It is important to remember that you know your pet better than anyone else.
If you suspect your pet is having an emergency, you are probably correct, and your pet should be seen immediately.
Signs of an emergency
- Excessive vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Bleeding from any site that won’t stop
- Sudden weakness
- Collapse
- Seizure
- Toxin ingestion (for example, antifreeze, household cleaners, rat poison, prescription medications). If possible, bring in any packaging from the toxin.
- Any unproductive vomiting or retching, especially in medium- to large-breed dogs
- A belly that has suddenly gotten large and tense
- Inability or difficulty passing urine or defecating (especially male cats)
- Breathing difficulty
- Wounds that are deep or large
- Puppies, kittens and toy breed dogs that aren’t eating or drinking
- Significant trauma, including being hit by a car, jumping from a moving car, excessive bite wounds and punctures, any bite wound to the abdomen, projectile (e.g., bullet, arrow) injury, being stepped on or kicked by a large animal such as a horse
In the event of an emergency: Please have your pet seen by your veterinarian or bring them to the Veterinary Health Center at Kansas City as soon as possible.
