We know you love your pet like they are family, and the truth is, if you are worried about anything your pet is experiencing, it is safest to have your veterinarian check them out to make sure everything is alright. We are always happy to help and would rather be safe than sorry. 

However, there are some definite cases where your pet needs to be seen sooner rather than later. If your dog or cat is experiencing any of the following nine signs, please give us a call immediately. While these emergencies can be stressful and worrisome, many are treatable with appropriate, top-quality veterinary care.

1. Trouble Urinating

We most often consider this to be an emergency of male cats, but this particular condition can happen in both dogs and cats, as well as males and females. There are many reasons why a pet may become unable to urinate, but regardless of the cause, if this condition is not addressed immediately, it can lead to eventual bladder rupture, dangerous electrolyte imbalances, and potentially permanent damage to the kidneys.

Warning signs to watch for:

  • Frequent trips outside or to the litter box
  • Posturing to urinate repeatedly with little to no output
  • Moving from spot to spot while attempting to urinate
  • Urine that contains blood or mucous (though it may look normal)
  • Vocalization during urination attempts due to pain
  • Some pet parents confuse these signs with constipation

If you are noticing any of these signs, the safest thing to do is to bring your pet to the veterinarian (within the same day). An emergency catheter placement and other treatments to help treat any ongoing kidney or electrolyte issues may be needed. 

There are several reasons a dog or cat may not be able to urinate, and our veterinarians will probably recommend diagnostics to determine the exact cause. The good news is that if caught early, many patients make a full recovery.

2. Collapse

This occurs when a dog or cat becomes so weak that they lose the ability to stand. A dog or cat can collapse for many reasons, and most of them can be life-threatening, including heart or lung disease, internal bleeding, disorders affecting the brain, or large fluctuations in blood pressure, temperature, blood sugar, or electrolytes.

Often, sorting through the causes will require a thorough exam by a veterinarian as well as some additional testing. Time is certainly of the essence, and it is recommended to call your vet immediately after noticing a collapse episode. Several of these conditions are treatable once the underlying cause is found.

3. Difficulty Breathing

Both dogs and cats can experience difficulty breathing. In the early phases, this may be a little challenging to detect, but in more advanced stages, it can be quite scary to witness.

Early warning signs:

  • Increased breathing rate (more than 30 breaths per minute) even when resting
  • For cats: panting or open-mouth breathing when not excited or exerted
  • Labored breathing or increased effort to breathe
  • Shallow breathing or irregular breathing patterns

Advanced warning signs (require immediate attention):

  • Gasping for air
  • Collapse or inability to settle comfortably
  • Extended neck position to try to breathe more easily
  • Loud coughing, gagging, or wheezing noises
  • Blue-tinged lips and gums (a sign of oxygen deprivation)

It is important to call your vet immediately if any of these things are occurring, as they can be life-threatening. There may be several causes, such as heart disease, lung disease, trauma, toxin exposure, or severe bleeding, but your veterinarian can help you distinguish between these conditions and recommend the right course of action.

4. Repeated Vomiting

Just like their human counterparts, some pets have more sensitive stomachs than others, so the random single episode of vomiting may not constitute an emergency. However, for any pet that has repeated (more than 1-2 episodes) vomiting or who tries to vomit, but can’t, this should be treated seriously.

Abnormal contents of the vomit, such as blood, can also be very concerning. Everything from foreign objects to toxin exposure can cause vomiting, and most of these conditions can quickly lead to dehydration and severe or permanent damage to the stomach or intestines.

5. Bloating

Most people classically associate bloating with the condition GDV (gastric dilatation volvulus) that occurs in large breed dogs, where the stomach literally flips on itself. This is one of the diseases where you may see the abdomen distend and bow outwards as the stomach becomes more and more full of air until it eventually ruptures. This disease is life-threatening, worsens very quickly, and is a true emergency.

