It’s natural to feel worried when your pet isn’t acting like themselves. At Peak Paws Advanced Veterinary Hospital, it’s our mission to provide compassionate, immediate care when your primary care veterinarian is unavailable. We’re here to outline the signs and symptoms to help you decide when you should take your dog or cat to the emergency vet.
You know your pet better than anyone. If you have a feeling that something is wrong, we encourage you to follow your instincts. While this guide will help you identify the most common signs, if you have any doubt, please call us immediately.
If your pet has any of the following conditions, you should take them to see an emergency veterinarian right away.
Signs Of A Veterinary Emergency
Bleeding
Bleeding from any part of the body; excessive blood in the urine or stool.
Dry Heaving
Also called retching, this looks like you pet might vomit, but only produces foam or saliva
Vomiting/Diarrhea
Many repeated episodes in a short period, or intermittently over a period of days or weeks.
Convulsions/Fainting
Violent shaking of the head or body with uncontrolled spasms; loss of consciousness.
Lethargy
Lack of normal tolerance for exercise; reduced energy or playfulness.
Pain
Limping or favoring a leg; crying or showing signs of pain when touched.
Appetite Changes
Refusing food or water; eating more or less than usual.
Breathing Problems
Shortness of breath, extending head and neck to breathe; wheezing.
Weight Loss
Dramatic unexplained loss in body weight, or gradual weight loss over weeks or months.
Eye Problems
Redness, discharge, squinting, cloudiness of the eye; a foreign object in the eye, or difficulty seeing.
Urination Changes
Urinating larger amounts, urinating frequently, urinating only small drops, or difficulty urinating at all.
Abnormal Gum Color
Gums should be pink; gums that are dark red, white, pale or blue can be a sign of an emergency.
Bleeding
Bleeding from any part of the body; excessive blood in the urine or stool.
Dry Heaving
Also called retching, this looks like you pet might vomit, but only produces foam or saliva
Vomiting/Diarrhea
Many repeated episodes in a short period, or intermittently over a period of days or weeks.
Convulsions/Fainting
Violent shaking of the head or body with uncontrolled spasms; loss of consciousness.
Lethargy
Lack of normal tolerance for exercise; reduced energy or playfulness.
Pain
Limping or favoring a leg; crying or showing signs of pain when touched.
Appetite Changes
Refusing food or water; eating more or less than usual.
Breathing Problems
Shortness of breath, extending head and neck to breathe; wheezing.
Weight Loss
Dramatic unexplained loss in body weight, or gradual weight loss over weeks or months.
Eye Problems
Redness, discharge, squinting, cloudiness of the eye; a foreign object in the eye, or difficulty seeing.
Urination Changes
Urinating larger amounts, urinating frequently, urinating only small drops, or difficulty urinating at all.
Abnormal Gum Color
Gums should be pink; gums that are dark red, white, pale or blue can be a sign of an emergency.
Bleeding
Bleeding from any part of the body; excessive blood in the urine or stool.
Dry Heaving
Also called retching, this looks like you pet might vomit, but only produces foam or saliva
Vomiting/Diarrhea
Many repeated episodes in a short period, or intermittently over a period of days or weeks.
Convulsions/Fainting
Violent shaking of the head or body with uncontrolled spasms; loss of consciousness.
Lethargy
Lack of normal tolerance for exercise; reduced energy or playfulness.
Pain
Limping or favoring a leg; crying or showing signs of pain when touched.
Appetite Changes
Refusing food or water; eating more or less than usual.
Breathing Problems
Shortness of breath, extending head and neck to breathe; wheezing.
Weight Loss
Dramatic unexplained loss in body weight, or gradual weight loss over weeks or months.
Eye Problems
Redness, discharge, squinting, cloudiness of the eye; a foreign object in the eye, or difficulty seeing.
Urination Changes
Urinating larger amounts, urinating frequently, urinating only small drops, or difficulty urinating at all.
Abnormal Gum Color
Gums should be pink; gums that are dark red, white, pale or blue can be a sign of an emergency.
Bleeding
Bleeding from any part of the body; excessive blood in the urine or stool.
Dry Heaving
Also called retching, this looks like you pet might vomit, but only produces foam or saliva
Vomiting/Diarrhea
Many repeated episodes in a short period, or intermittently over a period of days or weeks.
Convulsions/Fainting
Violent shaking of the head or body with uncontrolled spasms; loss of consciousness.
Lethargy
Lack of normal tolerance for exercise; reduced energy or playfulness.
Pain
Limping or favoring a leg; crying or showing signs of pain when touched.
Appetite Changes
Refusing food or water; eating more or less than usual.
Breathing Problems
Shortness of breath, extending head and neck to breathe; wheezing.
Weight Loss
Dramatic unexplained loss in body weight, or gradual weight loss over weeks or months.
