When your pet becomes ill or gets hurt at night or on weekends, it can be hard to know whether to visit the emergency vet or wait until your regular vet opens. It can be a tough call, and it’s normal to be worried about making the right decision. On the one hand, better safe than sorry. But you may also be concerned about spending unnecessary time or money on a non-emergency.
Each case is different, but some symptoms are often signs of something serious that requires immediate care. If your pet is experiencing any of the following, head to an emergency clinic right away.
1. Breathing Issues
Labored breathing, gasping, choking, or open-mouth breathing (especially in cats) is always an emergency. Oxygen deprivation can cause serious damage within just minutes.
2. Collapse or Extreme Weakness
If your pet suddenly can’t stand, collapses, or seems completely unresponsive, something serious is happening. This could indicate internal bleeding, heart problems, or a neurological emergency.
3. Possible Poisoning
If you know or even think your pet may have eaten something toxic (medications, certain plants, household chemicals, or specific foods), don’t wait for a reaction. If you’re not sure how dangerous a substance is, you can first call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, and they can help you decide how to proceed.
4. Seizures
A single brief seizure can be scary, but it may not require immediate attention. In some cases, the best thing to do is see your regular vet as soon as possible. But if your pet has a seizure lasting over 2-3 minutes or multiple seizures in a short period, you should visit the emergency vet.
5. Bloated or distended abdomen
In dogs, especially, a hard, swollen belly combined with restlessness, drooling, and unproductive retching can signal gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening condition that can be fatal within hours if left untreated.
6. Trauma
Getting hit by a car, falling from height, or being attacked by an animal are all reasons you’d want to head to an emergency veterinarian ASAP. Even if it seems like your pet is ok, it’s best to confirm that there are no internal injuries.
7. Urination issues
A blocked bladder is an emergency, especially in cats. If your cat is straining in the litter box with little or no output, get to an emergency vet immediately.
When It’s OK to Wait
Not every symptom requires an ER visit. The following issues may be concerning, but can generally wait to be evaluated by your regular vet within a couple of days:
- A single episode of vomiting or diarrhea
- Mild limping with no swelling or obvious pain
- Small cuts or scrapes that aren’t actively bleeding
- Decreased appetite for less than 24 hours in a dog (less than 12–24 hours in a cat)
- Mild eye discharge without swelling or squinting
- Sneezing or a mild cough with no breathing difficulty
When in Doubt, Call
If you’re unsure, the best thing to do is call an emergency clinic and describe the situation and symptoms. A quick conversation with a veterinary professional can help you make the right call.
At Animal Emergency of Mokena, we’re always happy to help you decide what to do. We know your pet’s well-being is your top priority, but that you don’t want to spend unnecessary time or money visiting us if you don’t have to. That said, we err on the side of caution. So if there’s a chance your pet is in danger, we advise you to come in.
