Pet Emergencies: What Can and Can’t Wait

In a pet emergency, how can you tell when every second counts vs. when you have some time for a regular veterinary appointment? This guide will help you figure out which pet emergencies can and cannot wait.

Accidents and emergencies will happen to even the most prepared pet owners. Although we can’t plan for everything, we can prepare ourselves by knowing when our pets need emergency care right away. 

What Is a Pet Emergency?

A pet emergency is a sudden illness or injury requiring immediate medical attention. Symptoms like trouble breathing, significant bleeding, or poisoning often accompany these. While all pet emergencies need veterinary assistance, some have a little more leeway, and others need immediate attention. 

Pet Emergencies That Can Wait

Please note we can’t tell the extent of an emergency without examining a patient. If you are concerned, please call us, and we will let you know if we think you need to come in ASAP or if you can schedule a regular veterinary appointment. In general, the following can wait:

Coughing or Sneezing

While continued coughing and sneezing are not usual behaviors for animals, they are typically not life-threatening if they do not affect an animal’s ability to breathe or to rest comfortably. You should still schedule a veterinary appointment to find out what is causing it. 

Not Eating

There are several reasons that a pet might not be eating, many of which are health-related. If it’s been less than 24 hours, you have time to schedule a regular (albeit fairly quick) appointment. If food avoidance extends past one full day, you should get your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Short-Term Vomiting or Diarrhea

Pets can vomit or have diarrhea once or twice within a day without setting off the caution alarms. They get upset tummies and sometimes eat things that don’t agree with them. If the vomiting or diarrhea happens any more than twice, make a veterinary appointment as soon as possible. 

Pet Emergencies That Cannot Wait

If your pet is experiencing any of the following, you need to call an emergency veterinarian asap to let them know what’s going on and that you will be in shortly. Calling ahead ensures that they have space for you and your pet and also gives the staff time to prepare for your pet’s needs:

Severe Bleeding

If your pet is bleeding significantly or if bleeding lasts more than five minutes, this is considered a pet emergency. 

Difficulty Breathing

Whether your pet is choking, coughing, or just having trouble breathing, this condition requires immediate veterinary care. 

Suspected Poisoning

If you think your pet has encountered something poisonous, you should get to a veterinarian as soon as possible. If possible, bring evidence of what the pet might have ingested to help the vet treat it as quickly as possible. 

Broken Bones

When a pet breaks a bone, getting veterinary care as soon as possible is important. A break is painful and needs to be set by a veterinarian.

Pet emergencies happen when you least expect them. Be familiar with what is most urgent. If you’re in doubt, one of our ER veterinary technicians can advise you when you call us.  

Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to ensure you can access emergency veterinary care when needed. If your pet is experiencing an emergency, please call (248) 334-6877.