Emergency Vet in Fairlawn, OH
Emergency Pet Care and Walk-In Veterinary Services
When your pet becomes suddenly sick or injured, it can feel overwhelming. You may not know whether the situation requires immediate attention or if it can wait. Our role is to help you make that decision and provide urgent care when your pet needs it most.
At Copley Fairlawn Veterinary Clinic, we provide emergency pet care and walk-in veterinary services for dogs and cats in Fairlawn, Copley, and the surrounding Akron area. We evaluate urgent medical conditions promptly and begin treatment as quickly as possible during business hours.
If you believe your pet is experiencing an emergency, call us immediately so we can guide you on next steps.
What Is Considered a Pet Emergency?
Some conditions require immediate evaluation. Others may qualify for same-day urgent appointments.
Seek immediate veterinary care if your pet is experiencing:
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
- Severe bleeding
- Straining to urinate with little or no output
- Uncontrolled seizures
- Swollen abdomen with retching
- Hit by a car or traumatic injury
- Suspected toxin ingestion
If you are unsure whether your pet’s condition is urgent, call us. We will help you determine the safest course of action.
Common Emergency Conditions We Treat
We regularly evaluate and stabilize urgent and emergency cases including:
- Urinary blockage in male cats, which can become life-threatening within hours. Learn more on our Cat Urinary Blockage page.
- Pyometra in unspayed female dogs, a serious uterine infection that requires prompt surgical care. Visit our Pyometra Surgery page.
- Gastric dilatation and volvulus, also known as bloat, which requires rapid intervention. See our Dog Bloat Surgery page.
- Seizures and neurologic emergencies, including circling, sudden blindness, and loss of balance.
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea, especially when accompanied by lethargy or blood.
- Severe lethargy or sudden weakness.
- Lacerations, wounds, and trauma injuries. You can learn more on our Pet Injuries and Wounds page.
- Allergic reactions that cause facial swelling, hives, or breathing difficulty. Toxin ingestion such as chocolate, xylitol, medications, or household chemicals. Visit our
- Toxin Ingestion page for more information.
- Each patient is evaluated individually. Some emergencies require surgery, while others may be treated medically with close monitoring.
Abdominal Exploratory Surgery
If your pet is vomiting, experiencing abdominal pain, or may have swallowed a foreign object, exploratory surgery allows us to identify and treat problems such as intestinal obstruction, foreign bodies, or abdominal masses. In some cases, biopsies are taken to better understand chronic digestive issues.
Dog and Cat Emergency Care
We provide emergency care for both dogs and cats. While some emergencies overlap, certain conditions are species-specific.
Dogs are more prone to:
- Bloat
- Toxic ingestion
- Traumatic injuries
Cats are more prone to:
- Urinary obstruction
- Respiratory distress
- Certain toxin exposures
Our team assesses each patient based on species, age, and medical history to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
What to Expect During an Emergency Visit
When you arrive for emergency care, we begin with rapid triage. This allows us to assess breathing, heart function, circulation, and pain level immediately.
Depending on the situation, we may recommend:
- Bloodwork
- Digital radiographs
- Ultrasound
- Intravenous fluids
- Oxygen therapy
- Pain management
- Emergency surgery
We communicate clearly throughout the process so you understand your pet’s condition, recommended treatment, and next steps.
Our goal is stabilization first, followed by diagnostic clarity and appropriate treatment.
Walk-In and Urgent Veterinary Services
Not every urgent situation requires referral to a 24-hour emergency hospital. During business hours, we provide walk-in veterinary services for:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Limping
- Ear infections
- Skin infections
- Minor wounds
- Eye irritation
- Decreased appetite
Calling ahead allows us to prepare for your arrival and reduce wait time. If your pet’s condition is critical or occurs after hours, we will guide you toward appropriate emergency resources.
Why Timely Emergency Care Matters
Many emergency conditions progress rapidly.
Urinary blockage can lead to life-threatening electrolyte changes in a short period of time.
Bloat can compromise circulation quickly.
Severe allergic reactions can worsen rapidly.
Internal bleeding may not be visible externally but can cause sudden collapse.
When you notice sudden changes in breathing, behavior, urination, appetite, or mobility, early evaluation improves outcomes.
If something feels abnormal, it is always safer to call.
