When should I take my dog or cat to urgent vet care?

This is what pet parents dread, your pet need to seek immediate vet care.

Every second counts when your pet need immediate vet care.

It is essential to know what are the symptoms which may involve a serious, potentially fatal medical condition. 

We have grouped the symptoms into 7 categories for easy reference 

1.POISON 

• Suspect toxin ingestion (e.g. antifreeze, xylitol, rodent poison, etc.) 
  
  
• Allergic reaction (including those caused by environmental toxin)

 (Related Blog: Top Reported Poisons for Cats and Dogs + Types of Symptoms) 

2.MOBILITY 

• Unconsciousness
  
  
• Seizures and/or staggering
  
  
• Fractured bones, severe lameness or inability to move legs
  
  

3.TRAUMA

• Hit by car
  
  
• Bite wounds
  
  
• Electrocution
  
  
• Fall from height
  
  

4.THORAT

• Bloated abdomen especially when combined with symptoms like pacing, saliva coming back up, unsuccessful attempt at vomiting
  
  
• Do not drink for 24 hours or more 

• Difficulty breathing, constant coughing and gagging 
  
  
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea
  
  

5. BLEEDING 

1. Severe bleeding or bleeding for more than 5 minutes 
   
   
2. Very pale gums, often a sign of internal bleeding
   (Pale pink to pink is representative of good blood flow and healthy gums.)
   
   
3. Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, coughing up blood
   
   
4. Bloody diarrhea, Blood in urine
   
   

6. HEAT

• Heat stress or heatstroke
  
  

7. OTHER

• Sudden Blindness
  
  
• Eye injury (symptoms may include squinting, tearing or red eyes)
  
  
• Inability to pass waste or has obvious pain when doing so 
  
  
•  Extreme Pain
  (Also see: Behavioral signs of pain in cats - what vets agreed on)
  
  
• Difficulty giving birth
  
  
• Complication of chronic disease

 Source: The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Centre, American Veterinary Medical Association