10 Signs Your Pet Needs Emergency Care Right Now
The hardest calls we get aren't from panicked pet parents — they're from calm ones who waited a day "to see if it gets better" before calling. Some conditions in pets progress in hours, not days. This list covers the signs that mean don't wait, call or come in.
Difficulty breathing or blue-tinged gums
Rapid, laboured, or noisy breathing, or gums turning blue or grey, signals the body isn't getting enough oxygen — this is always urgent.
A swollen, hard, or bloated belly
Especially in large-breed dogs, sudden bloating can indicate a life-threatening stomach twist (GDV) that needs surgery within hours.
Repeated vomiting or unproductive retching
Vomiting more than 2–3 times in a few hours, or retching with nothing coming up, can point to an obstruction or GDV.
Sudden collapse or inability to stand
Even if your pet seems to recover a few minutes later, a collapse episode needs same-day evaluation.
Seizures lasting more than 2–3 minutes, or repeated seizures
A single brief seizure with full recovery can often wait for a scheduled visit; prolonged or clustered seizures cannot.
Heavy bleeding that doesn't stop with pressure
Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth on the way in — don't wait to see if it slows on its own.
Straining to urinate with no output
Especially in male cats, this can indicate a blocked urethra — a true emergency that becomes fatal within 24–48 hours if untreated.
Suspected poisoning
Chocolate, xylitol, rodenticide, certain plants, or human medication — call immediately, even before symptoms appear, and bring the packaging if you have it.
Trauma — hit by a vehicle, a fall, or a serious fight
Internal injuries aren't always visible externally. Any pet involved in significant trauma should be checked the same day, even if it's walking normally.
Extreme lethargy or unresponsiveness
A pet that won't get up, doesn't respond to its name, or seems "not there" is showing a serious change that needs prompt evaluation.
What to do while you're on the way
- Call ahead so the team can be ready when you arrive
- Keep your pet as still and calm as possible during transport
- Don't give any home remedies, food or medication unless a vet has told you to
- If poisoning is suspected, bring the packaging or a photo of what was ingested
Something doesn't look right with your pet?
Our ICU and emergency team are on call 24/7 — call first, and we'll tell you exactly what to do next.
Call +91 81979 09066
