5 Signs Your Pet May Need Hospitalization

No one likes the thought of their pet being hospitalized — but in some cases, it’s the safest and kindest option. Whether it’s a serious illness or a post-surgery recovery, temporary in-clinic care can help your pet heal faster, safer, and with less stress (for both of you).
At Creature Comforts, we’re here to help you recognize when a hospital stay might be needed — and to guide you through every step of the process with compassion and clarity.

Let’s look at the top signs to watch for:

Skipping one meal might not be cause for concern, but refusing food or water for over 24 hours (especially with other symptoms) can signal serious trouble. Dehydration and malnutrition can set in quickly, particularly in puppies, kittens, and senior pets.
 💡 Hospitalization allows us to give IV fluids, nutrition, and monitor your pet around the clock.

If your pet is unusually tired, refuses to get up, or collapses, don’t wait. This can be a sign of heart issues, toxin ingestion, internal bleeding, or advanced illness.

 💡 In-clinic care ensures rapid testing, stabilization, and close monitoring to keep them safe.

Laboured breathing, fast breathing at rest, blue gums, or ongoing coughs can all indicate respiratory distress. These situations can escalate quickly and are best handled with oxygen support and diagnostics on hand.

 💡 We use gentle oxygen therapy, chest imaging, and continuous observation to ease your pet’s breathing.

One upset stomach isn’t unusual. But repeated vomiting, bloody diarrhea, or signs of pain (like whining, pacing, or hiding) may require hospitalization to manage underlying causes like pancreatitis, obstructions, or infections.

💡 We provide pain control, fluids, and run blood work or imaging to get to the root of the issue quickly.

Some pets need extra help recovering at the clinic — especially after major procedures, fractures, or if they’re slow to wake up from anesthesia.

 💡 Hospital care includes pain management, wound monitoring, and hands-on nursing care to support healing.

We understand it’s stressful to leave your pet in someone else’s hands. But when hospitalization is recommended, it’s always because we believe it’s the best way to help them recover — gently, safely, and with expert oversight.

At Creature Comforts, your pet is never “just another patient.” They’re cared for like our own — with cozy bedding, soothing music, and compassionate attention.