Emergency Care

Definite emergencies

If you notice any of the following problems, your pet needs emergency care immediately:

• Your pet has experienced some kind of trauma, such as being hit by a car or blunt object or falling more than a few feet.

• Your pet is not breathing, or you can’t feel a heartbeat.
• Your pet is having trouble breathing or has something stuck in their throat.
• Your pet is unconscious and won’t wake up.
• Your pet has had or is having a seizure lasting longer than 30 seconds.
• You suspect any broken bones.
• Your pet, particularly your male cat, is straining or unable to urinate.
• Your pet shows signs of extreme pain, such as whining, shaking, and refusing to socialize.
• Your pet’s abdomen is swollen and hard to the touch, and he/she’s gagging and trying to vomit.
• Your pregnant dog or cat has gone more than three to four hours between delivering puppies or kittens.
• Your pet collapses or suddenly can’t stand up.
• Your pet begins bumping into things or suddenly becomes disoriented.
• You can see irritation or injury to your pet’s eyes, or he/she suddenly seems to become blind.
• You see symptoms of heat stroke.
• Your pet is bleeding.
• Your pet has been vomiting or has had diarrhea for more than 24 hours or is vomiting blood.
• Your pet may have ingested something toxic, such as antifreeze, rat poison, medication, cleaners, chocolate, or plant material*.

• *​For a full list of pet toxins, see the Pet Poison Helpline’s website. ​Toxic ingestion must be treated immediately.