When Should You Call an Emergency Vet? 13 Signs Not to Ignore

Pets can't tell you how they feel, and many hide pain until a problem is serious. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) publishes a list of 13 situations that need immediate veterinary consultation or care. If you see any of them, call an emergency vet or go straight in.

The AVMA's 13 animal emergencies

Severe bleeding, or bleeding that doesn't stop within five minutes
Choking, difficulty breathing, or nonstop coughing and gagging
Bleeding from the nose, mouth or rectum, coughing up blood, or blood in the urine
Inability to urinate or pass stool, or obvious pain when trying
Injuries to the eye or eyes
Known or suspected poisoning, such as antifreeze, xylitol, chocolate or rodent poison
Seizures or staggering
Fractured bones, severe lameness or inability to move a leg
Obvious signs of pain or extreme anxiety
Heat stress or heatstroke
Severe vomiting or diarrhea: more than two episodes in 24 hours, or combined with obvious illness or another item on this list
Refusal to drink for 24 hours or more
Unconsciousness

Emergencies that are easy to miss

Male cat straining in the litter box. It can look like constipation but may be a urinary blockage, which can become fatal within hours.
A large dog retching without bringing anything up, with a swollen belly. These are classic signs of bloat (GDV), which needs surgery fast.
Pale or blue gums. A sign of shock, blood loss or lack of oxygen.
Puppies with vomiting and bloody diarrhea, especially if not fully vaccinated, which can indicate parvovirus.
Lily exposure in cats. Even small amounts of some lilies can cause kidney failure.

Can you call an emergency vet for advice?

Yes. Calling is free and is often the fastest way to decide what to do. Staff can tell you whether to come in now, wait for your regular vet, or watch your pet at home, and they can give first-aid steps for the drive. For poisoning, you can also call the 24-hour ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435; ask about any consultation fee when you call. If your regular vet is open, call them first; many keep same-day slots for urgent cases.

Should you call before going to the emergency vet?

If you can, yes. Calling ahead lets the team prepare (for example, warming an oxygen cage or preparing for surgery), confirm they can take your type of pet, and tell you what to bring. Never delay for a call if your pet is not breathing, is bleeding heavily or is having repeated seizures; drive in and have someone call on the way.

What happens when you arrive

Emergency hospitals use triage: a technician quickly checks your pet's breathing, alertness and vital signs and assigns a priority. BluePearl describes three levels: life-threatening cases (poisoning, bloat, heavy bleeding, breathing problems, inability to urinate) are treated immediately; urgent cases (frequent vomiting, closed fractures, eye injuries) may wait; and stable cases (minor wounds, broken nails, sneezing) wait the longest. See how long emergency vet visits take.

What to bring

Your pet's medication list and medical history (or your regular vet's name)
The packaging of anything your pet swallowed
A leash or a secure carrier
A way to pay a deposit; see emergency vet costs

When it can probably wait for your regular vet

Mild limping with normal weight bearing, a single episode of vomiting in an otherwise bright pet, a minor scrape, or a small lump you just noticed can usually wait for a daytime appointment. If anything changes or gets worse, call.

Save the number of your nearest emergency hospital now. Find 24-hour and emergency veterinarians near you.

Sources

This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.

When Should You Call an Emergency Vet?