One of the hardest calls a pet owner has to make is deciding whether a symptom is serious enough to go to an emergency vet — especially after hours, on a weekend, or when you’re already stressed. When in doubt, the answer is almost always: come in.
That said, some symptoms should never be a judgment call. If your pet is showing any of the following signs, go to the nearest AVS emergency location immediately. Walk-ins are always welcome — no appointment is necessary.
Labored breathing, open-mouth breathing in a cat, blue or gray gums, or visible chest heaving are all signs of a respiratory emergency. Do not wait.
If your pet collapses, seems suddenly weak, or cannot get up, this may indicate a cardiac event, neurological issue, or internal bleeding. All require immediate evaluation.
Wounds that won’t stop bleeding after 5 minutes of firm pressure, or any bleeding from the nose, mouth, or rectum that appears suddenly and without obvious cause.
If you know or suspect your pet has eaten a toxic plant, human medication, household chemical, xylitol, grapes, raisins, or any other known toxin — go immediately. Symptoms may not appear right away, and early treatment is critical.
A single brief seizure in a pet with a known seizure disorder may or may not require emergency care — but a first-time seizure, a seizure lasting longer than two minutes, or multiple seizures in a short period always do.
Occasional vomiting isn’t always an emergency. But repeated vomiting, vomiting with blood, or diarrhea that is bloody or black can signal a serious internal condition.
This is especially urgent in male cats. A urinary blockage can become life-threatening within hours. If your pet is going to the litter box repeatedly with little to no output, or crying while attempting to urinate, treat it as an emergency.
Eye injuries can deteriorate rapidly. Scratched corneas, sudden cloudiness, a visible foreign object in the eye, or a pet pawing at their eye in obvious pain all warrant emergency evaluation.
Healthy gums are pink and moist. Pale, white, or bluish gums indicate that your pet isn’t getting enough oxygen or that there may be blood loss or circulatory failure occurring.
If your pet has been hit by a car, fallen from a height, or suffered another traumatic injury — even if they seem okay — internal injuries may not be immediately visible. Get them evaluated.
You know your pet better than anyone. If something feels wrong — even if you can’t fully articulate why — trust that instinct. Our emergency team would always rather see your pet and rule out a serious condition than have you wait at home wondering.
No appointment necessary. ER vet on staff at all times. Visit one of our locations near you.
