Pet emergencies are, by nature, unpredictable. While we try as pet parents to reduce all dangers for our pets, they are incredibly curious and resourceful, sometimes to the point of putting themselves in harm’s way. They may snag the chocolate we left on the counter, consume a sock or escape from the backyard. While we can never truly be prepared for an emergency vet visit, it’s important to know in which situations your pet requires emergency care.

Not all pet emergencies are obvious and it can be hard to judge whether your pet needs immediate attention or if you can wait till the morning when your regular vet is open. That’s why we’ve gathered some of the most common reasons pets need emergency care, so you can be better informed about what a pet emergency is and how to respond. 

If you’re unsure if you should be seen, call a 24-hour VEG ER for Pets emergency vet hospital near you and an emergency doctor will answer your medical question and help you decide if you should be seen right away.

At VEG ER for Pets, you stay with your pet all throughout treatment. VEG is open 24/7 for all pet emergencies and veterinary urgent care needs.

8 common pet emergencies

1. Difficulty Breathing 

Any change in your pet’s breathing is concerning and should be evaluated by a veterinarian right away. Difficulty breathing can be the result of heart disease, asthma, pneumonia, fluid around the lungs, or an obstruction of the upper airway - and the problem can escalate quickly.

Signs to watch for when pet has trouble breathing:

• Rapid, shallow, or labored breathing

• Open-mouth breathing (especially in cats, where this is never normal)

• Stretching the neck out or standing with elbows spread to breathe

• Blue, gray, or very pale gums

• Excessive panting that doesn’t resolve with rest

What to do if pet has breathing problems

Keep your pet as calm and still as possible - stress can make breathing worse. Avoid putting your hands near their mouth, as even gentle pets may panic when they can’t breathe. If possible, transport them to the vet in a well-ventilated carrier or space.

Do not wait - head to the emergency vet immediately.

2. Repeated vomiting and/or diarrhea

When your cat or dog suddenly starts vomiting or passing loose stools, it can be a sign of an underlying condition that should be treated right away. Know that when it’s frequent or paired with other symptoms, it can quickly become serious. Some of the causes can be life-threatening, so it’s important your pet sees an emergency vet as soon as possible.

Concerning signs include:

• Vomiting multiple times within a few hours

• Inability to keep water down

• Blood in vomit or stool

• Diarrhea that is severe, watery, or persistent

• Vomiting or diarrhea paired with lethargy, weakness, or refusal to eat

Puppies, kittens, and senior pets can become dehydrated much faster, making early intervention even more important.

Reasons cats and dogs have acute vomiting or diarrhea include:

1. Dietary indiscretion (change in diet; eating table scraps; eating from the trash, etc.)

2. Foreign body gastrointestinal obstruction

3. Parvovirus

4. Intestinal parasites

5. Toxin ingestion

6. Pancreatitis

7. Kidney or liver disease

8. Addison’s disease

What to do if your pet keeps vomiting or has diarrhea

If symptoms are ongoing, worsening, or combined with low energy, don’t wait it out at home. Bring your pet in to your nearest 24-hour VEG animal hospital for evaluation right away. 

At VEG ER for Pets, we treat all pet emergencies, from dogs and cats to snakes and iguanas! Walk in for immediate emergency vet care. VEG is open 24 hours every day.

3. Pet having trouble urinating

Difficulty urinating - especially in cats - is one of the most urgent emergencies vets see.

This is most commonly seen with male cats rather than female cats due to their long and narrow urethra. Indoor, overweight male cats that are exclusively fed a dry food diet are at a higher risk for developing this problem. 

Why a urinary blockage is a vet emergency

A urinary blockage prevents toxins from leaving the body and can become fatal within hours, so bring your cat to the emergency vet if you notice these symptoms:

• Repeated trips to the litter box or outside with little or no urine produced

• Straining or crying while trying to urinate

• Licking the genital area excessively

• Vomiting, hiding, or sudden lethargy

What to do if pet can't urinate

Do not wait to see if it resolves - even a few hours can make a difference. Go to the emergency vet immediately. At VEG pet hospitals, you never need an appointment.

4. Trauma or injury

Cats and dogs don’t understand the dangers of their environment. As such, car accidents, falls, and fights are a frequent cause of emergency vet visits. If your pet is hit by a car, take care when moving them, as they may have sustained injuries that could be exacerbated if not handled correctly. Read our blog on what to do if your pet was hit by a car.

Accidents like falls, car impacts, or fights can cause internal injuries that aren’t immediately visible. The best way to move your pet is to slide them gently onto a flat surface such as a plastic lid to a bin or even a taut towel.

Signs of pet's injury to watch for

• Limping or inability to walk

• Visible wounds or bleeding

• Rapid breathing or signs of shock

• Hiding or unusual behavior

What to do if your pet is injured

Move your pet carefully and keep them as still as possible. Even if injuries seem minor, take them to the nearest emergency vet immediately.

Let's dive a little deeper into common injuries.