Eye Problems
Redness, discharge, squinting, cloudiness of the eye; a foreign object in the eye, or difficulty seeing.
Urination Changes
Urinating larger amounts, urinating frequently, urinating only small drops, or difficulty urinating at all.
Abnormal Gum Color
Gums should be pink; gums that are dark red, white, pale or blue can be a sign of an emergency.
Bleeding
Bleeding from any part of the body; excessive blood in the urine or stool.
Dry Heaving
Also called retching, this looks like you pet might vomit, but only produces foam or saliva
Vomiting/Diarrhea
Many repeated episodes in a short period, or intermittently over a period of days or weeks.
Convulsions/Fainting
Violent shaking of the head or body with uncontrolled spasms; loss of consciousness.
Lethargy
Lack of normal tolerance for exercise; reduced energy or playfulness.
Pain
Limping or favoring a leg; crying or showing signs of pain when touched.
Appetite Changes
Refusing food or water; eating more or less than usual.
Breathing Problems
Shortness of breath, extending head and neck to breathe; wheezing.
Weight Loss
Dramatic unexplained loss in body weight, or gradual weight loss over weeks or months.
Eye Problems
Redness, discharge, squinting, cloudiness of the eye; a foreign object in the eye, or difficulty seeing.
Urination Changes
Urinating larger amounts, urinating frequently, urinating only small drops, or difficulty urinating at all.
Abnormal Gum Color
Gums should be pink; gums that are dark red, white, pale or blue can be a sign of an emergency.
Bleeding
Bleeding from any part of the body; excessive blood in the urine or stool.
Dry Heaving
Also called retching, this looks like you pet might vomit, but only produces foam or saliva
Vomiting/Diarrhea
Many repeated episodes in a short period, or intermittently over a period of days or weeks.
Convulsions/Fainting
Violent shaking of the head or body with uncontrolled spasms; loss of consciousness.
Lethargy
Lack of normal tolerance for exercise; reduced energy or playfulness.
Pain
Limping or favoring a leg; crying or showing signs of pain when touched.
Appetite Changes
Refusing food or water; eating more or less than usual.
Breathing Problems
Shortness of breath, extending head and neck to breathe; wheezing.
Weight Loss
Dramatic unexplained loss in body weight, or gradual weight loss over weeks or months.
Eye Problems
Redness, discharge, squinting, cloudiness of the eye; a foreign object in the eye, or difficulty seeing.
Urination Changes
Urinating larger amounts, urinating frequently, urinating only small drops, or difficulty urinating at all.
Abnormal Gum Color
Gums should be pink; gums that are dark red, white, pale or blue can be a sign of an emergency.
Bleeding
Bleeding from any part of the body; excessive blood in the urine or stool.
Dry Heaving
Also called retching, this looks like you pet might vomit, but only produces foam or saliva
Vomiting/Diarrhea
Many repeated episodes in a short period, or intermittently over a period of days or weeks.
Convulsions/Fainting
Violent shaking of the head or body with uncontrolled spasms; loss of consciousness.
Lethargy
Lack of normal tolerance for exercise; reduced energy or playfulness.
Pain
Limping or favoring a leg; crying or showing signs of pain when touched.
Appetite Changes
Refusing food or water; eating more or less than usual.
Breathing Problems
Shortness of breath, extending head and neck to breathe; wheezing.
Weight Loss
Dramatic unexplained loss in body weight, or gradual weight loss over weeks or months.
Eye Problems
Redness, discharge, squinting, cloudiness of the eye; a foreign object in the eye, or difficulty seeing.
Urination Changes
Urinating larger amounts, urinating frequently, urinating only small drops, or difficulty urinating at all.
Abnormal Gum Color
Gums should be pink; gums that are dark red, white, pale or blue can be a sign of an emergency.
Bleeding
Bleeding from any part of the body; excessive blood in the urine or stool.
Dry Heaving
Also called retching, this looks like you pet might vomit, but only produces foam or saliva
Vomiting/Diarrhea
Many repeated episodes in a short period, or intermittently over a period of days or weeks.
Convulsions/Fainting
Violent shaking of the head or body with uncontrolled spasms; loss of consciousness.
Lethargy
Lack of normal tolerance for exercise; reduced energy or playfulness.
Pain
Limping or favoring a leg; crying or showing signs of pain when touched.
Appetite Changes
Refusing food or water; eating more or less than usual.
Breathing Problems
Shortness of breath, extending head and neck to breathe; wheezing.
Weight Loss
Dramatic unexplained loss in body weight, or gradual weight loss over weeks or months.
Eye Problems
Redness, discharge, squinting, cloudiness of the eye; a foreign object in the eye, or difficulty seeing.
Urination Changes
Urinating larger amounts, urinating frequently, urinating only small drops, or difficulty urinating at all.
Abnormal Gum Color
Gums should be pink; gums that are dark red, white, pale or blue can be a sign of an emergency.
