Symptoms · 9 entries
Pet emergencies: signs that mean go to a vet now
The symptoms where minutes matter. If you see one, call ahead and go.
How we chose: Symptoms we classify as emergencies.
- Bloated stomach in dogsA swollen, tight belly with unproductive retching can mean gastric dilatation-volvulus — the stomach fills with gas and twists. It is one…
- Cat breathing with mouth openCats rarely pant. Apart from a brief pant after very hard play or a stressful car journey that stops within a minute…
- Cat straining to peeA cat that is straining in the litter tray and producing little or no urine may have a blocked urethra. It is…
- Dog collapseA dog that collapses — even if they get up a few seconds later — needs to see a vet straight away.…
- Dog wobbly or off balanceA dog that suddenly stumbles, tilts the head, walks in circles or looks drunk needs a vet the same day. Causes range…
- Fast breathing at restFast or effortful breathing while resting is an emergency, and so is any open-mouth breathing in a cat. Go to a vet…
- Heatstroke in dogsHeavy panting, drooling, wobbliness or collapse in warm weather can be heatstroke. Start cooling your dog with cool (not ice-cold) water and…
- Pale gumsHealthy gums are bubble-gum pink. Pale, white or grey gums can mean blood loss, shock or severe anaemia, and are an emergency…
- Seizures in dogs and catsA seizure lasting more than five minutes, or several close together, is an emergency. After a single short seizure, keep your pet…
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Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts