Guide to Pet Emergencies

Guide to Pet Emergencies

From the dangers of foreign objects to gastrointestinal issues, all pet owners should be aware of common pet emergencies. Understanding pets’ normal behavior and how to react in various situations, including what to do if a pet has been injured or ingested something harmful, can affect successful outcomes. It is important to know what clinical signs to watch for and when to seek veterinary care.

General Emergency Preparedness

Define “normal”: The first step to knowing when something is wrong is to know what is normal. This will vary across species and from animal to animal, but it is important to know your pet’s normal behavior so you can identify when something is amiss.

Location, location, location: Where will you go if your pet suddenly becomes ill or experiences a trauma? What if you find an animal that has been hit by a car? Knowing the location of the closest veterinary clinic or 24/7 veterinary emergency hospital can make the difference in providing life-saving care quickly.

Better safe than sorry: It is always better to err on the side of caution. If you are unsure if something is an emergency, seek veterinary advice.

Gastrointestinal Issues

When it comes to vomiting and diarrhea, "normal" varies for each pet. Pay attention to changes in frequency and severity so you know when it is “off the pattern”. It is often better to risk reacting to the situation sooner rather than later.

For healthy, middle-aged animals:

• One-time vomiting in an otherwise healthy adult pet that is still wagging its tail, interacting, eating and drinking, is probably okay to monitor. If they stop eating, look more lethargic, or aren’t behaving normally, contact your veterinarian.
• Young and old pets need prompt veterinary attention. Health issues happen more commonly with age, and young animals are more prone to issues such as infectious diseases. The threshold for seeking veterinary care is shorter in younger or older pets than middle-aged animals.

For pets that vomit regularly:

• Some dogs and cats vomit regularly without any change in behavior or physical condition such as weight loss.
• If you notice a striking change in behavior, especially increased frequency and/or severity of vomiting, talk to your veterinarian.
• Blood or foreign material in vomit or stool is an immediate emergency. It is important to note the content of vomit. This can help your veterinarian identify the source of the problem – foreign objects, plant material, etc.

Foreign Object Ingestion

• Whether foreign body ingestion is a veterinary emergency or not often comes down to what the pet ate. Sharp objects, or those that splinter, can pierce the walls of the stomach and intestines and may cause internal bleeding or infection. Large objects can block the esophagus and digestive tract, potentially leading to vomiting, regurgitation, diarrhea, weight loss, and dehydration.
• Dogs are notorious for being indiscriminate eaters. Owners and veterinarians have stories about dogs that ate socks, toys, owner medications, and many other objects. Many objects pass through the intestinal tract without issue. Those that don’t, however, usually require emergency veterinary intervention.
• Linear foreign bodies such as strings, yarn, tinsel, and mesh are particularly dangerous. Cats often get strings wrapped around their tongues. If you notice this, do not try to pull the string out. Surgery is often the best treatment, making this a veterinary emergency.

Hit by Car/Trauma

Animals that have experienced trauma, such as being hit by a car, can range from unscathed to passed away, and everything in between.

• Realize that the animal is likely scared and can be aggressive, even if it is your own pet.
• Prioritize your safety first. Don't get bitten.
• Assess the animal's condition and determine if immediate transportation to a vet is needed.
• Consider keeping an emergency kit in your car that includes blankets, leashes, and a small cardboard box to safely control an animal.
• Know the location of emergency veterinary clinics, especially if you are traveling.
• If the animal’s condition is not severe, see if it has an ID tag and call the owner.

Neurological Emergencies and Seizures

Neurological issues can come on suddenly and can be disorienting for you and your pet.

• Vestibular disease (balance problems) can cause sudden head tilt, eye twitching, and inability to stand.   
• Seizures: Stay away from the animal's mouth and observe your pet closely. Take video with your phone if possible. Seizures often last a short time.  Animals seizing for longer than 2 minutes need to be transported for veterinary care.
  • During a seizure, the pet may exhibit muscle spasms, unconsciousness, and chattering teeth. They might vomit, defecate, run in place, or shiver. In some cases, their entire body may convulse. Seizures are usually very short, lasting 20 to 60 seconds. Leave your pet alone until the seizures stop. Remember that they have no control of their body during a seizure and may snap, thrash, etc. Stay away from the face. Dogs, especially, are often much stronger than we are, so confining them may be difficult.
  • Know your pet's normal seizure patterns.
  • Immediately seek veterinary attention for increased frequency, severity, or clustering of seizures.
  • Discuss anti-seizure medication with your veterinarian, weighing benefits and risks.

Rectal Health

• Regularly check your pet's rectal area for scooting, blood, or swelling.
• Be aware of potential issues like anal gland ruptures, tumors, and hernias.
• If your dog is long haired, ensure that fecal matter does not become matted in the fur around the anus.

Eye Health

• Compare both eyes for squinting, tearing, blinking, swelling, discoloration, or cloudiness. If one side is normal and the other is not, immediately seek veterinary care.
• Keep artificial tear drops or ointment on hand for minor irritations.
• Do not use human eye medications on your pets.
• Consult a veterinarian for any eye abnormalities.

Reverse Sneezing

• The cause of reverse sneezing in dogs is largely unknown but potentially may signal an allergic response.
• It is common and usually harmless. Reverse sneezing is not a veterinary emergency.

General Veterinary Care

• When in doubt, consult a veterinarian.
• Value the expertise of veterinary professionals.
• Groomers often notice when something may be wrong, so pay attention if they mention something and follow up with your veterinarian.

More information

The Essential Guide to Pet Emergencies with Dr. Karl Jandrey, Speaking of Pets podcast, episode 51, Feb 26, 2025

*This article may not be reproduced without the written consent of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.