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.
Why It’s an Emergency:
Lack of oxygen can be life-threatening within minutes. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
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.
Why It’s an Emergency:
Severe blood loss or internal injuries can quickly become fatal without prompt treatment.
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.
Why It’s an Emergency:
If seizures last longer than a few minutes or occur in clusters, immediate medical intervention is required.
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).
Why It’s an Emergency:
Some toxins can cause organ failure, seizures, or death if not treated immediately.
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.
Why It’s an Emergency:
GDV progresses rapidly and requires emergency surgery to prevent death.
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.
Why It’s an Emergency:
A urinary blockage can lead to kidney failure and fatal toxin buildup in the bloodstream within hours.
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.
Why It’s an Emergency:
Eye injuries can worsen quickly and may result in permanent blindness if not treated promptly.
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.
Why It’s an Emergency:
Severe or prolonged cases can indicate poisoning, infections, or internal issues that require urgent care.
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.
Why It’s an Emergency:
Heatstroke can be fatal if body temperature isn’t lowered quickly. Immediate cooling and veterinary care are essential.
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.
As much as we consider our pets members of the family, they can’t tell us when something’s wrong like a human family member can. That’s why it’s so crucial for pet owners to recognize the signs of a health emergency in their pets so that they can get them the veterinary care they need as quickly as possible.
Signs Your Pet May Need Emergency Veterinary Care
Some pet emergencies are easy to spot. For example, an obvious external injury from an accident would be easy to see and would clearly require a visit to the emergency vet. However, not all emergencies are readily visible and while there are some signs you can keep an eye out for, not every emergency will be the same or even show the same symptoms. Ultimately, you know your pet best and if you’re worried about your furry family member for any reason, don’t hesitate to call your vet.
The most common signs of a pet emergency can include:
Difficulty Breathing
If your pet is gasping, wheezing, or struggling to breathe, this could indicate a serious issue such as a respiratory infection, obstruction, or allergic reaction. Labored breathing is always a red flag and requires immediate veterinary attention.
Excessive Vomiting or Diarrhea
While occasional vomiting or diarrhea isn’t uncommon, frequent episodes—especially if they contain blood or are accompanied by lethargy—can signal poisoning, infection, or gastrointestinal obstruction.
Sudden Collapse or Inability To Stand
A sudden loss of mobility, collapse, or extreme weakness could point to a range of emergencies, including heart issues, seizures, or severe dehydration.
Uncontrolled Bleeding
Bleeding that doesn’t stop after applying pressure for a few minutes is a serious concern. Severe wounds, internal bleeding, or trauma may require immediate surgical intervention.
Seizures
A seizure can appear as uncontrolled shaking, drooling, or disorientation. If your pet has a seizure lasting more than a few minutes or experiences multiple seizures in a row, seek emergency care immediately.
Swollen Abdomen
A bloated or swollen abdomen, especially if accompanied by restlessness or unsuccessful attempts to vomit, can indicate bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), a life-threatening condition that requires emergency surgery.
Signs of Pain or Distress
Crying, whimpering, limping, or abnormal postures could indicate your pet is in severe pain. Pets often hide their discomfort, so visible signs should not be ignored.
Ingestion of Toxins
If your pet has consumed something toxic, such as chocolate, antifreeze, medication, or plants like lilies, immediate action is essential. Bring the packaging or a sample of the toxin to the vet if possible.
Eye Injuries or Sudden Vision Loss
Injuries to the eyes or signs of sudden blindness, such as bumping into objects, squinting, or visible damage, require prompt evaluation to prevent permanent damage.
Difficulty Urinating or Defecating
Straining, crying, or inability to urinate or defecate can indicate a blockage or severe infection. In male cats especially, urinary blockages can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
What To Do in a Pet Emergency
If you suspect your pet is experiencing an emergency, acting quickly and calmly can make a significant difference in their outcome. Here’s what you should do step by step:
Step 1
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Your pet may be in distress, and animals can pick up on their owner’s emotions. Staying as calm as possible will help you make clear decisions and keep your pet from becoming more anxious. Start by checking your pet’s breathing, responsiveness, and overall condition. Look for any obvious injuries, bleeding, vomiting, or signs of pain. If your pet is unconscious, non-responsive, or struggling to breathe, treat it as an emergency.
Contact Your Veterinarian or Emergency Animal Clinic
Call your vet or the nearest emergency animal hospital before heading in. This allows them to prepare for your pet’s arrival and provide immediate advice for first aid or transport. Be ready to provide details such as:
Your pet’s species, breed, age, and weight
A description of symptoms or injuries
Any known exposure to toxins or trauma
How long the symptoms have been occurring
Your estimated time of arrival
If your regular vet is closed, find the nearest 24-hour emergency vet hospital or contact a pet poison control center:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (fees may apply)
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply)
Tip:
Save your vet’s emergency number and the nearest 24-hour clinic in your phone for quick access.
