Emergency & Urgent Veterinary Care
Emergency Care in Tracy
For immediate life-threatening issues
Contact a 24/7 emergency hospital.
Urgent Care in Tracy
For serious but non-life-threatening conditions
Contact Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital.
24/7 Emergency Hospitals
The hospitals below provide immediate care for emergencies.
Ironhorse VetCare
Dublin, CA | Map + Directions
Call: 925-556-1234
SAGE Veterinary Centers
Dublin, CA | Map + Directions
Call: 925-574-7243
Standiford Veterinary Center
Modesto, CA | Map + Directions
Call: 209-577-3481
Urgent Care (By Appointment)
Urgent care is different from emergency veterinary care in that it addresses serious but non-life-threatening conditions. Urgent conditions can be similar to emergency conditions but they are less severe.
Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital is not an emergency veterinary clinic. Our team is able to accommodate urgent cases for existing clients by appointment only.
We will discuss your pet's condition with you and determine whether to book an appointment or refer you to one of the emergency veterinary clinics listed on this page for more immediate care.
Conditions Requiring Urgent Veterinary Care
As mentioned above, urgent veterinary care is for the treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injuries and conditions.
Conditions in which urgent care is needed may include:
- Abscesses
- Anal gland issues
- Back pain
- Difficulty walking
- Ear infections
- Eye discharge
- Minor wounds & lacerations
- Limping or mild lameness
- Not eating or drinking
- Vaccine reactions
- Skin allergies
- Upper respiratory infections
- Urinary tract issues
- Minor vomiting or diarrhea
How can I tell if my pet needs emergency care?
An emergency is a serious, life-threatening condition that requires immediate care.
The following situations are examples of emergencies:
- Severe bleeding or bleeding that doesn't stop
- Obvious signs of pain or extreme anxiety
- Choking, difficulty breathing, or continuous coughing/gagging
- Fractured bones or severe lameness
- Seizures and/or staggering
- Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, or blood in the urine
- Inability to urinate or pass feces, or pain associated with urinating or passing feces
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea; 2+ episodes in 24-hours
- Injuries to the eye(s)
- Ingestion of something poisonous
- Heat stress or heatstroke
- Refusal to drink for 24 hours or more
- Unconsciousness
How to Handle a Pet Emergency
In an emergency, time is of the essence. Get your pet treatment as soon as possible.
Each emergency situation is unique and unpredictable. Within reason, try to do the following:
Remain Calm
Take a deep breath. Emergencies can be scary and overwhelming, but remaining calm will help you react more efficiently and rationally.
Assess the Situation
Take a moment to absorb the condition of your pet and any symptoms you notice. Handle your pet carefully; animals that are afraid or in pain may react with aggression to those trying to help them.
Call Ahead if You Can
If possible, call the emergency animal hospital to let them know you are on the way.
Follow Instructions Provided
If you call ahead, the emergency team may provide instructions to help you apply first aid or stabilize your pet for travel. Follow these instructions carefully.
Travel Safely
Stay alert and calm while driving to the emergency vet. Remember that your pet's health depends on your ability to get them safely to the animal hospital.