes or concerns while your pet is here.

Can you provide any advice on what to do before bringing in a pet for urgent care?

It's best to call us on your way down here. If we know who your pet is and their size, we can start preparing for the urgent care needs. If it's an emergency, we'll drop everything and take care of your pet. It's important to call ahead if you can, but if you can't, just come in, and we'll take care of you. If they've been exposed to any poison, bring that with you, and get in as soon as you can.

What can pet owners expect in terms of follow-up care?

Some cases, like Ranger's mushroom incident, may not require follow-up care after we address the immediate issue. However, we may check in with you the next day to ensure everything is okay. For more serious cases, we will discuss any necessary follow-up care with you. We aim to keep you informed and involved throughout the process.

Is pet insurance generally accepted for urgent care services at the Drake Center?

Yes, anyone who has pet insurance should be covered for our services. We also work closely with facilities like the VSH in Sorrento Valley or the one in San Marcos for critical care cases, and we recommend VCA down the street for non-severe urgent care needs. If you have any questions, give us a call at the Drake Center. We'd be happy to help you out.

If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (760) 456-9556, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can.

The Drake Center For Veterinary Care Hours for Pet Urgent Care

  • Monday 7 AM–7 PM

  • Tuesday 7 AM–7 PM

  • Wednesday 7 AM–7 PM

  • Thursday 7 AM–7 PM

  • Friday 7 AM–7 PM

  • Saturday 7 AM–5 PM

  • Sunday 8 AM–5 PM

*After hours, take your dog to California Veterinary Specialists (Carlsbad), Veterinary Specialty Hospital (Sorrento Valley or San Marcos), or Veterinary Emergency Group. 

Learn More About Our Dog Urgent Care Services

Learn More About Our Cat Urgent Care Services

The Drake Difference in Urgent Care:

When it comes to your pet’s health, we understand that sometimes urgent situations arise. That’s why The Drake Center’s Urgent Care is designed with our mission at heart: to provide the best medicine and surgery in a compassionate environment, alongside unsurpassed customer service.

Here’s how The Drake Difference shines in urgent care:

  • Unsurpassed Customer Service:From personalized discharge instructions to extensive educational resources, we ensure you feel empowered in your pet’s care journey. Our team takes the time to explain your pet’s condition and recommended treatments, leaving no question unanswered.
  • Kindness and Respect: Our team listens carefully and addresses your concerns with care.
  • Here When You Need Us: With extended hours, seven-day availability, and same-day drop-off options, your pet’s urgent needs are met promptly.
  • Follow-Up Care: After your visit, we ensure your pet is doing well, because your peace of mind matters to us.
  • Experienced Team: Our long-term staff knows you and your pet, providing continuity of care and trusted guidance.
  • Exceptional Standards of Care: Your pet receives individualized attention with a high doctor-to-patient ratio, ensuring they’re cared for as one of our own. We prioritize stress reduction and pain management, providing comfort and compassion in every visit.
  • Accreditations and Recognition: AAHA-accredited hospital, we uphold over 1,500 stringent quality standards.