Trust Your Instincts
You know your pet better than anyone. If something seems wrong, it probably is. When in doubt, call your vet.
Emergency Signs - Go Immediately
These symptoms require immediate veterinary attention:
Difficulty Breathing
- Open-mouth breathing in cats
- Extended neck, struggling for air
- Blue or gray gums
- Choking or gagging
Severe Trauma
- Hit by car
- Dog attack
- Falls from height
- Obvious fractures
Neurological Issues
- Seizures (first time or prolonged)
- Sudden blindness
- Loss of coordination
- Head pressing
Abdominal Distress
- Bloated, hard abdomen
- Unproductive retching (emergency in large dogs!)
- Severe pain when touched
Urgent Signs - Call Today
Contact your vet within 24 hours:
- Vomiting more than 3 times in 24 hours
- Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
- Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours
- Lethargy - unusually tired, not wanting to play
- Lameness - limping or favoring a leg
- Eye problems - squinting, discharge, redness
Monitor at Home
These often resolve on their own:
- Occasional vomiting once, then normal behavior
- Soft stool without other symptoms
- Mild limping after exercise, improving within 24 hours
- Sneezing without discharge
Keep Records
Before calling your vet, note:
- When symptoms started
- Frequency and severity
- What your pet ate recently
- Any changes in environment
- Current medications
Tip: Take photos or videos of unusual symptoms. It helps your vet understand what’s happening.
Emergency Contacts
Always have these numbers saved:
- Your regular vet
- Nearest emergency vet hospital
- Animal poison control: ASPCA (888) 426-4435
Trust the Professionals
Google can’t examine your pet. When you’re worried, call your vet. They’d rather hear from you and say “monitor at home” than have you wait too long for a treatable problem.
Always consult your veterinarian if you notice any concerning symptoms. Visit our health guides for more information.