Is this an emergency? Emergencies require an immediate veterinary visit, as they can be life-threatening or cause significant harm to your pet, such as:

• Trauma (e.g., hit by a car, falling from a height, or injury from an accident)
• Severe bleeding (uncontrolled or deep cuts)
• Difficulty breathing (labored or rapid breathing, choking)
• Seizures (ongoing or recurrent)
• Unconsciousness or severe lethargy
• Poisoning or toxin ingestion (e.g., chocolate, certain plants, chemicals)
• Severe allergic reactions (swelling, hives, difficulty breathing)
• Inability to urinate or defecate (painful or absent urination/defecation)
• Abdominal distension or bloating
• Heatstroke (signs of overheating, excessive panting, drooling, weakness)
• Severe pain (e.g., from a broken bone or injury)
• Heat or electrical burns
• Collapsed or weak limbs (unable to stand or walk)
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea (especially if accompanied by blood or dehydration)
• Eye injury (e.g., trauma to the eye or sudden vision loss)
• Difficulty swallowing or drooling excessively
• Heart attack or severe cardiac distress (fainting, irregular heartbeat)
• Unable to urinate

If your pet has any of these issues, please visit your local emergency hospital right away.

VCA clients can access free 24/7 Live Chat via the myVCA app to connect with one of our licensed veterinary professionals for triaging and assistance with deciding on a course of action.