What happened to your pet?
Pick what's going on and I'll take you straight to the right guide. If your pet is in immediate danger, call your nearest emergency vet now.
Poison control is an added resource — it does not replace care from your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital.
Is your pet in immediate danger?
Difficulty breathing, collapse, uncontrolled bleeding, active seizures, severe trauma, or rapidly worsening symptoms require immediate veterinary care. Go to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital now.
Trouble breathing
Fast, labored, or open-mouth breathing (always urgent in cats).
Open guideNeurologic signs
Seizures, sudden weakness, disorientation, or collapse.
Open guideInjury or bleeding
Wounds, limping after trauma, or uncontrolled bleeding.
Open guideAte something toxic
Chocolate, xylitol, grapes, medications, plants, or household chemicals.
Open guideVomiting or diarrhea
Repeated vomiting, bloody stool, or refusing water for hours.
Open guideBite or sting
Snake bite, bee/wasp sting, or another animal attack.
Open guideSomething else / I'm not sure
Not sure where your pet's problem fits? Start here for other warning signs that may need urgent veterinary care.
See other warning signsSomething else / I'm not sure
Some emergencies don't fit neatly into a category. Any of the following can be serious and should be evaluated by a veterinarian right away:
- Straining to urinate, or unable to pass urine
- A swollen, distended, or bloated abdomen
- Repeated retching or attempts to vomit without producing anything
- Heatstroke or severe overheating
- Eye trauma, or sudden severe eye pain
- Sudden inability to stand
- Severe weakness or collapse
- Significant trauma of any kind
- Severe or rapidly worsening pain
- Any condition that is getting worse quickly
- Any situation where you believe your pet may be in immediate danger
This list is not exhaustive. If you are worried that your pet's condition is serious or getting worse quickly, contact your veterinarian or the nearest emergency veterinary hospital. This page is educational and cannot diagnose your pet.
Preparedness resource
Be prepared before an emergency happens
Emergencies are stressful. Having reliable information ready before you need it can make it easier to know what to do. Download Dr. Rene's free Pet Emergency Guide and keep it somewhere easy to find.
Download the Free Pet Emergency GuideContinue your journey
Keep learning
Every visit is a chance to understand your pet a little better. Pick your next step.
Explore the Learning Center
Browse evidence-based articles about symptoms, diseases, medications, treatments, preventive care, and more.
Explore ArticlesWatch Dr. Rene'
Prefer to watch instead of read? Explore practical veterinary education videos from Dr. Rene'.
Watch VideosGet Free Resources
Explore practical veterinary guides, checklists, and tools designed to help pet owners feel more informed and prepared.
Browse Free ResourcesProducts I Recommend
Browse pet products, supplies, and everyday essentials selected and recommended by Dr. Rene'.
See My Recommendations