Emergency Symptoms Checker – Pet Emergency Signs & Action Guide
Select the symptoms your dog or cat is experiencing to identify whether it’s a critical, urgent, or moderate emergency. Get immediate action steps and contact information so you can respond quickly.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
If your pet is experiencing severe symptoms, do not wait. Seek immediate veterinary care.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
How Emergency Symptoms Checker Works
Select the symptoms your pet is experiencing. The tool categorizes each selected symptom (critical, urgent, moderate) and calculates the highest emergency level. It then provides immediate action steps—including when to go directly to an emergency vet.
Why Symptom Levels Matter
Critical signs (difficulty breathing, seizures, bloated abdomen, pale gums) require immediate emergency care. Urgent signs may allow time to call your veterinarian but can rapidly worsen. Recognizing the level helps you respond faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are critical emergency symptoms?
Difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, bloated abdomen, inability to urinate, pale gums, severe trauma, or ingestion of toxins. Seek emergency care immediately for these signs.
When should I go to an emergency vet?
Go right away if your pet shows any critical signs or several urgent signs (vomiting blood, trauma, extreme pain, high fever, uncontrolled bleeding). When in doubt, go or call en route.
How should I handle a pet emergency?
Stay calm, contact your veterinarian or emergency clinic, transport your pet safely, and keep emergency numbers (including poison control) handy. Never give human medication unless instructed by a vet.
Related Tools & Resources
CRITICAL: This tool is for informational purposes only. If your pet is experiencing severe symptoms, seek immediate veterinary care. Do not delay. Time can be critical in emergencies.