If you suspect your pet may be experiencing this, it is best to call your veterinarian immediately. However, bloating can also be used to describe any disease that causes the abdomen to distend, and may affect dogs or cats of any size. Some other reasons why this might occur would be fluid accumulating from heart disease, bleeding, liver disease, or cancer. While some of these may be slightly less time sensitive, they are all serious conditions, and it is safest to have your pet checked out quickly.

6. Bleeding

A small scrape here or scratch there may not warrant an emergency, but more profuse bleeding, especially from the nose or mouth, or in vomit, urine, or stool, can indicate serious disease.

Signs of external bleeding:

  • Obvious blood from wounds, nose, or mouth
  • Blood in vomit, urine, or stool
  • Persistent bleeding that doesn’t stop within a few minutes
  • Large amounts of blood loss

Signs of potential internal bleeding:

  • Bruising on the skin or paws appearing without obvious injury
  • Bloating or swelling of the abdomen
  • Weakness, lethargy, or collapse
  • Pale gums (healthy gums should be pink, not white or pale)
  • Rapid breathing or increased heart rate

While trauma may occur before bleeding, it is not always necessary. Toxin exposure, such as rodent poison, immune diseases, infections, and cancer, can all cause bleeding without warning. Once again, time is critical. 

Depending on the amount of blood loss, things can get worse quickly. In the hospital setting, your veterinarian can help you get to the bottom of what is going on while also administering transfusions or other therapy needed to compensate for any blood loss that has already occurred.

7. Swelling of the Face or Neck

If you are noticing swelling of the muzzle, neck, or head, this is a good reason to call your veterinarian immediately. The fear is that if the swelling continues to worsen, it may make it difficult or impossible for your pet to breathe.

Often this is the result of an allergic/anaphylactic reaction, but may also be due to very serious conditions such as snake bites. In the Tampa area, we occasionally see bites from rattlesnakes or water moccasins (cottonmouths). Either way, the safest thing to do is to have your veterinarian perform an exam and monitor closely to ensure the swelling does not become life-threatening.

8. Seizures

If you have ever witnessed a seizure, it can be quite scary to watch. Depending on the type of seizure, they may range from small isolated tremors to full, uncontrollable contractions of the whole body and loss of consciousness.

One of the important things to do if you see a pet having a seizure is to ensure they are not in an area where they may injure themselves, such as high up on a bed or near a pool or stairs. Always keep your safety in mind first, but try to gently relocate your pet or at least guard them if they are dangerously close to one of these spaces. You may also attempt to put a pillow or blanket under their head. Do not attempt to touch or control their mouth.

If seizures persist for too long or happen in a back-to-back nature (cluster seizures), they can cause permanent brain damage or cause the body temperature to elevate to dangerous levels. This is why it is important to visit the veterinarian immediately when a seizure is noted.

Pets can have epilepsy, much like people do, but many other, more serious causes of seizures would require treatment right away. Some of these are toxins, liver or kidney disease, low blood sugar levels, infections/meningitis, head trauma, or cancer. Depending on your pet’s age and history, your vet may recommend certain tests to help determine why the seizures are occurring.

Even if it is determined to likely be epilepsy, there are several medications your vet can prescribe to help reduce the frequency or severity of seizures your pet experiences. If your pet has been experiencing long seizures or back-to-back seizures, they may need to stay in the hospital for a bit to get injectable medications to help control the seizures quickly.

9. Major Trauma

If your pet has just experienced a major accident, such as being hit by a car, falling from a high location, or blunt force trauma, it is always best to have them examined by a veterinarian right away. It is possible for your pet to be able to get up and walk away after this type of injury, yet still have serious internal damage that could be life-threatening.

A similar phenomenon occurs in people. There is often a spike in chemicals like epinephrine during these situations that will make a pet “feel fine” temporarily, and this automatic response is designed to help animals and people quickly get away from the dangerous situation that caused this trauma. However, when those chemicals wear off, the pain and other symptoms quickly set in, putting your pet in a scary and uncomfortable state.

Some forms of internal organ damage may take hours to show signs, but by then, precious time has been lost. That’s why it is always safer to have your pet examined by the veterinarian.