Lacerations or wounds

Not all cuts require ER care, but some can be serious. Urgent signs include:

• Deep cuts that expose tissue

• Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding

• Puncture wounds, especially near joints or face

• Bite wounds that appear swollen or infected

What to do for lacerations or wounds

Apply gentle pressure to control bleeding, keep the area clean, and head to the emergency vet immediately if it meets any urgent criteria.

Eye emergencies in dogs, cats, and other pets

Eye injuries are often overlooked but can cause permanent damage if untreated.

Signs include:

• Squinting, excessive blinking, or keeping an eye closed

• Redness, cloudiness, or sudden discharge

• Visible foreign material or trauma to the eye

• Pawing at the eye or swelling

What to do for pet's eye problem

Do not attempt to flush or remove foreign objects unless instructed. Bring your pet to the emergency vet immediately to prevent lasting damage.

VEG ER for Pets is open 24 hours for all pet emergencies. Call or come in; no appointments needed or taken. You'll see a veterinarian who will triage your pet right away.

5. Ingestion of a toxic substance

Unfortunately, toxin ingestion is a common reason pets visit the emergency veterinarian. Pets are quick to eat an entire chocolate cake while your back is turned and are happy to ingest grapes given to them by their unknowing owners!

As soon as you realize your pet has ingested a toxic substance you should bring them to an emegency veterinarian. If identified within the first few hours of ingestion your veterinarian can induce vomiting to try to decrease the amount of the toxic substance that is absorbed.

Pet toxicities have a wide range of clinical signs but can result in vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, or hyperactivity.

The most common pet toxins include:

1. Household plants such as lilies

2. Grapes or raisins

3. Foods containing xylitol

4. Chocolate

5. Human medications

6. Household cleaners

7. Recreational drugs like marijuana

8. Rodenticides like rat poison

What to do if pet ate something toxic

Do not wait for symptoms to appear. If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, go to the ER vet immediately - and bring the packaging if possible.

6. Seizures

Seizures can look dramatic and frightening, but staying calm and acting quickly is key. Even after initial symptoms have passed, afterward, they may seem disoriented, restless, or temporarily unable to walk normally.

Signs of seizure in pets

During a seizure, your pet may:

• Collapse and shake uncontrollably

• Paddle their legs or stiffen

• Drool, vocalize, or lose consciousness

What to do if pet is having a seizure

• Move objects away to prevent injury

• Do not touch their mouth or try to restrain them

• Time the seizure if you can

If a seizure lasts more than 2–3 minutes, or if multiple seizures occur in a short period, seek emergency care immediately.

7. Ingested foreign object

Cats and dogs have been known to swallow things they shouldn't. Puppies are especially prone to swallowing inedible objects. Foreign objects can cause serious damage to the stomach and intestinal tract and can be fatal if left untreated.

Surgery or endoscopy could be required for removal of the foreign object. Common items dogs swallow include toys, rocks, clothing, and corn cobs. Cats often swallow items such as string, hair ties, tinsel, and small toys.

Signs of foreign object ingestion may include:

• Repeated vomiting

• Abdominal pain or bloating

• Straining or difficulty passing stool

• Lethargy or refusing to eat

What to do if your pet ate something they shouldn't have

Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet. Bring any packaging or a description of the object, and go to the emergency vet immediately.

8. Severe allergic reaction

Allergic reactions can be sudden, severe, and even life-threatening. Pets can react to foods, insect bites, medications, or environmental allergens, and symptoms can escalate quickly.

Signs of an allergic reaction in pets

• Swelling of the face or neck

• Hives or rash

• Vomiting

• Difficulty breathing

What to do if pet is having an allergic reaction

Do not wait it out. You might think symptoms will pass, but an allergic reaction can escalate quickly into an emergency. Head to the emergency vet immediately.

9. Heatstroke in pets

Heatstroke can happen quickly, especially in warm weather or poorly ventilated spaces.

Signs of heatstroke in pets include:

• Excessive panting

• Drooling

• Vomiting

• Weakness or collapse

What to do for heatstroke in pets

Move your pet to a cooler area and begin cooling them off with room-temperature water (not ice cold), then seek emergency care immediately.

Trust VEG for your pet emergencies 

Every pet owner faces moments of uncertainty - but knowing the signs that warrant emergency care can make all the difference. If your pet shows any of the warning signs listed above, don’t hesitate to call or visit VEG right away. Acting quickly can prevent serious complications and give your pet the best chance for a full recovery. 

Time matters. Acting quickly can make all the difference in your pet’s outcome.

If you think your pet may need urgent care, don’t wait - trust VEG. Reach out or come in immediately.  Find your nearest VEG 24-hour animal hospital location.

Here’s what makes VEG animal clinics the preferred emergency vet hospital:

1. Whether you call or walk in, you’ll talk to a vet right away, even before you fill out paperwork

2. We don’t pull your pet away from you for treatment. You’re allowed to be with them through it all. No waiting in a lobby!

3. If your pet is hospitalized overnight, you can stay with them! We'll even make sure you have wifi, snacks, and beverages.

4. Our vets and staff care for pets on their level—we get down on the floor and examine them where they are most comfortable and least stressed.

5. We'll work with your primary care vet to ensure a seamless experience for you and your pet.

Find your nearest VEG location.