Step 3
Perform First Aid if Necessary
While waiting to reach the vet, you may need to administer first aid to stabilize your pet. Here are some basic emergency care steps:
If Your Pet Is Bleeding:
Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage to stop the bleeding.
Keep the area elevated if possible.
Avoid using tourniquets unless advised by a vet.
If Your Pet Is Choking:
Open their mouth carefully and look for any visible obstruction.
If you see an object, gently remove it using tweezers or your fingers (but do not push it further in).
If your pet is still choking, perform pet CPR or the Heimlich maneuver for pets (seek veterinary guidance immediately).
If Your Pet Is Having a Seizure:
Do not restrain them. Move objects away to prevent injury.
Keep the area quiet and dimly lit.
Time the seizure—if it lasts more than 2-3 minutes or happens repeatedly, seek immediate care.
If Your Pet Has Ingested a Toxin:
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet.
Bring the packaging of the toxin with you to the vet.
Tip:
Keep a pet first aid kit at home, including bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and activated charcoal.
Step 4
Transport Your Pet Safely
Moving an injured or sick pet should be done with care to avoid further injury or distress. Depending on the severity of the emergency, follow these guidelines:
For Small Pets (Cats, Small Dogs): Place them in a secure, well-ventilated carrier lined with soft towels.
For Large Dogs: Use a blanket as a makeshift stretcher if they are unable to walk.
For Fractures or Severe Injuries: Keep movement to a minimum—support broken limbs as much as possible without applying pressure.
Always drive carefully—rushing can put both you and your pet in further danger.
Tip:
Keep a towel or blanket in your car to help transport injured pets safely.
Step 5
Be Prepared for Veterinary Evaluation
Once you arrive at the vet, the team will perform an immediate assessment and may ask for further details about your pet’s history, symptoms, or any first aid you provided. Possible treatments include:
Oxygen support for breathing difficulties
IV fluids for dehydration or shock
Surgery for trauma or internal injuries
Medications to manage pain, seizures, or poisoning
Tip:
Keep a copy of your pet’s medical history and vaccination records easily accessible in case of emergency.
Step 6
How to Be Prepared for Future Emergencies
Emergencies can happen unexpectedly, but being prepared can make a difference.
Keep Emergency Contact Info Handy: Save your vet’s number and the closest emergency clinic’s information in your phone.
Have a Pet First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tweezers, a digital thermometer, activated charcoal, and your pet’s medical records.
Know Basic Pet CPR and First Aid: Learning these skills can help you act fast in critical situations.
Monitor Your Pet’s Behavior Daily: Subtle changes in appetite, energy levels, or bathroom habits can sometimes indicate early health problems.
Tip:
Take a pet first aid course to gain hands-on knowledge of emergency care for your pet.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off about your pet’s condition, do not wait—it’s always better to get them checked out than risk delaying treatment. Early intervention can mean the difference between life and death in many cases.
Questions about emergency care or need immediate assistance?
Learn what different shades mean and when to seek urgent veterinary care to keep your pet healthy
Read Time: 4 minutes
Learn what different shades mean and when to seek urgent veterinary care to keep your pet healthy.
Your dog’s gums can tell you a lot about their health. While many pet owners focus on fur, weight, and appetite, gum color is an often overlooked indicator that can reveal serious underlying conditions. Understanding what the color of your dog’s gums means is crucial for ensuring they remain in optimal health.
What the Color of Your Dog’s Gums Mean
Normal Gum Color
Healthy gums are typically pink in color, similar to the shade of bubble gum. This pink hue indicates good circulation and a healthy heart. When you press on your dog’s gums, they should briefly turn white but return to pink within two seconds. This process, known as capillary refill time, is a quick way to check your dog’s circulatory health.
Key points about normal gum color:
Healthy pink color
Quick capillary refill time
Smooth and moist texture
If your dog’s gums exhibit these characteristics, it’s a good sign they’re in good health. However, any deviations from this standard could indicate a problem.
Worried about your dog’s gum color?
Keep your pet’s health in check with regular dental exams at Dr. Phillips Animal Hospital.
Pale or white gums are often a sign of anemia or shock, both of which can be life-threatening. Anemia occurs when your dog’s body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen, leading to a lack of color in the gums. Shock, on the other hand, can cause poor blood circulation, resulting in pale gums.
Signs associated with pale or white gums:
Lethargy or weakness
Rapid breathing
Cold extremities
If you notice your dog’s gums are pale or white, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately. Anemia and shock are medical emergencies that require prompt treatment.
