Sometimes it is difficult to determine what symptoms require emergency treatment. We always recommend speaking with a veterinarian if you are unsure about what to do. The following symptoms may require immediate medical attention:
- Choking, difficulty breathing or nonstop coughing and gagging
- Swollen or distended abdomen, with or without productive vomiting
- Inability to urinate or defecate, or obvious pain associated with urinating or defecating (Cats may repeatedly go to the litter box)
- Injuries to your pet’s eye(s)
- You suspect or know your pet has eaten something poisonous such as:
antifreeze
xylitol (sweetener in sugar-free gum)
chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic
rodent poison
prescription or over-the-counter medications
illegal drugs
nicotine (cigarettes, cigars or patches)
household cleaners
marijuana (including edibles or CBD products with THC)
poisonous plants (lilies, marijuana, sago palm, bulbs, etc.)
- Staggering, continuous seizures or convulsions
- Traumas, such as being hit by a car, falling from a height, or experiencing a blunt force, even if the animal is not showing any ill effects
- Fractured bones, severe lameness, or inability to move legs; apparent paralysis
- Collapse or inability to stand or walk
- Loss of balance or consciousness or unresponsiveness
- Penetrating wound, such as bite wounds, gunshot, or stab wounds
- Severe bleeding that does not stop within 5 minutes
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea – more than two episodes in a 26-hour period, or either of these combined with obvious illness or vomiting or diarrhea with blood
- Heatstroke: heavy panting, weakness, temperature greater than 104 degrees
- Refusal to drink for 24 hours or more
- Pale Gums
- Rapid Breathing, weak or rapid pulse