Emergency Vet or “Let’s Wait and See”? How to Know What Your Pet Needs

Jan 21

When something seems “off” with your pet, it can be hard to know what to do.

Is this an emergency?
Can it wait until morning?
Am I overreacting or underreacting?

These are some of the most common questions pet parents ask when their dog or cat suddenly isn’t acting like themselves. This guide will help you make a confident, informed decision about whether your pet needs emergency veterinary care right away or whether it’s reasonable to monitor them at home and follow up with your regular veterinarian.

First: Trust Your Instincts

You know your pet better than anyone. If their behavior, posture, breathing, or responsiveness feels significantly different from normal and especially if your “gut” says something is wrong, it’s always okay to seek emergency care.

Veterinarians would much rather see a pet early than too late.

If you’re ever unsure, it’s safer to check than to wait.

When Should I Take My Pet to the Emergency Vet?

If your pet is experiencing any of the following symptoms, do not wait, go to your nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately:

Emergency Signs in Dogs and Cats

Difficulty breathing
(open-mouth breathing in cats, rapid or labored breathing)
Collapse, weakness, or inability to stand
Seizures or repeated tremors
Uncontrolled bleeding
Severe pain
(crying out, restlessness, inability to get comfortable, aggression when touched)
Hit by a car, fall from height, or other trauma
Bloated or distended abdomen, especially with retching (trying to vomit but nothing comes out)
Repeated vomiting or diarrhea in a short time, especially with blood
Ingestion of toxins, medications, or foreign objects
Sudden blindness, head tilt, or loss of balance
Straining to urinate or inability to urinate
Abnormal discharge from the vulva in a non-spayed female

These conditions can worsen rapidly and may be life-threatening without immediate care.

When Can I Monitor My Pet at Home?

Some issues may not require an emergency visit, as long as your pet is otherwise acting normal and symptoms are mild.

You may be able to monitor at home if your pet has:

One or two episodes of vomiting but is alert and comfortable
Mild diarrhea without blood
Minor limping while still bearing weight
Decreased appetite for less than 24 hours
Mild coughing or sneezing without breathing distress

If You Choose to Monitor at Home:

Make sure your pet is eating, drinking, and resting comfortably
Keep them indoors and limit activity
Watch closely for worsening symptoms
Contact your primary care veterinarian if symptoms persist beyond 24 hours

Important Note for Cats

Cats are experts at hiding illness. Appetite changes, lethargy, or subtle behavior shifts in cats often warrant earlier veterinary evaluation than in dogs.

Ask Yourself These Questions

If you’re unsure what to do, ask yourself:

Is my pet alert and responsive?
Are they breathing comfortably?
Are symptoms getting better, worse, or staying the same?
Can my pet settle and rest?
Is there pain I cannot control or assess at home?

If any of these answers make you uneasy, an emergency visit is appropriate.

When in Doubt, Call the Emergency Vet

Many emergency clinics are happy to speak with you briefly by phone and help you decide whether your pet should come in right away. This can provide reassurance and guidance without committing you to a visit.

You’re Not Overreacting

Pet parents sometimes hesitate to seek emergency care because they worry about cost or feel embarrassed if it turns out not to be serious.

Please know this: seeking care out of concern is never wrong.

Your pet can’t tell us how they feel — you are their voice. Often, the only cost is the initial exam, and what you gain is peace of mind, professional guidance, and a plan to keep your pet safe.

Final Thought: When Your Pet’s Health Is on the Line

This guide is meant to support, not replace professional veterinary care. When your pet’s health is on the line, prompt attention can make all the difference.