Blue or Purple Gums
Blue or purple gums, also known as cyanosis, indicate a lack of oxygen in your dog’s blood. This condition can be caused by respiratory or cardiovascular issues. If your dog has difficulty breathing, a blue tint in their gums may appear, signaling that their body is not getting enough oxygen.
Common causes of cyanosis:
Respiratory distress
Heart disease
Blocked airways
Cyanosis is a serious condition that requires immediate attention. If your dog’s gums turn blue or purple, contact Dr. Phillips Animal Hospital right away for emergency care.
Red or Bright Pink Gums
While pink is the normal color for healthy gums, an intense red or bright pink shade can indicate inflammation, infection, or heatstroke. Inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis, is a common dental issue in dogs that can lead to more severe health problems if left untreated.
Symptoms that accompany red or bright pink gums:
Bad breath
Swollen or bleeding gums
Excessive panting
If you notice your dog’s gums are unusually red or pink, it’s time for a dental check-up. Dr. Phillips Animal Hospital offers comprehensive dental care to keep your dog’s mouth healthy and pain-free.
Yellow Gums
Yellow gums are a sign of jaundice, which occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin in your dog’s blood. This can be due to liver disease, gallbladder issues, or hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells break down faster than they can be produced.
Potential causes of jaundice:
Liver disease
Gallbladder obstruction
Hemolytic anemia
Yellow gums are a clear indication that your dog needs immediate veterinary care. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in managing liver-related conditions.
Brown or Black Gums
Some dogs naturally have darker pigmentation in their gums, which can be completely normal. However, if your dog’s gums suddenly develop brown or black spots, however, it could be a sign of melanoma, a type of cancer. This is more common in breeds with naturally darker gums but can occur in any dog.
When to be concerned about dark gums:
Sudden appearance of spots or patches
Changes in the size or shape of existing spots
Other symptoms like swelling or bleeding
If you notice any unusual changes in your dog’s gums, it’s important to have them checked out by a veterinarian who can provide a thorough examination to determine if these changes are benign or if further testing is needed.
Conclusion
Your dog’s gum color is more than just a cosmetic feature—it’s a vital sign of their overall health. By regularly checking your dog’s gums and knowing what different colors mean, you can catch potential health issues early and ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy.
Remember:
Normal gums should be pink and moist.
Pale, blue, red, yellow, or dark gums require immediate attention.
Learn the steps to take when your dog is wheezing, its potential causes, when to seek veterinary care, and tips for minimizing wheezing.
Read Time: 6 minutes
If you’ve ever heard your dog wheezing, you know how concerning it can be. That high-pitched, whistling sound can signal various issues, from mild irritants to serious health problems. Knowing how to respond effectively can make a big difference in your dog’s health and comfort. It’s important to understand the steps to take when your dog is wheezing, the potential causes, when to seek veterinary care, and tips for minimizing wheezing.
When your dog is wheezing, it’s vital to identify the cause and take appropriate action:
Steps To Take if Your Dog Is Wheezing
Stay Calm and Observe: Keep your dog calm and monitor their breathing. Note any other symptoms like coughing, gagging, or lethargy.
Check for Obstructions: Look inside your dog’s mouth and throat for any visible obstructions. If you can safely remove it, do so. Otherwise, seek veterinary help immediately.
Assess the Environment: Identify any recent changes in your dog’s environment that could trigger wheezing, such as new cleaning products, air fresheners, or pollen.
Provide Fresh Air: Ensure your dog is in a well-ventilated area with fresh air. Avoid smoky or dusty environments.
Hydrate: Offer your dog water to drink, as staying hydrated can help clear the airways.
What Does Wheezing Sound Like?
Wheezing is characterized by a high-pitched whistling or hissing sound when your dog breathes, particularly during exhalation. It often indicates a restriction or inflammation in the airways.
When Wheezing Might Resolve on Its Own
Your dog’s wheezing can sometimes go away on its own when it’s caused by:
Mild Allergic Reactions: Temporary exposure to allergens like pollen or dust may cause brief wheezing that resolves once the allergen is removed.
Minor Respiratory Irritation: Inhalation of mild irritants, such as a small amount of smoke or perfume, can lead to temporary wheezing that goes away as the airways clear.
Short-term Illness: Viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections can cause wheezing that improves as your dog recovers.
When To Take Your Dog to the Vet
Taking your dog to the vet or emergency vet hospital if they are wheezing is important and may save their life. Veterinarians can give an accurate diagnosis, provide appropriate treatment, prevent complications, offer preventative advice, monitor and follow up with your dog’s progress, and adjust treatment when necessary.