Bleeding
Bleeding from any part of the body; excessive blood in the urine or stool.
Dry Heaving
Also called retching, this looks like you pet might vomit, but only produces foam or saliva
Vomiting/Diarrhea
Many repeated episodes in a short period, or intermittently over a period of days or weeks.
Convulsions/Fainting
Violent shaking of the head or body with uncontrolled spasms; loss of consciousness.
Lethargy
Lack of normal tolerance for exercise; reduced energy or playfulness.
Pain
Limping or favoring a leg; crying or showing signs of pain when touched.
Appetite Changes
Refusing food or water; eating more or less than usual.
Breathing Problems
Shortness of breath, extending head and neck to breathe; wheezing.
Weight Loss
Dramatic unexplained loss in body weight, or gradual weight loss over weeks or months.
Eye Problems
Redness, discharge, squinting, cloudiness of the eye; a foreign object in the eye, or difficulty seeing.
Urination Changes
Urinating larger amounts, urinating frequently, urinating only small drops, or difficulty urinating at all.
Abnormal Gum Color
Gums should be pink; gums that are dark red, white, pale or blue can be a sign of an emergency.
Bleeding
Bleeding from any part of the body; excessive blood in the urine or stool.
Dry Heaving
Also called retching, this looks like you pet might vomit, but only produces foam or saliva
Vomiting/Diarrhea
Many repeated episodes in a short period, or intermittently over a period of days or weeks.
Convulsions/Fainting
Violent shaking of the head or body with uncontrolled spasms; loss of consciousness.
Lethargy
Lack of normal tolerance for exercise; reduced energy or playfulness.
Pain
Limping or favoring a leg; crying or showing signs of pain when touched.
Appetite Changes
Refusing food or water; eating more or less than usual.
Breathing Problems
Shortness of breath, extending head and neck to breathe; wheezing.
Weight Loss
Dramatic unexplained loss in body weight, or gradual weight loss over weeks or months.
Eye Problems
Redness, discharge, squinting, cloudiness of the eye; a foreign object in the eye, or difficulty seeing.
Urination Changes
Urinating larger amounts, urinating frequently, urinating only small drops, or difficulty urinating at all.
Abnormal Gum Color
Gums should be pink; gums that are dark red, white, pale or blue can be a sign of an emergency.
Bleeding
Bleeding from any part of the body; excessive blood in the urine or stool.
Dry Heaving
Also called retching, this looks like you pet might vomit, but only produces foam or saliva
Vomiting/Diarrhea
Many repeated episodes in a short period, or intermittently over a period of days or weeks.
Convulsions/Fainting
Violent shaking of the head or body with uncontrolled spasms; loss of consciousness.
Lethargy
Lack of normal tolerance for exercise; reduced energy or playfulness.
Pain
Limping or favoring a leg; crying or showing signs of pain when touched.
Appetite Changes
Refusing food or water; eating more or less than usual.
Breathing Problems
Shortness of breath, extending head and neck to breathe; wheezing.
Weight Loss
Dramatic unexplained loss in body weight, or gradual weight loss over weeks or months.
Eye Problems
Redness, discharge, squinting, cloudiness of the eye; a foreign object in the eye, or difficulty seeing.
Urination Changes
Urinating larger amounts, urinating frequently, urinating only small drops, or difficulty urinating at all.
Abnormal Gum Color
Gums should be pink; gums that are dark red, white, pale or blue can be a sign of an emergency.
FAQs
When To Take Your Dog To The Emergency Vet
Concerning Symptoms: Trust Your Gut
Sometimes, the signs may be less obvious, but that does not, inherently, make them less serious. If you’re wondering if your dog’s symptoms necessitate a visit to the emergency vet, trust your instinct. That said, some common signs to look out for include:
Lethargy: A noticeable lack of energy or unwillingness to move.
Appetite Changes: Refusing to eat or drink, or a significant change in appetite.
Unexplained Weight Loss: A gradual or sudden loss of body weight
When Should You Take Your Cat to the Emergency Vet?
Cats are masters at hiding their symptoms, so it’s crucial to know what to look out for and when to take your cat to the emergency vet. Common symptoms to monitor for include:
Hiding or acting aloof.
Not eating or drinking for more than a day.
Straining to urinate (especially male cats).
When Should You Take Your Puppy to the Emergency Vet?
Puppies are especially vulnerable to critical illnesses due to their developing immune systems. If you find yourself asking whether or not you should take your puppy to the ER vet, it’s important to err on the side of caution and act sooner rather than later. Any of the following symptoms warrant an immediate visit:
A puppy not eating or drinking.
Vomiting or diarrhea.
Listlessness.
Coughing or difficulty breathing.
Our Commitment to You
When your pet needs immediate help, don’t wait. Whether your pet is experiencing an emergency that requires immediate treatment, or you’re simply concerned, our compassionate team is here for you 24/7.
