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Emergency or Need Urgent Care?

When your pet is suddenly sick or injured, it can be hard to know how serious the situation is. Some conditions require immediate emergency care, while others are urgent and should be seen as soon as possible but may not be life-threatening.

Below is a guide to help you recognize the difference—and know when to contact us or seek emergency veterinary care right away.

What Is a Veterinary Emergency?

A true emergency is any situation where your pet’s life, breathing, or major organ function is at risk. These cases require immediate veterinary attention, even outside of regular hospital hours.

Common Emergencies in Dogs and Cats

  • Severe difficulty breathing (open-mouth breathing in cats, excessive panting, blue or pale gums)

  • Collapse or unresponsiveness

  • Seizures lasting longer than 2–3 minutes or multiple seizures in a short time

  • Severe bleeding that doesn’t stop within 5 minutes or bleeding from nose, mouth, or rectum

  • Hit by a car, fall, or other trauma, even if your pet appears normal afterward

  • Ingestion of toxins or foreign objects (chocolate, xylitol, grapes, medications, string, etc.)

  • Bloat / GDV (gastric dilatation-volvulus) in dogs – signs include nonproductive retching, distended abdomen, restlessness, and drooling

  • Straining to urinate or unable to urinate, especially in male cats

  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea with blood, or inability to keep water down

  • Severe pain (crying out, guarding the abdomen, sudden aggression, hiding)

  • Heatstroke (excessive panting, drooling, red gums, weakness, or collapse)

  • Eye injuries (swollen, cloudy, or bulging eyes)

  • Sudden paralysis or inability to stand

If your pet is experiencing any of these signs, go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately.

What Counts as an Urgent Care Case?

Urgent care cases are not immediately life-threatening, but they still require prompt medical attention, ideally within the same day.

Common Urgent Concerns

  • Limping or favoring a leg

  • Ear infections (head shaking, scratching, odor, redness, discharge)

  • Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours without other severe symptoms

  • Decreased appetite or mild lethargy

  • Coughing or sneezing that persists or worsens

  • Minor wounds, abrasions, or lacerations

  • Eye redness or discharge without swelling

  • Urinary accidents or frequent urination

  • Increased thirst or urination

  • Mild allergic reactions (hives, itching, facial swelling)

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution—our team can help you decide whether your pet needs to be seen urgently or if a next-available appointment is appropriate.