Help! Is This a Pet Emergency?

1. Difficulty breathing

Changes in your pet’s breathing are always a concern. Respiratory distress can include obvious signs, such as gasping for air or wheezing, as well as more subtle changes, including excessive panting, noisy breathing, and blue, grey, or purple gums. Respiratory distress can be caused by a range of serious conditions, from an allergic reaction to heart and lung problems.

2. Persistent vomiting or diarrhea

While occasional stomach upset is common, ongoing vomiting and/or diarrhea can be a pet emergency. Left untreated, these signs by themselves can lead to dehydration and weakness, which is especially dangerous for puppies, kittens, and elderly pets. If your pet has vomited multiple times in a short period or has severe diarrhea, especially if accompanied by blood or other signs, seek prompt veterinary care.

3. Unresponsiveness

If your pet is unusually lethargic, disoriented, or failing to respond to your voice or commands, they may be experiencing a serious health issue, such as poisoning, stroke, heatstroke, or shock, that requires immediate attention. Unresponsive or otherwise mentally altered pets should be taken to the nearest veterinary emergency center for rapid diagnosis and treatment.

4. Seizures

Seeing your pet have a seizure can be alarming, especially if they’ve never had one before. Seizures may involve uncontrollable shaking, drooling, tremors, or losing consciousness. If your pet is having a seizure, stay calm, and ensure they’re in a safe space where they can’t injure themselves. Avoid putting your hands near their mouth, as they may accidentally bite. As soon as the seizure ends, immediately contact your veterinarian.

5. Bleeding or injury

Visible bleeding or known trauma, such as being hit by a car or falling from a height, should be addressed immediately. Your pet may act normally, but they may have internal injuries or shock may temporarily be shielding their pain. Seek immediate care to rule out a hidden emergency.

6. Sudden behavior changes

If your normally friendly pet suddenly becomes aggressive, excessively fearful, or unusually withdrawn, they may be sick or injured. Behavior and personality changes can signal pain or distress, and a full veterinary exam is necessary to determine its cause.

7. Swelling or bloating

Noticeable swelling, especially in the abdomen, can be a sign of serious pet emergency conditions, such as gastric dilation volvulus (GDV) or “bloat,” cancer, or internal bleeding. Sudden swelling or bloating warrants immediate veterinary care, especially if accompanied by other signs, such as weakness, pale gums, or retching.

8. Pale or discolored gums

Unusual gum color in pets can indicate shock, anemia, or poor circulation. Color changes, such as blue, grey, white, or purple, often indicate a lack of oxygenated blood reaching the gums, which can be caused by internal bleeding, heart disease, or respiratory issues. Seek immediate veterinary attention if you notice your pet’s gums are an abnormal color.

9. Eye injuries

Eye injuries characterized by redness, swelling, dislocation, or visible damage can indicate serious issues and require immediate attention. Eye injuries may result from trauma, foreign objects such as seeds or splinters, or infections and can lead to vision loss or further complications. If your pet has signs of an eye injury, such as squinting, excessive tearing, bulging, or visible foreign material, seek emergency care.

10. Paralysis or extreme weakness

Sudden weakness or paralysis in pets, which can be caused by neurologic conditions, spinal injuries, or severe metabolic imbalance caused by a toxin, are always an emergency. Mobility loss and incoordination are time-sensitive conditions that require immediate intervention to preserve the pet’s nerve function and mobility.

Although being aware of these common pet emergency signs is important, remember that not every behavior change is an emergency. Staying calm and composed during a potential emergency protects your pet from additional stress and anxiety and helps you make timely decisions. However, if you’re concerned about your pet’s health for any reason, err on the side of caution and contact your AAHA-accredited veterinarian or the nearest pet emergency center.