Go to a 24/7 ER now
These signs can be life-threatening. Go to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital. Call ahead if you can so the team can prepare.
- Trouble breathing, choking, or gums that are blue, gray, or very pale
- Collapse, unconsciousness, or not being able to stand or walk
- A seizure now, one that lasts more than 5 minutes, or more than one in 24 hours
- Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding, or major trauma (for example, hit by a car)
- A known or suspected toxin or poison swallowed (see the poison-control number below)
- Straining to pee with little or no urine, especially a male cat
- A swollen, hard, or painful belly, or trying to vomit with nothing coming up
- Trouble giving birth
- Signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, weakness, vomiting, or odd-colored, dry, or sticky gums
- Severe pain, sudden paralysis, or repeated vomiting with weakness, blood, or an inability to keep water down
- A serious eye or head injury
Same-day / urgent care is usually fine
These problems often need to be seen today, but are not usually immediately life-threatening if your pet is otherwise alert. If your pet becomes weak, has trouble breathing, or suddenly worsens, treat it as an ER visit.
- Occasional vomiting or diarrhea, and the pet is still alert and keeping water down
- Limping, but still using the leg
- Small wounds, minor bites, or skin problems (hot spots, itchiness, mild rash)
- Ear problems: odor, discharge, shaking, or scratching
- Eye redness, squinting, or discharge (a sudden, serious eye injury belongs at an ER)
- Coughing or sneezing, if breathing is otherwise comfortable
- Not eating, or a pet that's "off" but still alert
- Mild hives or mild facial swelling (if swelling is worsening or breathing changes, go to an ER)
- Urinary changes such as going more often, if the pet can still pass urine
If you think your pet ate something poisonous
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 (24/7; a consultation fee may apply) and go to an ER if they advise it, or if your pet is already in distress. Confirm this number on aspca.org before you rely on it.
Common questions
When should I take my pet to a 24/7 ER?
Go now for trouble breathing, choking, or gums that are blue, gray, or very pale; collapse, unconsciousness, or not being able to stand or walk; a seizure now, one that lasts more than 5 minutes, or more than one in 24 hours; heavy or uncontrolled bleeding, or major trauma; a known or suspected toxin or poison swallowed; straining to pee with little or no urine, especially a male cat; a swollen, hard, or painful belly, or trying to vomit with nothing coming up; trouble giving birth; signs of heatstroke; severe pain, sudden paralysis, or repeated vomiting with weakness, blood, or an inability to keep water down; or a serious eye or head injury. Call ahead if you can so the team can prepare. When in doubt, call a vet or a 24/7 ER now.
When is a same-day or urgent-care vet usually fine?
These problems often need to be seen today, but are not usually immediately life-threatening if your pet is otherwise alert: occasional vomiting or diarrhea, and the pet is still alert and keeping water down; limping, but still using the leg; small wounds, minor bites, or skin problems; ear problems; eye redness, squinting, or discharge (a sudden, serious eye injury belongs at an ER); coughing or sneezing, if breathing is otherwise comfortable; not eating, or a pet that's “off” but still alert; mild hives or mild facial swelling (if swelling is worsening or breathing changes, go to an ER); and urinary changes such as going more often, if the pet can still pass urine. If your pet becomes weak, has trouble breathing, or suddenly worsens, treat it as an ER visit.
What should I do if I think my pet ate something poisonous?
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 (24/7; a consultation fee may apply) and go to an ER if they advise it, or if your pet is already in distress. Confirm this number on https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control before you rely on it.
Sources
This checklist summarizes publicly posted guidance from veterinary organizations and teaching hospitals. It is a starting point, not a diagnosis.
- AVMA, First aid tips for pet owners (seizures, bleeding, heatstroke, poison-control numbers)
- University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, Seeking emergency care for your pet
- University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center, Urgent Care (examples of urgent-care vs. emergency conditions)
- University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, Primary, urgent or emergency care
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control (phone number verified on this page, November 10, 2026)
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