Persistent Wheezing: If wheezing persists for more than a few minutes or occurs frequently
Difficulty Breathing: If your dog struggles to breathe due to a collapsed trachea (common in small breeds) or has blue-tinged gums
Accompanying Symptoms: If wheezing is accompanied by coughing, gagging, lethargy, or loss of appetite
Obstruction: If you suspect an obstruction by a foreign object that you cannot safely remove
Known Allergies or Asthma: If your dog has a history of respiratory issues, consult your vet immediately
Early intervention can prevent any of the listed above from worsening. Respiratory issues can escalate quickly, leading to breathing difficulties or secondary infections. Consulting with your local veterinarian can also give you and your family peace of mind by having a professional management plan and knowing your dog is receiving the best care possible.
Is Your Dog’s Breathing Making You Worried?
Don’t wait to see a vet if your dog’s breathing does not resolve in a short period of time. Our team at Dr. Phillips Animal Hospital is here to help!
Whether an underlying health issue causes your dog’s wheezing or you’ve noticed a one-time occurrence, we recommend understanding triggers that can initiate wheezing. This will help you be more aware of what is around you and how to pivot and solve any issues readily.
Allergens
Seasonal Pollen: Spring and fall
Dust Mites: Found in bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture
Mold Spores: Present in damp areas that do not dry quickly
Smoke: From tobacco, bonfires, fireplaces, or even cooking
Irritants
Cleaning Products: Strong chemicals and sprays
Air Fresheners: Scented candles, plug-ins, and sprays
Perfumes: Strong scents can irritate the airways
Health Conditions
Asthma: Inflammation of the airways
Bronchitis: Infection or chronic inflammation
Cancer: Lymph nodes in the back of the throat can enlarge as time goes on
Heart Disease: This can cause fluid buildup in the lungs
Infections: Any bacterial, viral, parasitic, or fungal infections can irritate the respiratory tract
Physical Obstructions
Foreign Objects: Toys, food particles, or other small objects are lodged in the back of your dog’s larynx
Collapsed Trachea: This is a common occurrence in small breeds
Need some more help? Our Pet Health Checker can help you determine whether going to the vet is crucial or if you should continue monitoring your dog’s symptoms at home.
Concerned About Your Dog’s Health?
We’re here to help! Give us a call to make an appointment or ask questions over the phone.
Though it is not as common for dogs to have allergies like seasonal allergies as it is for humans, dogs can still be prone to them. Here are a few preventative measures you can take to reduce the risk of wheezing:
Regular Cleaning: Keep your home clean and free of dust and mold.
Air Filters: Use HEPA filters to reduce airborne allergens.
Non-Toxic Cleaners: Use pet-safe cleaning products.
Smoke-Free Environment: Avoid smoking near your pet.
Before trying home remedies, we recommend consulting with your vet before trying holistic solutions to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your dog’s specific condition.
Steam Therapy: Bring your dog into the bathroom while you run a hot shower to create steam. This can help open up the airways.
Humidifier: Use a humidifier in your home to maintain moisture in the air, which can help soothe irritated airways.
Honey: A small amount can soothe the throat and reduce coughing (consult your vet for appropriate dosing).
Herbal Remedies: Herbal supplements like licorice root or mullein can help reduce inflammation (consult your vet before use).
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Ensure your dog is at a healthy weight, as obesity can exacerbate respiratory issues.
You Can Count on Dr. Phillips Animal Hospital for Aid
Understanding the triggers and appropriate responses to your dog’s wheezing can help you ensure they stay healthy and keep their tails wagging. Certain wheezing circumstances may resolve on their own, but it’s crucial to know when to seek professional help. A clean environment and being proactive with your dog’s health can minimize the chances of wheezing and other respiratory issues. If your dog’s wheezing persists or you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Phillips Animal Hospital for help. Your dog’s well-being is worth the effort!
For more tips on keeping your pet healthy and happy, visit our website or contact us at (407) 352-2579. We’re here to help you and your furry friend every step of the way.
Witnessing your dog having a seizure can be a frightening and stressful experience. This is why knowing the appropriate steps to take can help you stay calm and offer your pet the best care during the episode.
Whether your dog’s distress is due to choking, near drowning, or sudden cardiac arrest, knowing how to perform CPR on your pet can make a significant difference in their chances of survival.
We know that cats are more than just pets; they’re members of our family. Cats bring joy, comfort, and companionship into our lives, and as cat owners, we want to ensure their happiness and well-being.
It can be concerning when you reach to give your animal a pet and suddenly grab a chunk of hair. While many pets shed, if there is extreme hair loss that doesn’t seem to go away, it could be a symptom of a disease.
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