Common Pet Emergencies and How To Respond

If you’re not sure what to do, contact your vet right away!

Read Time: 5 minutes

Pet emergencies can happen suddenly and require immediate attention. Recognizing the most common emergencies can help you act quickly and get your pet the care they need. Here are some of the most frequent pet emergencies that veterinarians encounter:

Difficulty Breathing

Breathing problems can be caused by allergies, infections, heart disease, or airway obstructions. Signs include wheezing, excessive panting, blue gums, or gasping for air.

What To Do:

• Keep your pet calm and avoid unnecessary stress.
• Check if something is blocking their airway, but do not force anything into their mouth.
• If your pet has collapsed or is struggling to breathe, transport them to the nearest emergency vet immediately.

Severe Bleeding or Trauma

Serious wounds from accidents, fights, or falls can result in uncontrolled bleeding or internal injuries.

What To Do:

• Apply firm pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage to slow bleeding.
• If possible, elevate the injured area to reduce blood flow.
• Keep your pet as still as possible to prevent further injury.
• Seek veterinary care immediately.

Seizures

Seizures may be caused by epilepsy, poisoning, or underlying neurological conditions.

What To Do:

• Do not attempt to restrain your pet or put anything in their mouth.
• Move objects away to prevent injury.
• Time the seizure—if it lasts longer than 2-3 minutes or happens repeatedly, seek emergency care.
• Once the seizure ends, keep your pet in a quiet, dark place and call your vet.

Ingestion of Toxic Substances

Pets often ingest harmful foods, household chemicals, or plants. Common toxins include chocolate, grapes, onions, xylitol (for dogs), and lilies or antifreeze (for cats).

What To Do:

• Call your veterinarian or a poison control center immediately:
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
• Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet.
• If possible, bring the packaging or a sample of the substance with you to the vet.

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, GDV)

This life-threatening condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow.

What To Do:

• Do not attempt to give your pet food or water.
• Keep them as calm and still as possible.
• Get to an emergency veterinary clinic immediately—GDV requires urgent surgery to save your pet’s life.

Difficulty Urinating

Struggling to urinate, crying in pain, or a complete inability to urinate is a major concern, especially for male cats.

What To Do:

• Do not wait—urinary blockages can be fatal within hours.
• Keep your pet comfortable and avoid stress.
• Take your pet to an emergency vet immediately for evaluation and treatment.

Eye Injuries

Eye trauma, sudden blindness, or swollen, red eyes require immediate evaluation.

What To Do:

• Do not allow your pet to scratch or rub the affected eye.
• Avoid trying to flush the eye unless instructed by a vet.
• Keep your pet calm and transport them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Repeated Vomiting or Diarrhea

One episode may not be serious, but persistent vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration and other complications.

What To Do:

• Remove access to food for a few hours but provide fresh water.
• Monitor for signs of lethargy, dehydration, or blood in vomit/stool.
• If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours or worsen, take your pet to the vet.

Heatstroke

Overheating in pets, especially in hot weather or confined spaces like cars, can cause organ failure and life-threatening complications.

What To Do:

• Move your pet to a cool, shaded area immediately.
• Offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to prevent shock.
• Use a fan or damp cloths on their paws, belly, and ears to help lower body temperature.
• Do not submerge your pet in ice water—this can cause shock.
• Monitor for symptoms such as excessive panting, weakness, or collapse.
• Seek emergency vet care as soon as possible, even if your pet seems to improve.

When To Seek Emergency Care

If your pet experiences any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately. Quick action can save your pet’s life and prevent complications. If in doubt, always seek medical advice—better safe than sorry!

Contact Dr. Phillips Animal Hospital for Emergency Care

Your pet’s health and safety are our top priority. If you have any questions about pet emergencies or need immediate assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced veterinary team.

We’re here to provide expert care and guidance whenever you need us.

Call us now: (407) 352-2579

Visit us: 7600 Dr Phillips Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819

Contact us: Visit our contact page