Emergency Signs Every Owner Should Know

Not every symptom can wait until Monday. Some signs mean your animal needs help now, not tomorrow, not next week. Knowing what to look for can make the difference between a close call and a crisis.

Call your vet immediately if you see

• Difficulty breathing – open-mouth breathing in cats, labored or rapid breathing, blue-tinged gums
• Bloated or distended abdomen – especially with restlessness, pacing, or unsuccessful attempts to vomit
• Collapse or sudden inability to stand
• Seizures – especially a first seizure or one lasting more than a few minutes
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Known toxin ingestion – chocolate, xylitol, grapes, lilies, antifreeze, medications
• Straining to urinate with no output – especially in male cats
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea – especially with blood, or in puppies/kittens
• Sudden blindness or disorientation
• Trauma – hit by car, fall from height, animal attack

What to tell the vet when you call

Even in a panic, try to share:

• What happened and when
• What symptoms you are seeing right now
• Your animal's species, breed, age, and approximate weight
• Any medications your animal is currently taking
• Whether your animal has eaten anything unusual

For a step-by-step guide on what to do in the minutes before you leave, read what to do before an emergency vet visit.

Preparation helps, even in emergencies

Keep your vet's number and the nearest emergency clinic number saved in your phone. Know the route. If your animal is on medications, keep a current list somewhere accessible.

You cannot predict emergencies. But you can be a little more ready for them.