Why We Can’t Diagnose Your Pet Over the Phone (And When It’s Okay to Google) 

We get it–your pet’s acting “off,” and you’re just trying to make the right call (literally). A quick phone chat feels easier than loading up your nervous pup or cranky cat and heading to urgent care. We hear it all the time:

“She just ate something weird but seems fine–should I just watch her?”
“My dog’s been limping since yesterday. Is it serious?”
“He’s shaking a little–should I be worried?”

We’d love to help over the phone, but here’s the truth: we can’t safely diagnose your pet without seeing them. They deserve the most effective emergency veterinary care possible, and that takes more than a phone conversation.

🩺 Why We Need to See Them in Person

Some things you just can’t describe.
“Lethargic” or “not eating much” can mean wildly different things in a medical context. That’s not on you–these signs are tricky! But for us to be sure, we need to see your pet.

Exams tell the full story.
At AcutePet, we check heart rate, breathing, hydration, gum color, belly tenderness, and more–little clues you can’t get over the phone (and even video can miss).

Pets hide pain like pros.
Even small changes in pet behavior can signal something serious. Our job is to catch what they’re not showing you and act before it gets worse.

But What About Virtual Visits?

Some veterinary practices offer telehealth for pets they already know, like managing a recurring ear infection or chronic condition. In those cases, virtual care can work.

At AcutePet, urgent care is different. Most pets we see are new to us, with sudden or potentially serious symptoms. Without a history or baseline, we can’t safely assess them virtually. In emergency veterinary care, time matters–guesswork doesn’t.

When It’s (Kind of) Okay to Google

Let’s be real: we all Google when we’re worried. Sometimes it’s helpful. Other times it’s a one-way ticket to worst-case-scenario panic.

Go ahead and search if you’re:
Checking if a plant, food, or household item is toxic for your pet.
Looking up how to safely transport your pet.
Reading what to expect at a pet urgent care visit.

Skip the scrolling and schedule a same-day vet appointment if your pet:
Has trouble breathing.
Is vomiting, swelling, limping, or hiding.
Has eaten something questionable.
Is giving you a “something’s not right” gut feeling.The internet offers information. AcutePet offers answers, support, and care.

Trust Yourself–We’re Here for the Rest

You know your pet best. If something feels off, trust that instinct. The earlier we see them, the more options we have–and the more peace of mind you get.

AcutePet is open every day from 10 AM to 10 PM–no appointment needed.
With same-day emergency veterinary care, we’re here when your pets need us most. Let’s work together to give your pet the care they deserve. Call us to book an appointment, or walk in to any of our locations.

Blog Title 

We get it–your pet’s acting “off,” and you’re just trying to make the right call (literally). A quick phone chat feels easier than loading up your nervous pup or cranky cat and heading to urgent care. We hear it all the time:

“She just ate something weird but seems fine–should I just watch her?”
“My dog’s been limping since yesterday. Is it serious?”
“He’s shaking a little–should I be worried?”

We’d love to help over the phone, but here’s the truth: we can’t safely diagnose your pet without seeing them. They deserve the most effective emergency veterinary care possible, and that takes more than a phone conversation.

🩺 Header 2

Some things you just can’t describe.
“Lethargic” or “not eating much” can mean wildly different things in a medical context. That’s not on you–these signs are tricky! But for us to be sure, we need to see your pet.

Exams tell the full story.
At AcutePet, we check heart rate, breathing, hydration, gum color, belly tenderness, and more–little clues you can’t get over the phone (and even video can miss).

Pets hide pain like pros.
Even small changes in pet behavior can signal something serious. Our job is to catch what they’re not showing you and act before it gets worse.

Header?

Some veterinary practices offer telehealth for pets they already know, like managing a recurring ear infection or chronic condition. In those cases, virtual care can work.

At AcutePet, urgent care is different. Most pets we see are new to us, with sudden or potentially serious symptoms. Without a history or baseline, we can’t safely assess them virtually. In emergency veterinary care, time matters–guesswork doesn’t.

When It’s (Kind of) Okay to Google

Let’s be real: we all Google when we’re worried. Sometimes it’s helpful. Other times it’s a one-way ticket to worst-case-scenario panic.

Go ahead and search if you’re:
Checking if a plant, food, or household item is toxic for your pet.
Looking up how to safely transport your pet.
Reading what to expect at a pet urgent care visit.

Skip the scrolling and schedule a same-day vet appointment if your pet:
Has trouble breathing.
Is vomiting, swelling, limping, or hiding.
Has eaten something questionable.
Is giving you a “something’s not right” gut feeling.The internet offers information. AcutePet offers answers, support, and care.

Trust Yourself–We’re Here for the Rest

You know your pet best. If something feels off, trust that instinct. The earlier we see them, the more options we have–and the more peace of mind you get.

AcutePet is open every day from 10 AM to 10 PM–no appointment needed.
With same-day emergency veterinary care, we’re here when your pets need us most. Let’s work together to give your pet the care they deserve. Call us to book an appointment, or walk in to any of our locations.