When Is It An Emergency?

It’s never easy when our pets aren’t feeling well and they can’t verbalize what’s going on. Sometimes, it’s okay to wait it out a bit to see if they bounce back on their own but sometimes they really shouldn’t wait. Here is some guidance on when to make a trip to the emergency animal hospital, even if it’s the middle of the night.  

In certain situations, the urgency may not be obvious.  Keep in mind that many treatments are most effective when administered as soon as possible.  For instance, if your dog eats a toxic substance such as chocolate or ibuprofen, symptoms may not develop for hours but after signs develop, the treatment needed may be more extensive (and thus expensive).  Quickly addressing these conditions may be critical for your pet’s life and gives the best chance for full recovery.

When in doubt, contact your nearest local emergency clinic.  They are staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The following list is not exhaustive but provides guidance on signs that can be life-threatening emergencies.  Please take your pet to the nearest emergency clinic if you observe any of these signs.

Disease or illness:

• Difficulty breathing (noisy breathing, constant panting, or bluish gums)
• Sudden lethargy, stumbling, falling or collapse
• Unable to move
• Distended, bloated abdomen
• Non-productive retching (may be a sign of GDV, a twisted blocked stomach)
• Prolonged vomiting, especially if containing blood
• Straining to urinate or unable to urinate (especially male cats)
• Seizures; first time seizure activity, seizure activity for >5min or having multiple seizures in one day
• Restlessness, unable to settle or lay down

Trauma:

Any trauma event should be evaluated as internal injuries are not always immediately obvious.

• Wounds (ex. animal bites, lacerations)
• Hit by car
• Quilled by porcupine (do not remove at home, do not cut)
• Falls
• Eye injuries (squinting, bulging, or painful eyes)
• Heat stroke

Ingestion:

• Toxic foods (ex. chocolate, grapes, raisins, gum or anything containing xylitol)
• Human medications (prescription or over the counter)
• Plants such as lilies (cats), wild mushrooms, marijuana
• Poisons such as rat poison or antifreeze
• Non-food objects such as socks, toys, rocks, string, etc.

When in doubt we recommend that you contact the nearest emergency clinic for more insight into your pet’s specific condition.  Call ahead to both obtain guidance and ensure the clinic will be ready to see your pet.