Depending on the type of trauma and what the veterinarian sees, further testing such as x-rays, ultrasound, and bloodwork may be needed to evaluate how your pet is doing internally. At the very least, your veterinarian will help your pet manage any pain they are experiencing from the event.

Conclusion: Your Pet’s Health Is Our Priority

When it comes to your beloved companion’s health, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. The nine emergency signs we’ve discussed all require immediate veterinary attention:

  • Trouble urinating: Difficulty or inability to pass urine
  • Collapse: Sudden inability to stand or weakness
  • Breathing difficulties: Labored or rapid breathing
  • Repeated vomiting: Multiple episodes or unsuccessful attempts
  • Bloating: Distended abdomen, especially in large breed dogs
  • Bleeding: External or signs of internal bleeding
  • Facial swelling: Swelling of the muzzle, neck, or head
  • Seizures: From mild tremors to full-body contractions
  • Major trauma: Accidents, falls, or blunt force injuries

Remember that many of these conditions are treatable when caught early, but can become life-threatening if ignored. As pet parents ourselves, we understand the worry and fear that comes with seeing your furry family member in distress. That’s why our compassionate team is here for you and your pet whenever you need us.

Don’t hesitate to call us immediately if you notice any of these warning signs. The West Park Animal Hospital is equipped to handle a wide range of emergency procedures, and we’ll guide you through every step of the process with care and expertise. Your pet’s well-being is our highest priority, and together, we can ensure they receive the prompt, quality care they deserve in their time of need.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Emergencies

How do I know if my pet’s situation is truly an emergency?

If your pet is showing any of the nine signs mentioned in this article—trouble urinating, collapse, breathing difficulties, repeated vomiting, bloating, bleeding, facial swelling, seizures, or has experienced trauma—these are definite emergencies. Additionally, if your pet is in obvious pain, has ingested something toxic, or you’re simply worried about their condition, it’s always better to call your veterinarian immediately rather than wait.

What should I do while transporting my pet to the emergency vet?

Stay calm, as your pet can sense your anxiety. For bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth. For seizures, remove objects that could cause injury and don’t restrain them. For trauma, move them as little as possible and use a flat surface like a board for transport. Call ahead to let the vet know you’re coming so they can prepare.

How can I tell if my cat is having trouble breathing?

Signs of breathing difficulties in cats include panting or open-mouth breathing (which is abnormal for cats unless they’re very stressed), rapid breathing (more than 30 breaths per minute at rest), flared nostrils, extended neck position, blue-tinged gums, or increased effort to breathe where you can see their chest and abdomen working harder than normal.

What constitutes “bloating” in my dog and how urgent is it?

Bloating, especially when associated with GDV (gastric dilatation volvulus) in dogs, appears as a visibly distended abdomen that may feel tight when touched. Your dog may appear uncomfortable, pace anxiously, attempt to vomit unsuccessfully, or have a hunched posture. This condition is extremely urgent—it’s a true life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention, as the stomach can twist and cut off blood supply.

If my pet has a seizure and it stops quickly, do I still need to see a vet?

Yes, even if the seizure is brief and your pet seems to recover quickly, you should still have them examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. First-time seizures always warrant an examination to determine the underlying cause, which could range from epilepsy to more serious conditions like poisoning, brain tumors, or organ dysfunction.

How can I prepare for a potential pet emergency?

Being prepared can make all the difference during a pet emergency. Here are the essential steps to take before an emergency occurs:

  • Important contacts: Keep your veterinarian’s phone number and the nearest emergency clinic number easily accessible
  • First aid supplies: Prepare a pet first aid kit and familiarize yourself with basic pet first aid techniques
  • Transportation plan: Know the quickest route to your vet and emergency clinic
  • Travel readiness: Keep a carrier or an appropriate transportation method readily available
  • Medical information: Maintain updated records of your pet’s medical history, medications, and vaccination status to share with emergency staff
  • Financial preparation: Consider pet insurance or set aside an emergency fund for unexpected veterinary expenses