When to Take Your Pet To the ER - A Guide For Birmingham Pet Owners
December 5th 2025
Just like with humans, it can be tough to know when your pet should go to their regular veterinary clinic and when the situation calls for an emergency hospital. In some ways, it is even harder with animals because they cannot explain their symptoms.
You know when something is wrong, and you want to protect your beloved pet. That is why we put together this simple guide to help you understand when a visit to Bluff Park Animal Clinic is the right choice, and when your pet should head straight to the ER.
We want to be there for your pets. We handle many urgent and sick visits every week. That said, some situations fall outside the scope of what any general practice can safely manage. In other cases, even if we can treat the issue, you might feel more comfortable going somewhere with round-the-clock monitoring and advanced equipment. Listed below are guidelines to help you make the safest call for your pet.
These Are Guidelines, Not Hard Rules
It is important to remember that the list below is based on general guidelines, not firm rules. In many of these situations, we can treat your pet at our clinic; at other times, we cannot. Some cases come down to severity. Others depend on the time of day and how long we have before closing or other factors.
For example, if your pet needs stitches and it is early in the morning, we can usually handle the wound, including sedation if needed. But if the injury happens late in the day, we may not have enough time to sedate, treat, and monitor your pet safely before closing, which means the ER would be the best place.
You are always welcome to call us if you are unsure where your pet should go. We are here to help you make the safest decision.
Signs Your Pet Should Go To The Emergency Room
1. Your pet was hit by a car
Most owners know this is an emergency. But even if the accident seems mild and your pet hops up like nothing happened, internal injuries are common and often invisible at first. Bring your pet to the ER as soon as possible.
2. Your pet swallowed something dangerous
Large objects such as tennis balls, socks, or toys can block the stomach or intestines. Sharp items such as turkey bones or skewers can cause life-threatening injuries. If you suspect or saw your pet swallow something risky, your best bet is often the ER, depending on what they swallowed.
3. Open wounds or uncontrolled bleeding
Many cuts can be handled in our clinic, but deep wounds, punctures, or anything with heavy bleeding are better treated at an ER where surgical teams and advanced imaging are on hand.
4. Overall lethargy or collapse
If your pet is severely lethargic, refusing food, or not using the bathroom, they may need immediate diagnostics such as an ultrasound or hospitalization. These cases are often better served at an emergency hospital.
5. Severe vomiting or diarrhea
If vomiting or diarrhea continues for more than a day, or your pet is showing signs of dehydration. We can often treat them in these cases, but depending on the severity of symptoms, you may need to go to the ER, as quick treatment prevents complications and keeps your pet stable.
6. Suspected broken bones
We do not perform orthopedic surgeries at our clinic. If you think your pet has a broken bone or cannot bear weight, the ER is the right place.
7. A cat that is not urinating
Male cats, especially, can develop blockages that are life-threatening within hours. If your cat is straining, crying in the litter box, or not urinating, go to the nearest ER immediately.
8. Dog fight injuries
Some minor scrapes can be handled in a clinic, but many dog fight injuries hide deeper trauma that needs advanced care or sedation. ER hospitals are better equipped for these cases.
Think of it Like Human Medicine
Ask the same question you would ask for yourself or your child. When would you schedule a regular doctor’s visit, and when would you go straight to urgent care or the ER? What can wait a couple of days, and what needs help right now? Pets cannot tell you when the pain is worse or when something feels different inside, so it is always safer to err on the side of caution.
We absolutely see sick visits every day. We want to help. But there are times when the best thing you can do for your pet is go to the ER because they have the equipment, diagnostics, and staff needed for critical situations. We never want to turn away a sick pet, and when we do, it is only because we want what is safest and best for them.
When We Are Closed in December
This month, we are closed on December 24th and 25th for Christmas and on December 31st and January 1st for New Year’s. The ER is your best option if your pet needs immediate help during that time.
If you are in the Birmingham area, we recommend:
UrgentVet
Steel City Emergency Vets
These hospitals are staffed and equipped for after-hours emergencies and urgent cases.
Not Sure Where To Go? Call Us
If you are uncertain whether your pet should come to Bluff Park Animal Clinic or head directly to the ER, call us. We are always happy to help you navigate what your pet is facing.
Need to schedule a regular appointment? Visit our website or give us a call.
And beginning in January, you will be able to request appointments online through our new pet portals. You can also request prescription refills through the website.
Your pet’s health matters, and we are here to support you every step of the way.