Should I Wait Until Morning or Go to the Emergency Vet?
Should I Wait Until Morning or Go to the Emergency Vet?
One of the most common questions we hear from pet owners at Southside Veterinary Clinic in Chattanooga is:
“If my pet is sick, should I wait until morning or go to an emergency clinic?”
The short answer: It depends.
We understand the difficult balance between your pet’s wellbeing and the financial impact of emergency care. Here’s how we usually help our clients think through this decision.
Please note that this is general advice, and we always recommend speaking directly with a member of our staff to provide you with the best course of action.
When Emergency Care Is Often the Right Choice
While every situation is different, we generally recommend heading to an emergency veterinary clinic if your pet is experiencing:
Multiple episodes of vomiting or diarrhea (especially if it’s happening in a short timeframe)
Sudden or major changes in behavior — such as extreme lethargy, collapse, confusion, or unresponsiveness
These could be signs of something more serious that shouldn’t wait until the next morning.
When You Can Feel Comfortable Waiting
If your pet is showing symptoms but overall maintaining their usual behavior and appetite, we are not typically concerned enough that they require emergency care. A single episode or two of vomiting or diarrhea is usually not indicative that something very serious is occurring.
What If You’re Not Sure?
Sometimes symptoms aren’t black and white, and it’s hard to know what to do. If you’re questioning whether your pet’s condition can wait:
Try to monitor closely for changes
Keep note of how long symptoms last and whether they’re getting worse
Consider calling us during our clinic hours to talk it through
At Southside Vet Clinic, we’re happy to answer your questions during business hours. And if we think your pet needs urgent care, we’ll point you in the right direction.
We’re Here to Be a Resource
We know that making decisions about your pet’s health — especially after hours — can feel overwhelming. Ultimately, every pet is different and we can best provide medical advice directly with our patients and clients.
If your pet is sick and you’re not sure what to do, don’t hesitate to reach out during our open hours. You can always text us or call us.
About Our Pet Resource Blog
Everyone of the questions asked on our Pet Resource Blog is answered by a veterinarian from our clinic. You can watch a video of Dr. John Lindsay speaking on this topic here.