Why Families in Fairlawn Choose Us for Emergency Care
Facing a pet emergency is stressful. Families in Fairlawn and Copley trust us because we focus on:
- Prompt triage and stabilization
- Clear explanation of findings
- Thoughtful diagnostic planning
- Careful monitoring
- Ongoing communication
Dr. Ashley Staycheff and our team work together to provide individualized care during urgent situations. We understand that emergencies affect the entire family, not just the patient. Our role is to provide calm guidance while delivering medical care efficiently..
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Vet Services
Should I wait until morning?
If your pet is struggling to breathe, cannot urinate, is actively seizing, has been hit by a car, or has a swollen painful abdomen, immediate evaluation is recommended.
Do you accept walk-in emergency cases?
Yes, during business hours. Calling ahead helps us prepare.
What if my dog ate chocolate?
Call us immediately. Treatment depends on the amount ingested and timing.
Is repeated vomiting an emergency?
Repeated vomiting, blood in vomit, lethargy, or abdominal pain requires prompt evaluation.
What are signs of internal bleeding?
Pale gums, weakness, collapse, and abdominal swelling may indicate a serious condition.
Get Started with Vello
Scan the QR code or use the portal login link below to get started.
Introducing Vello
A Better Way to Stay Connected
We’re excited to announce that starting August 4th, our clinic is using Vello, a convenient text messaging app designed to make communication with us easier than ever. With the Vello app, you can easily get appointment reminders, request visits, text our team, and enjoy faster, more convenient service - all from your phone.
We encourage all appointment requests to go through the Vello app beginning August 4th, so you can enjoy a smoother, more connected experience with our team.
Emergency Veterinary Care in Fairlawn
If your dog or cat is experiencing an urgent medical issue, we are here to help.
Call us immediately so we can assess the situation and guide you through the next steps.
Get In Touch!
Different Procedures We Offer
Spay/Neuter
Spaying is the surgical removal of a female dog’s reproductive organs to prevent reproduction. Neutering involves removing both testicles in male dogs to render them infertile.
Exploratory Surgeries and Biopsies
Cytology involves examining cell samples under a microscope to help diagnose tumors, fluid buildup, or issues in organs like the liver or lungs. A biopsy is the surgical removal of tissue for detailed microscopic analysis of suspicious lesions.
TTA/CCL Repairs
A common knee injury in dogs is a tear in the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), similar to the ACL in humans. This ligament helps stabilize the knee, and when torn, it causes the shin bone to move abnormally, leading to pain, lameness, and joint damage. Over time, this instability can result in osteoarthritis.
MPL Procedures
A luxating patella occurs when the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position in the groove at the end of the thighbone. This condition causes instability in the knee joint and can lead to discomfort or difficulty walking.
Amputation Services
Amputation is a surgical procedure to remove a pet’s limb, often due to cancer, severe injury, infection, or chronic pain. Forelimb amputations usually involve removing the entire limb, while hindlimb amputations are done at the hip or upper thigh. In some cases, modifications may be made to allow for a prosthetic limb.
Fracture Repairs
In many cases, surgical stabilization is recommended for treating fractures in pets. Unlike humans, dogs and cats often fracture major bones like the femur or humerus, which can't be easily treated with splints or casts.
Mass Removals
Finding a lump under your pet’s skin can be alarming and should be checked by a vet. Many are harmless lipomas (fatty tumors), but some may involve mast cells, which are part of the immune system. Proper diagnosis is important to determine if the lump is benign or cancerous.
Splenectomy
The spleen is a tongue-shaped organ located below the stomach with a texture similar to the liver. While dogs can live without it, the spleen plays a supportive role in overall health.
Cystotomy
Bladder stones are mineral formations that develop in the urinary bladder, ranging in size from tiny grains to larger rocks. They often result from bladder disease or inflammation and can appear as a single stone or a mix of various sizes.
Perineal Urethrostomy (PU)
A perineal urethrostomy (PU) is a surgical procedure for male cats with urinary blockages. It widens the urethral opening to make urination easier and reduce the risk of future obstructions.
C-Sections
A caesarean section (C-section) is a major surgery to deliver puppies, often done in emergencies when natural birth is difficult. Most dogs recover quickly, but if labor was prolonged before surgery, recovery may be slower and require extra care.
