Why Emergency Awareness Matters

Recognizing a pet emergency can mean the difference between life and death. While some situations, like trauma or seizures, are obviously urgent, others—such as subtle changes in breathing or behavior—can be just as critical.

What Qualifies as a Pet Emergency?

A pet emergency is any life-threatening condition or sudden health crisis that requires immediate veterinary intervention. Some common emergencies include:

  • Severe trauma (hit by a car, fall from a height, deep wounds)
  • Difficulty breathing (panting excessively, blue gums, choking)
  • Seizures or sudden loss of consciousness
  • Uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea (risk of dehydration and shock)
  • Bloating with distress (could indicate gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs)
  • Difficulty urinating (especially in male cats—could indicate a life-threatening urinary blockage)
  • Neurological symptoms (staggering, head tilting, sudden blindness)
  • Excessive bleeding (from wounds or unexplained bleeding from nose, mouth, or rectum)

For a comprehensive guide on pet emergencies, visit the AAHA Pet Emergency Guide.

Signs Your Pet Needs Emergency Care

Respiratory Distress

If your pet is struggling to breathe, making choking noises, or showing signs of respiratory distress (open-mouth breathing, excessive coughing, pale or blue gums), seek veterinary care immediately. Causes can include:

  • Airway obstructions (toys, food, foreign objects)
  • Lung infections or pneumonia
  • Heart failure leading to fluid in the lungs

Without prompt intervention, breathing difficulties can lead to oxygen deprivation and organ failure. Read more about respiratory distress in pets.

Signs of Acute Pain or Injury

Injuries can range from minor scrapes to serious internal damage. Signs your pet is in pain include:

  • Limping or refusing to put weight on a leg
  • Whining, shaking, or excessive panting
  • Obvious wounds, swelling, or bruising

Fractures, deep wounds, and soft tissue injuries require immediate veterinary assessment to prevent chronic pain, infections, or loss of limb function.

Neurological Symptoms

Neurological issues can arise from seizures, toxin exposure, infections, or brain injuries. Seek urgent veterinary attention if your pet:

  • Has a seizure lasting more than 2 minutes
  • Shows difficulty walking or loss of coordination
  • Experiences sudden blindness or disorientation

Early intervention can prevent permanent damage or help diagnose conditions like epilepsy or brain tumors.

Gastrointestinal Emergencies

Pets experiencing severe digestive distress may develop dangerous complications like dehydration, internal bleeding, or blockages. Seek emergency care for:

  • Repeated vomiting or diarrhea for more than 12 hours
  • Blood in stool or vomit
  • A swollen or hard abdomen (potential sign of GDV or bloat in dogs)

Conditions like gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) progress rapidly and can be fatal within hours. If your dog’s stomach looks bloated and they are trying to vomit but producing nothing, go to the vet immediately.

Performing a Basic Emergency Exam at Home

Before heading to the vet, a quick at-home assessment can help determine the severity of your pet’s condition:

  • Check gum color: Pale or blue gums indicate shock or oxygen deprivation.
  • Measure heart rate: A rapid heartbeat may signal pain, dehydration, or internal bleeding.
  • Look for visible wounds or swelling: Internal injuries may not be obvious.

Understanding these early warning signs allows you to provide critical information to your vet during an emergency visit. For low-stress pet handling techniques, visit our guide.

What to Expect During an Emergency Visit

  • Triage assessment: The team will prioritize life-threatening conditions and stabilize your pet immediately.
  • Diagnostic testing: Bloodwork, X-rays, or ultrasounds help determine the underlying issue.
  • Treatment plan: Depending on the diagnosis, your pet may need IV fluids, medications, oxygen therapy, or surgery.

Knowing what to expect can help ease your stress during a crisis. 

How to Prepare for a Pet Emergency

Assemble a Pet First Aid Kit

A well-stocked emergency kit can buy valuable time before reaching the vet. Every pet owner should have a kit that includes:

  • Gauze and bandages – To control bleeding and stabilize wounds
  • Tweezers – For removing ticks, splinters, or debris
  • Antiseptic wipes – To clean minor wounds before veterinary care
  • Digital thermometer – To check for fever or hypothermia
  • Your vet’s contact information – Keep emergency numbers readily accessible

Keep Emergency Contacts Easily Accessible

In an emergency, every second counts. Prepare by:

  • Saving multiple local emergency vet contacts – If one clinic is at capacity, you’ll have backup options.
  • Researching emergency vet hospitals in places you travel – If you’re on vacation with your pet, know the nearest emergency facilities.
  • Keeping a physical list with your first aid kit – Include vet contacts, poison control hotlines, and pet insurance details.
  • Digitizing your pet’s medical records – Store copies on your phone or cloud storage for quick sharing with any veterinary clinic.

Educate Yourself on Breed-Specific Emergencies

Different breeds have unique predispositions to medical emergencies. As a responsible pet owner, understanding these risks can help you recognize symptoms early and take preventative measures.

  • Dachshunds & Corgis – High risk for Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). Know the early signs of pain, paralysis, and weakness.
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels – Prone to mitral valve disease and heart failure. Learn to watch for coughing, exercise intolerance, and rapid breathing.
  • Great Danes & Deep-Chested Breeds – At risk for Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV or “bloat”). Understanding early signs, such as pacing, drooling, and retching, can save your pet’s life.
  • Persian Cats & Brachycephalic Dogs (e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs) – Vulnerable to breathing difficulties and heat stress due to their short noses. Recognize signs of respiratory distress early.

Take the time to learn about your pet’s breed-specific risks and discuss preventative care options with your veterinarian.

By being prepared, informed, and proactive, you can drastically improve your pet’s chances of survival in an emergency.
Save our contact info so you’re ready when your pet needs help.

When in Doubt, Call a Veterinarian

If you suspect something is wrong, don’t wait—seek professional advice. Even if your pet seems stable, some conditions (such as poisoning or internal bleeding) can worsen suddenly without immediate care.

Lebanon Animal Hospital is here to help with compassionate, expert emergency care. Call us immediately if you have any concerns about your pet’s health.

Contact us now for emergency veterinary care.