E: Emergency Signs and When to Act

While prevention is the goal, accidents can happen. Knowing the signs of a true pet emergency is critical for a positive outcome. Do not wait to see if your pet gets better. If you observe any of the following, seek immediate veterinary care at your local clinic or an after-hours emergency hospital.

Critical Emergency Signs Include:

Difficulty Breathing: This can look like labored or rapid breathing, shallow breaths, choking, or continuous coughing or gagging. Any change in the color of the gums or tongue to a bluish, pale, or white hue is a life-threatening emergency.

Sudden Collapse or Severe Weakness: If your pet is unable to get up, is stumbling as if drunk (ataxia), or suddenly faints, it requires immediate attention.

Signs of Severe Pain: This can manifest as vocalizing, whining, guarding a part of the body, restlessness, or a reluctance to move. An arched back or a “praying” position (front end down, rear end up) can indicate extreme abdominal pain.

Profuse Vomiting or Diarrhea: More than one or two episodes, especially if it contains blood, is a major concern. Unproductive retching or attempts to vomit, particularly in deep-chested dog breeds, can be a sign of bloat (GDV).

Seizures: A seizure involving full-body convulsions, loss of consciousness, or uncontrolled muscle movements is an emergency. Multiple seizures in a row (cluster seizures) or a seizure lasting more than a few minutes is extremely dangerous.

Known Toxin Exposure: If you see your pet ingest a known toxin, such as antifreeze, rat poison, or human medication, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Contact your vet or poison control immediately.

Keep your veterinarian’s phone number, the local emergency animal hospital’s number, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control number (888-426-4435) in an easily accessible place.